Four HPU students are named Sumners Scholars. Pictured are, from left, Adrielle Sloan, Kellen McKee, Addison Roden and Madeline Duncan.

Four Howard Payne University students were selected as Sumners Scholars by the Sumners Foundation: Madeline Duncan, Kellen McKee, Addison Roden and Adrielle Sloan. Sumners Scholars receive a $7,500-per-semester scholarship from the Sumners Foundation for tuition, fees, books or room and board, alongside unique opportunities to hear from congressional and civic leaders at various events and seminars.

Duncan, a native of Abilene, is majoring in psychology and the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy. McKee is from Azle and majors in biomedical science and the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy. Roden, a Magnolia native, is majoring in finance and the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy. Sloan, from Blue Ridge, majors in strategic communication and the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy.

Charles Lewis, HPU’s director of development and Sumners Scholarship coordinator, expressed his excitement for the opportunity these students are receiving.

“The Sumners Foundation is generous in providing scholarships and a large variety of civic leadership opportunities to Howard Payne University students each year,” said Lewis. “They selected four excellent students, and I look forward to watching them grow as they participate in the program.”

Each year, the Sumners Foundation selects students who best represent the foundation’s mission and legacy to participate in the program. The foundation states that its purpose is to “encourage the study, teaching, and research into the science and art of self-government, to the end that the American people may understand the fundamental principles of democracy and be guided thereby in shaping governmental policies.” For more information about the Sumners Foundation, visit www.sumnersfoundation.org.

Students who apply to the competitive four-semester program must be pre-selected by HPU’s Sumners Scholar Selection Committee and undergo an in-depth application and interview process by trustees of the Sumners Foundation.

Sumners Scholars are also provided with opportunities to attend annual leadership and policy analysis conferences to supplement their learning and expand their growth potential. While receiving the scholarship, students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA and be in good standing with the university.

This spring, HPU hosted a luncheon for current Sumners Scholars and program applicants. Applicants met members of the Sumners Foundation prior to their interviews. Graduating Sumners Scholars had the opportunity to share how the program has been beneficial to them and to thank the Sumners Foundation for support.

“It has been an honor to partner with the Sumners Foundation to present unique and exciting opportunities for some of our exceptional students,” said Lewis. “This was clear through the testimonials from the graduating Sumners Scholars, as they reflected on the impact of the program on their lives and future careers. We had a great number of candidates for the 2024 Sumners Scholarship, each representing the university well.

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