BROWNWOOD – September 22, 2026 – With the 2026-27 academic year underway, eight new faculty members are now teaching and serving students at Howard Payne University.
The new faculty members are Dr. Matthew Earnhardt, dean of the School of Business and professor of business administration; Dr. Patrick Ketter, assistant professor of biology; Dr. Jennifer McNiece, associate professor of management; Dr. Lisa Mire, assistant professor of chemistry; Courtney Pearson, visiting instructor of English; Molly Perry, assistant professor of nursing; Dr. Henry Schrader, associate professor of marketing; and James Bode, artist-in-residence.
“We are grateful to welcome these accomplished educators and professionals to Howard Payne University,” said Dr. Nathan Lane, vice president for academic affairs. “Each brings a unique combination of academic and professional experience and a commitment to helping their students discover God’s calling on their lives.”
Dr. Matthew Earnhardt joined HPU as dean of the School of Business and professor of business administration, bringing experience in higher education leadership and operations. Most recently, he served as assistant vice president of operations for the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. He previously spent more than a decade at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in leadership and teaching roles, including senior associate dean, associate professor and department chair of leadership and management. Dr. Earnhardt began his higher education career as an instructor and program coordinator at Community College of Aurora. He holds a bachelor’s degree and M.B.A. from Liberty University, and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Regent University, respectively.
Dr. Patrick Ketter returned to HPU as assistant professor of biology this fall after serving as a visiting assistant professor during the spring 2026 semester. His professional experience includes public health and clinical research, including service as an epidemiologist with the Anchorage Health Department and as a clinical research scientist-consultant with Babson Diagnostics in Austin. He also has teaching experience as a biology teaching assistant at the University of Texas at San Antonio and a chemistry teaching assistant at Fort Hays State University. Dr. Ketter earned bachelor’s degrees from Fort Hays State University and the University of Kansas Medical Center and a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at San Antonio.
Dr. Jennifer McNiece joined the faculty as associate professor of management, bringing nearly two decades of experience at HPU in teaching, academic leadership and student development. Most recently, she served as an academic coach and Brand Chair of Free Enterprise and Public Policy. Her previous HPU roles include director of experiential learning and professional development, associate professor and assistant professor of government, director of international study and academic travel, and assistant professor of political science and economics. A 2002 HPU graduate, Dr. McNiece also has professional experience in public health preparedness and test preparation. She earned a bachelor’s degree from HPU, master’s degrees in arts and public administration from Texas Tech University and a Ph.D. from Northcentral University.
Dr. Lisa Mire joined HPU as assistant professor of chemistry after teaching science at the secondary level. Most recently, she taught at Mansfield High School, following previous teaching positions at Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute and South Grand Prairie High School. Her higher education experience includes serving as a graduate teaching assistant at The University of Texas at Arlington and as an adjunct instructor at Tarrant County College. Dr. Mire earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. from The University of Texas.
Courtney Pearson returned to HPU as visiting instructor of English, continuing a relationship with the university that began as a student. A 2010 HPU graduate, Pearson has served as an adjunct instructor at HPU since 2019 and previously taught at the university from 2014 to 2017. Her teaching experience also includes serving as a native English instructor at Chungdahm Institute in Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, and as an adjunct instructor and student teacher at Abilene Christian University. Pearson earned a bachelor’s degree from HPU and a master’s degree from Abilene Christian University.
Molly Perry joined HPU’s School of Nursing as assistant professor, bringing experience in nursing education and clinical practice. She has served HPU since 2025 as an adjunct for nursing clinicals, nursing tutor and remediation specialist and previously worked as a nursing lab assistant at the university. Her professional experience also includes serving as a registered nurse at Hendrick Medical Center and as a teaching assistant and mentor at Ranger College. Earlier in her career, Perry taught chemistry and physics at Bangs High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree from HPU in 2014 and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2026.
Dr. Henry Schrader joined HPU as associate professor of marketing, bringing experience in marketing, business education and media management. He most recently served as a consultant with Schrader Consulting and previously taught at Lincoln Memorial University, Lynn University and Central State University. His roles included assistant professor, M.B.A. media management coordinator and associate professor. Schrader earned a bachelor’s degree from Kentucky Christian University, an M.B.A. from Abilene Christian University and a D.B.A. from Argosy University.
Jim Bode joined HPU as artist-in-residence, bringing extensive experience as a music educator, performer and composer. He is director and drummer for the West Texas Jazz Orchestra, a 15-piece big band based in San Angelo, and performs with the jazz sextet Jazz Concho and as principal timpanist with the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra. Bode retired after a 24-year career as a band director, most recently at Irion County High School, and also taught at Fredericksburg High School, San Angelo Central High School and Angelo State University. He holds degrees from the University of North Texas and The University of Texas at Austin and is the author of “The Smart Drummer,” a class percussion method.
Learn more about Howard Payne University and apply today at www.hputx.edu/apply.
ABOUT HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY
Howard Payne University, founded in 1889, is a Christ-centered liberal arts university in Brownwood, Texas, dedicated to preparing students for lives of faith, leadership and service. With more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs across six schools, serving three locations, HPU combines academic excellence with meaningful personal connection in a close-knit campus community.
Guided by its five core values — centered on Christ, focused on community, called to service, committed to excellence and dedicated to stewardship — Howard Payne prepares students through rigorous academic programs, vibrant student life, competitive athletics and service opportunities that equip graduates to make an impact in their communities and professions.