Howard Payne University was recently named a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education. The designation will allow HPU to expand financial aid options and support for Hispanic students.

Dr. Cory Hines ’97, HPU president, said that the designation highlights the importance of Hispanic students to the growth and continued success of the university.

“We are honored to be named a Hispanic Serving Institution,” said Dr. Hines. “Through this designation, we are gaining additional tools to better serve students at our university. I look forward to HPU continuing to serve Hispanic students and fostering advancement for all of our constituencies.”

According to the Department of Education’s website, HSIs are eligible institutions of higher education that have an enrollment of undergraduate full-time students that is at least 25 percent Hispanic students. The HSI designation and associated grants are intended to expand and enhance institutions’ academic offerings, program quality and institutional stability.

Karen LaQuey, director of student financial aid at HPU, said that the additional financial aid options will be a vital part of the university’s continuing efforts to serve Hispanic students.

“We are excited to begin utilizing the additional opportunities that are being made available to HPU and students here,” she said. “These resources offer an excellent opportunity to serve Hispanic students, who are a central part of our university’s mission.”

For more information about HPU and student financial aid options, visit www.hputx.edu.