BROWNWOOD – December 14, 2015 – Howard Payne University’s presence in New Braunfels is expanding thanks to the generosity of New Braunfels businessman and HPU alumnus Bob Knoll, CEO of Millennium Packaging/Supplize. Knoll has offered the university the use of a facility in New Braunfels as a home for the HPU New Braunfels Center to grow during the next several years. The university looks forward to eventually building a permanent campus in the community as part of the Veramendi development project.
Dr. Dale Meinecke, assistant vice president for external affairs and assistant professor of Christian studies, sees this new development as an opportunity to further extend the legacy of HPU to the community of New Braunfels. The “Extending the Legacy” theme pays homage to the 126-year history of HPU’s main campus in Brownwood.
“Our desire is to continue extending HPU’s rich legacy into New Braunfels, offering the same type of caring, Christian environment in which students may grow both academically and spiritually,” Dr. Meinecke said.
HPU has maintained a presence in the community since March 2012 when the HPU Board of Trustees approved extending education to New Braunfels. Since that time, HPU’s New Braunfels Center has served more than 100 students in its graduate and undergraduate programs.
Knoll felt compelled to partner with HPU in the mission of bringing Christ-centered, quality higher education to the Austin/San Antonio corridor. The building is located off Interstate 35 at 4102 Loop 337 in New Braunfels and will be remodeled to include administrative offices, classrooms, a conference room and study areas to accommodate the planned expansion of HPU. Classes will be held in the new building beginning in summer 2016.
“This new building will allow us to welcome more students to the HPU family over the next few years,” said Dr. Meinecke. “We have been blessed beyond measure by Mr. Knoll’s generosity.”
To learn more about HPU’s plans to expand in New Braunfels, and how you can get involved, call (830) 629-2366 or e-mail newbraunfels@hputx.edu. Information may also be found online at www.hputx.edu/newbraunfels.
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Photo cutline: An architectural rendering shows the new facility for Howard Payne University’s New Braunfels Center once necessary renovations are complete.