Several alumni from Howard Payne University’s School of Education were honored by their respective school districts for outstanding teaching during the 2021-2022 academic year.

Dr. Kylah Clark-Goff, dean of HPU’s School of Education, said she is proud of the vital role HPU plays in preparing teachers who make a distinct impact on children, families and communities throughout Brown County and around the world.

“HPU has a great reputation and a long legacy of producing excellent teachers,” she said. “In Brown County alone, more than 150 of our educators are HPU graduates. To think of the difference these graduates make in various roles of teaching, coaching and administration domestically as well as internationally is incredible!”

Honorees include:

Brownwood ISD

Amber Villalpando ’06: Secondary Teacher of the Year, Brownwood Middle School Distinguished Teacher of the Year

Kenan Boland ’02: Brownwood High School Distinguished Teacher of the Year

Jennifer Gwathmey ’17: East Elementary School Distinguished Teacher of the Year

Rio Vista ISD

Kimberly Hoffman Black ’09: Teacher of the Year

Crandall ISD

Kami Collins ’06: Named Assistant Principal at Dietz Elementary School

The preceding list was reported to HPU’s School of Education. To alert HPU of an omission, please contact Susan Sharp, teacher certification officer, at [email protected]. An updated list will be maintained on the university’s website.

For more information about HPU, visit www.hputx.edu.