Campus News

Dr. Cory Hines ’97 named Howard Payne University’s 20th president HPU graduate receives unanimous support of Board of Trustees

Note: Due to the timing of this late-breaking news, this announcement is included in the current issue of the Link and an expanded feature story about Dr. Hines and his family will follow in the fall issue.

By Kyle Mize

Howard Payne University has named Dr. Cory Hines as the institution’s next president, the 20th in HPU’s 130-year history. The announcement was made following a special called meeting of HPU’s Board of Trustees on March 18, at which the board voted unanimously in favor of Dr. Hines’ appointment. He began work at HPU on April 1.

A 1997 graduate of HPU, Dr. Hines has a broad range of experience in higher education administration. Before moving to the post of vice president of enrollment at Dallas Baptist University, he served that institution in other capacities as vice president in the areas of advancement, graduate affairs, external affairs, and alumni and community relations. He taught at DBU and provided leadership in the creation of several graduate programs there. Active in Baptist life, he also has experience in ministry, having served as executive pastor and student pastor at Ferris Avenue Baptist Church (now The Avenue Church) in Waxahachie.

He earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in religious education from HPU, followed by the Master of Arts degree in Christian education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2000 and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in leadership studies – higher education from Dallas Baptist University in 2012.

“Dr. Hines’ combination of education and experience

Dr. Cory Hines is pictured with his wife, Melinda, and children, Mackenzie (far left) and Caleb (far right).

makes him a perfect fit for Howard Payne University,” said Pastor Ray Still, chair of HPU’s Board of Trustees. “As our institution continues to seek to glorify God and prepare our students to fulfill His calling on their lives, Dr. Hines will provide the kind of leadership needed for the next stage in HPU’s long, distinguished history.”

Dr. Hines and his wife, Melinda, have two children, Mackenzie and Caleb. The family currently resides in Waxahachie and will relocate to Brownwood. Dr. Hines expressed his eagerness to renew his relationship with HPU and the Brownwood area.

“Howard Payne University had a lifechanging impact on me as a student, and I’m honored to have been chosen to lead my alma mater as president,” he said. “My family and I are eager to come back home to Brownwood and plant our lives here.”

The March 18 announcement is the culmination of a process that began in the summer of 2018, following the retirement of Dr. Bill Ellis as president and his transition to the role of chancellor. To assist HPU’s search committee, the university enlisted the executive search firm of CarterBaldwin of Atlanta.

“The search process yielded a wide range of applicants from across the U.S.,” said Dr. David Lowrie, chair of the search committee, member of HPU’s Board of Trustees and senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Decatur. “We are grateful to our associates at CarterBaldwin for their help in securing such an impressive pool of candidates, and we are thankful to God for His leadership through this entire journey. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”

In addition to Dr. Lowrie, committee members from the Board of Trustees were Ronnie D. Andrews ’83, business executive from Houston; Marc Dingler ’84, attorney from Midland; Carter M. Sharpe, insurance executive from Brownwood; Jonathan “Jonny” Snow ’06, executive recruiter from Waxahachie; and Lesley Collier Wyse ’72, retired educator from Boerne. Representing HPU employees on the committee were Dr. Kylah Clark-Goff, dean of the School of Education and professor of education; Lynn Humeniuk, director of the criminal justice program and associate professor of criminal justice and sociology; and Hunter Sims, athletic director.

“The members of the search committee devoted many hours and countless prayers to this process,” said Pastor Still. “Their diligence is a testament to their commitment to our university and the monumental importance of their task.”

Dr. Paul W. Armes, longtime educator, administrator and minister, served as HPU’s interim president since June 1. His service to HPU ended on March 31.

“Howard Payne University has great days ahead,” Dr. Armes said. “Dr. Cory Hines is already part of the university family and brings a proven track record of excellence and effectiveness in the field of faith-based higher education. We are at a very exciting moment of HPU’s history. Surely God’s hand of blessing is on this university.”

Pastor Still expressed his thanks to Dr. Armes for his service to HPU.

“On behalf of the entire HPU family, I offer my gratitude to Dr. Armes for his willingness to step into this role and serve our university with characteristic warmth, wisdom and grace,” Pastor Still said. “As he returns to retirement, he takes with him our best wishes and lasting appreciation.”

Additional information about Dr. Hines, including details about his inauguration, will follow in the weeks ahead. Dr. Cory Hines speaks to an assembly of HPU students, faculty and staff shortly after his appointment as the university’s 20th president.

Steven Curtis Chapman’s Great Adventure” returns to Mims Auditorium “

Acclaimed Christian musician gives special performance for HPU family

“These songs are ways to remember the moments God has given me.”

–Steven Curtis Chapman

Story by Kyle Mize Photos by Jarvis Green

When Steven Curtis Chapman first performed at Howard Payne University, the fall 1989 semester had just begun and the release of Chapman’s third album – More to This Life – was still a few weeks away.

Three decades and 21 albums later, he returned to HPU’s Mims Auditorium on February 1 for an intimate evening of songs and stories recapping a journey that began in Paducah, Kentucky, and, along the way, became one of the most distinguished careers in Christian music history.

The concert event, which also included a pre-show reception and snacks afterward, was presented free of charge to HPU personnel, board members, students and guests through the generosity of Ronnie ’83 and Teri (Davis) ’83 Andrews as a show of appreciation for the university’s faculty and staff.

Chapman, whose music has been honored with 58 Dove Awards and nearly 11 million albums sold, gave a solo performance drawing from the breadth of his work, ranging from early material such as “My Redeemer is Faithful and True,” “For the Sake of the Call” and “The Great Adventure” to more recent songs such as “Do Everything” and “Love Take Me Over.” The theme of remembrance was a central thread throughout the concert, which also featured the performance of his latest single, “Remember to Remember.”

Chapman’s good-natured humor was evident throughout the performance, particularly in stories about his childhood (the incongruity of learning to play Johnny Cash’s murder/prison classic “Folsom Prison Blues” as a six-year-old), fledgling career (forgetting lyrics onstage at the Grand Ole Opry) and early stardom (his late-1980s hairstyle).

His wife, Mary Beth, occupied a central place in his reminiscences and served an inspirational role in the songs themselves “because she’s been with me on the journey.” Introducing “I Will Be Here,” Chapman recounted that the couple has traveled along “mountaintops and valleys deeper and darker than we could have imagined.” He spoke of the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness through life’s joys and sorrows, holding onto His promise “that He’s working all these things together for our good and His glory.”

Chapman communicated his family’s passion for adoption and shared information about Show Hope (showhope.org), the non-profit organization established by the Chapmans to help orphans find loving

Steven Curtis Chapman “stings ’em” with Kevin Kirk, MBA ’14, associate vice president for enrollment management.

families. After relating his encounters with adoption – which Chapman said formed the “most profound experience of the Gospel” he had found – he switched from guitar to piano to perform a medley of “When Love Takes You In” and “Who You Say We Are.”

Near the end of the concert, he gave the audience an opportunity to make requests, which led to performances of “Be Still and Know,” “Speechless,” “No Greater Love” and others. A jokester in the balcony bellowed “Go West Young Man” (a hit by Michael W. Smith), and Chapman reacted with mock annoyance – and then, with a grin, worked the words “Go west young man” into his next song, “Long Way Home.”

Chapman said he enjoys taking requests and learning what songs are audience members’ favorites.

“The fact that you know these songs and they’ve been a part of your life amazes me and humbles me,” he said.

When introducing the song “Cinderella,” inspired by quickly passing moments with his daughters, Chapman said, “These songs are ways to remember the moments God has given me.” At the song’s conclusion, he added, “The dance will go on, the story is unfolding – we trust God with every chapter.”

After a reprise of the hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” Chapman expressed his appreciation for the audience – “Thank you for letting me be a part of the Howard Payne unfolding story” – before his hit “Dive” brought the concert to an energetic close.

Attendees shared their gratitude for the Andrews’ kindness in providing the rare experience with Chapman.

“I was overwhelmed by the generosity of Ronnie and Teri Andrews in bringing Steven Curtis Chapman to Howard Payne,” said Dr. Kristen Hutchins, associate professor of biology. “What a gift to worship together in Mims Auditorium with such an incredibly talented musician! His songs are an encouragement to see God’s faithfulness. It was such an honor to be there and to share those moments with our HPU family.” Daniel Deviney ’92, member of HPU’s Board of Trustees, was an HPU sophomore when Chapman first performed here in 1989: Almost 30 years ago, I had never heard of Steven Curtis Chapman, so I did not know what to expect when he walked onto the stage. The songs he sang spoke truth to me and left an impression that I wanted to remember, so after the concert I purchased two of his cassettes.

“Over the years since that concert, both of my kids grew up listening to his songs, allowing his music to continue to have a positive impact on me and my family.

“My wife (Audra Caldwell Deviney ’92) and I had the opportunity to attend his recent concert at HPU with our daughter, Madelyn, who is an HPU student. It was such a blessing to not only hear his music and story but to speak with him about his first performance on the HPU campus so many years ago and how his music has had such a positive impact on our family.” Above: Steven Curtis Chapman performs a dynamic, inspirational concert at HPU in February. Right: Chapman’s first concert at HPU is profiled in the September 8, 1989, issue of HPU’s Yellow Jacket newspaper. “

HPU speaking sessions celebrate crossroads of faith and academics

By Coby Sauce, MBA ’14

Embracing true Christian higher education is less about integrating faith with learning than it is about recognizing that the two are already inherently joined – no “integration” required. The study of science, history, math, English – every subject – is also the study of God the Creator.

With this in mind, Howard Payne University has instituted a new one-semester, intensive speaking series during which representative faculty and staff members share with their colleagues how they are incorporating this “life of the mind, life of the Spirit” philosophy into their teaching and/or administrative work. The personnel speak on how their areas of oversight function at the crossroads of the mind and the Spirit to teach and work from a biblically informed, Christian worldview that goes beyond simply allowing a Christian emphasis to fostering it.

Staff members from a wide range of the university’s offices and academic programs have presented to their peers with more sessions from others across campus planned throughout the semester.

Additionally, two colleagues in Christian higher education from North Greenville University in South Carolina recently joined HPU personnel for a professional development day on

Colleagues in Christian higher education from North Greenville University recently joined HPU personnel for a professional development day on engaging the mind and the Spirit. Pictured are Dr. Gene C. Fant Jr. (left), president of North Greenville University, and Dr. H. Paul Thompson Jr., dean of North Greenville’s College of Humanities and Sciences and chair of the History Department.

the topic of engaging the mind and the Spirit.

Speaking on the HPU campus were Dr. Gene C. Fant Jr., president of North Greenville University, and Dr. H. Paul Thompson Jr., dean of North Greenville’s College of Humanities and Sciences and chair of the History Department. Both emphasized that truly Christian higher education is about much more than praying before class.

Dr. Fant said that Christian educators have unique access to ideas and concepts in their content areas as illuminated by the light of Christ.

“You ought to understand the philosophical framework of your discipline through a light that others in your discipline who are not Christ followers cannot comprehend,” he said. “If I have the mind of Christ, I have the mind of the One who has helped us to understand the reality that He has prepared for us. I have access to ideas, understandings and perceptions that others (non-Christians) do not.”

He went on to say that students are hungry for spiritual conversations.

“Not only that, they are hungry for you to have spiritual conversations about your discipline,” he said. “There’s nothing that is ‘second class’ about being Christian in higher education.

“You ought to understand the philosophical framework of your discipline through a light that others in your discipline who are not Christ followers cannot comprehend.” – Dr. Gene C. Fant Jr.

You have true academic freedom in that you can talk about things here that you would be called on the carpet for at a state university.”

Dr. Thompson taught for 13 years in public education before entering a career in Christian higher education.

“Making the transition to a place of being able to merge my faith with my discipline has not been arduous,” he said. “It’s been a joy. There is a wholeness now that I never had before professionally or personally.”

The two most powerful, life-changing experiences a person can have, said Dr. Thompson, are a personal encounter with Jesus Christ and a high-quality education.

“We are at ground zero in Christian higher education to merge those two intentionally and explicitly,” he said. “That’s a really, really powerful thing.”

Dr. W. Mark Tew, then HPU’s provost and chief academic officer, said all HPU faculty and staff, regardless of their individual roles, are responsible for teaching the students in some way.

“Our prayer is that as we perform our jobs, we recognize that they are more than a series of tasks,” he said. “We have the opportunity every day to present and model to the students God sends our way the image of people who are seeking to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives.”

It is exciting to know that we have been placed where we can help prepare the next generation of leaders, Dr. Tew said.

“We recognize that we can accept that challenge and shape and mold students in such a way that they go from here knowing that their careers are their calling to serve God so that they can use their gifts and talents that we’ve helped them fine-tune,” he said. “We pray they use these not just to make a living for themselves but as a means to a far greater end – that is to share the love of Christ in everything that they do.”

Senior Emma Reed, president of the Christian Association of Student Leaders, introduces members of the CASL committee.

Student committee plans 2019 CASL conference hosted by HPU

By Rebekah Sterling ’18

HPU welcomed more than 200 student representatives to campus in January for the 2019 Christian Association of Student Leaders (CASL) conference. CASL was formed in 1998 by the Texas Baptist universities and is hosted each year by one of those institutions. The association is designed to develop and strengthen college students in their campus leadership roles and relationships with Christ. This year’s event was coordinated by a student committee organized and assisted by Dr. Magen Bunyard, vice president for student life and dean of students.

“Our students did a wonderful job of prayerfully and thoughtfully selecting all the elements of the conference including speakers, roundtable discussion and workshop topics, meals, activities and the schedule,” she said. “I am very thankful for their hard work and commitment to making decisions that honored God and helped equip their peers for excellence in service.”

Members of the CASL committee were Keith Baker of Houston; Caleb Kostreva of Clifton, Colorado; Spencer Wolverton of DeSoto; Foga’a Solomona-Afoa of Pearl City, Hawaii; Sawyer Fisher of Bertram, who served as the conference coordinator; and Emma Reed of Arlington, who served as president of the association.

HPU’s baseball team and staff pose at the airport in Honolulu upon their arrival.

HPU baseball team travels to Hawaii

By Seth Rainey, HPU senior

On Jan. 30, Howard Payne University’s baseball team traveled to the state of Hawaii to start the season versus NCAA Division II Hawai’i Pacific University Sharks. Also accompanying the team on the trip were several HPU faculty and staff members.

The team played a series of five games beginning Feb. 1 against the Sharks during the course of three days on the island of Oahu.

“This trip was a phenomenal experience for our players,” said Stephen Lynn, head baseball coach. “We are very thankful for all those who helped to make this trip happen.”

The student-athletes also had educational opportunities during the road series. Dr. Matthew McNiece ’03, director

Hildebrand honored at concert in Cleburne

Music legend Ray Hildebrand ’62 (second from left) was honored in November at a concert held at Field Street Baptist Church in Cleburne and organized with the assistance of Dr. Don Newbury ’61. Hildebrand was recognized for his pioneering contributions to contemporary Christian music and received commendations from state and local officials as well as HPU and other institutions. He is pictured with (from left) Darrell ’72 and Becky ’72 Miles with Leroy ’65 and Linda Larson.

Visiting Carole Chong ’82 (second from left), athletic director at Trinity Christian School in Kailua, are Laura Benoit, HPU’s director of alumni relations; Debbie Childs, HPU’s director of university events; and Shannon Sims, wife of HPU’s athletic director, Hunter Sims.

of the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and associate professor of history and government, arranged a one-credithour course offered to the players while in the state.

As part of this opportunity, the team visited historical sites, such as Pearl Harbor, and were able to meet locals at team events.

“We want students, as much as possible when they travel, to feel empowered to find the parts of that place or that culture that are most interesting to them and study in their own way,” he said. “These students got to see touristy sites, but I think the background they had from the class made them look for what is important in their experiences.”

Dr. Jennifer McNiece ’02, assistant professor of government, director of international study and academic travel and acting Brand Chair, noted that the group from HPU received positive feedback from those they encountered while travelling and were excellent representatives of the university.

“I couldn’t have been more impressed with the way that coaching staff and players comported themselves while traveling,” she said. “They truly were, from beginning to end, excellent ambassadors for how Howard Payne University students are expected to conduct themselves.”

Over the past four and a half years, the HPU El Paso Center has experienced 72 percent enrollment growth and a 52 percent increase in scheduled credit hours. The HPU El Paso Center also is celebrating the service of several of its staff members during the spring of 2019. Bertha Valle ’09, El Paso Center administrative assistant and financial aid coordinator, marked 23 years with the university and Matt Rutkowski, admission counselor, marked seven years with HPU. Dr. Stephen Kovach, Christian studies professor, marked 10 years with the university and Dr. Adrian Gil, director of the El Paso center and professor of business, marked four and a half years of service at HPU. Six HPU El Paso students were awarded center-specific scholarships. The three recipients of the 2018-19 Dr. Richard W. Nassar Annual Scholarship were Santiago Mejia, Beatriz Munoz and Everado Hernandez, pictured (near right) with Dr. Nassar. Three more HPU El Paso Center students, Kacie Greseth, Fernando Fernandez and Janet Carrillo were recipients of the of the 2018-19 HPU El Paso Center Scholarship, pictured (far right) with Priscilla Macias, HPU Alumni Association El Paso Chapter president, and Roxanne Jurado, the Alumni Association El Paso Chapter vice president. For the second consecutive year, the Hunt Family Foundation, a private family foundation supporting non-profit organizations and initiatives that focus on the Paso del Norte region, awarded $10,000 to the HPU El Paso Center. The grant monies will be used for scholarships for students majoring in business (both undergraduate and graduate) during the 2019-20 academic semesters.

HPU New Braunfels Center Highlights

By Seth Rainey, HPU senior

In December 2018, HPU’s New Braunfels Extension Center celebrated the graduation of eight students. Two of these students earned MBA degrees, four earned bachelor’s degrees in business and two students earned bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice. Summer 2018 graduates were also recognized and they included two MBA students, two criminal justice students and a business student. Pictured are graduates and New Braunfels personnel (front row, left to right) Emily Dixon; Dr. Ben Martin ’04, assistant vice president of the New Braunfels Center; Kirstin Henderson; Nicole Drummond; (back row, left to right) Joseph Torres; Travis Kiers; David Blevins; Pat Akers; John Hjort; Raul Medina; and Dr. Eric Covington, assistant professor of Christian studies.

Dr. Eric Covington, assistant professor of Christian studies, published his first book in August 2018, Functional Teleology and the Coherence of Ephesians in German publisher Mohr Siebeck’s Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament series. This series, according to its website, “is marked by a historical-philological character and an international orientation that transcends exegetical schools and subject boundaries” and serves to publish “outstanding writing by up-and-coming young researchers.” The book is a revised version of Dr. Covington’s doctoral thesis, completed at the University of St Andrews in 2016, which examines the New Testament Epistle to the Ephesians through the categories and concepts of ethical teleology.

After launching campus Chapel services in the fall semester, the New Braunfels Extension Center hosted its first spring Chapel on February 11. On March 28, the campus also participated in the Big Give, an online fundraising day for San Antonio-area organizations. HPU New Braunfels is also organizing the Scholarship Dash, a 5K run/walk on Saturday, May 4, to fund campus scholarships.

HPU hosted approximately 750 alumni and area guests on campus in early November for Homecoming 2018: The Carnival of Blue of Gold. The event featured new activities including food trucks and carnival games and returning favorites such as the Homecoming Parade, the bonfire and the fireworks display.

Laura Benoit, director of alumni relations, said the event was a great success thanks to the many volunteers and community sponsors.

“It was exciting to welcome a large group of HPU alumni and other guests from the community,” she said. “Our volunteers worked hard to make sure the event was fun for everyone and, of course, we couldn’t have a successful event without the many wonderful businesses who partnered with us to make Homecoming a special time for the HPU family.”

Gold-level sponsors included Brownwood-Area Chamber of Commerce, Bruner Auto Group, Underwood’s Cafeteria, Visit Early Texas, Wendlee Broadcasting and Willie’s T’s.

Navy-level sponsors were Brookshire’s, Dr Pepper Bottling, Marsh & McLennan Agency – Brian Borovay and Daniel Prescott, Mills County State Bank, TexasBank and United Supermarkets.

White-level sponsors included Adidas, Citizens National Bank, Double H Mercantile, PF&E Oil Company and Porter Insurance Agency.

Partner sponsors were Painter & Johnson Financial and Smith & Sharpe Agencies.

Save the dates! Homecoming 2019 – “Yesterday, Today and Forever” – is slated for November 1-2, 2019. Look for the ad on page 14. More details will be available in the upcoming months.

1. Buzzsaw welcomes alumni back to campus for Homecoming 2018. 2. Sareta Delgado, Andrea (Peaster) Culpepper ’16 and Diann Prickett, staff members from HPU’s Office of Institutional Advancement, serve at the Cobbler on the Campus event. 3. HPU’s Department of Theatre presents Missing Link. 4. HPU 2018 Homecoming royalty includes (left to right) Angelica Ramirez, Queen; Karen Coppock Dodds ’64, Coming Home Queen; and Sarah Ramos, Princess. 5. Daniel Baker College alumni gather for a reunion. 6. HPU’s fireworks display is a hit among current students and alumni alike. 7. Students beat the Freshman Drums.

3

5

Homecoming 2018 Honorees

Dr. Benjamin Abraham ’74, Distinguished Alumnus

Hope Hohertz Doremus ’10, Outstanding Young Graduate

Milton McGee, Medal of Service

Karen Coppock Dodds ’64, Coming Home Queen

Dwayne Grooms ’65, Grand Marshal

Marvin “Doc” Utecht ’70, Sports Hall of Fame

James Williamson ’70, Sports Hall of Fame

Dr. Jimmy Garcia ’71, Dr. José Rivas Distinguished Service Award

8 9

12

8. Parade participants embrace Homecoming’s carnival theme. 9. Dr. Paul Armes, then interim president, congratulates honoree Dwayne Grooms ’65. 10. Trishawn Townes is among the HPU student-athletes participating in the Homecoming Parade. 11. Current HPU athletes gather with sports alumni at the Letterman’s Breakfast. 12. Ray Hildebrand ’62 and Julie (Wallace) Mize ’96 visit at the football game. 13. Homecoming Honorees, along with their families, are honored during the HPU football game. 14. HPU student Alek Mendoza speaks during the Hispanic Fellowship Breakfast. 15. HPU’s Concert Choir gives a special performance. 16. Friends from the Class of 1968 pause mid-reunion for a photo. 17. Rev. Candace Smith ’71 (left) greets friends Jody ’71 and Lesley Collier Wyse ’72. 18. Lily (left) and Avery Maddox, daughters of Jay ’12 and Alexa (Ward) Maddox ’04, stop for a photo in front of HPU’s Jesus statue.

14

16

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: NOVEMBER 1–2, 2019

Nominations for Homecoming 2019 honorees will be accepted through June 1, 2019.

Nominate online now at www.hputx.edu/alumni/homecomingnominations. If you would

like to host a reunion, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations as soon as possible.

Space is limited and fills up quickly. To see Homecoming details as they become available,

visit www.hputx.edu/homecoming.