BROWNWOOD – April 16, 2026 – Four Howard Payne University (HPU) students were recently selected as Sumners Scholars by the Sumners Foundation.
The students selected are Rylie Burden, jurisprudence and Guy. D. Newman Honors Academy major from Lubbock; Ana Faulk, history and Guy D. Newman Honors Academy major from Fort Worth; Kourtney Melton, history and Guy D. Newman Honors Academy major from Katy; and Harmonie Pittman, accounting major from Early.
The students were selected through a competitive application process, which culminated at the Sumners Luncheon on April 9.
“I am incredibly excited for these four new Scholars, and I look forward to watching them grow through this program over the next two years,” said Charles Lewis, HPU’s director of development and Sumners Scholarship coordinator. “The Sumners Foundation has presented opportunities like these to students for over 75 years. It is an impressive legacy that is deeply cherished here at HPU.”
The Sumners Foundation selects students who best represent the foundation’s mission and legacy to participate in the program. The foundation states that its purpose is to “encourage the study, teaching, and research into the science and art of self-government, to the end that the American people may understand the fundamental principles of democracy and be guided thereby in shaping governmental policies.”
A $7,500-per-semester scholarship is awarded to each Sumners Scholar. These funds offset costs for tuition, fees, books or room and board during the students’ final two years. While receiving the scholarship, students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA and be in good standing with the university. Sumners Scholars also have unique opportunities to hear from congressional and civic leaders at various events and seminars.
During the April 9 luncheon, HPU hosted several Sumners Foundation trustees to conduct in-person interviews with applicants and recognize graduating seniors who are Sumners Scholars. The four seniors recognized were Madeline Duncan, psychology and Guy D. Newman Honors Academy major from Abilene; Kellen McKee, biochemistry and Guy D. Newman Honors Academy major from Brownwood; Addison Roden, finance and Guy D. Newman Honors Academy major from Magnolia; and Adrielle Sloan, strategic communication and Guy D. Newman Honors Academy major from Blue Ridge. They had an opportunity to express their gratitude for their scholarships and the additional opportunities that were made possible through the foundation.
For more information about the Sumners Foundation, visit www.sumnersfoundation.org.
For more information about HPU, please visit www.hputx.edu.
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Cutline 1: Four Howard Payne University students were recently selected as Sumners Scholars by the Sumners Foundation and are pictured from left to right: Harmonie Pittman, Rylie Burden, Kourtney Melton and Ana Faulk.
Cutline 2: The four graduating senior Sumners Scholars were honored at this year’s Sumners luncheon and are pictured from left to right: Madeline Duncan, Adrielle Sloan, Kellen McKee and Addison Roden.