Howard Payne University (HPU) recently named Lonn Reisman to the position of assistant to the president for special projects. He assumed the new role at the beginning of June. He will provide leadership in the areas of athletics, fundraising and campus development.

Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president, looks forward to the benefits that Reisman’s leadership will provide to the university.

“I am excited to welcome Lonn to our campus. He has a passionate desire to turn big dreams into reality,” said Dr. Hines. “His background, energy and leadership experience will be a tremendous blessing to our school. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together as we seek to enrich the student experience at Howard Payne.”

Reisman previously served at Tarleton State University for over 30 years, including his most recent tenure as vice president for intercollegiate athletics. He also served as Tarleton State’s head men’s basketball coach from 1988 to 2018. During his time at Tarleton State, he successfully led the university through two NCAA reclassifications, first out of NAIA into NCAA Division II in 1994, and most recently into NCAA Division I and FCS Division I football. Reisman is the only documented athletic director in NCAA history to successfully lead one program through two such reclassifications. He is the longest-tenured AD in Tarleton State history and third-longest tenured AD across all of NCAA Division I.

Student athletes under Reisman’s leadership also saw academic success during the reclassification, with the highest NCAA Academic Progress Rate scores by a reclassifying school since 2011. In addition to these accomplishments, he had great success in fundraising for strategic university objectives. Prior service in higher education includes tenures at Arkansas State University, Connors State Junior College, Fort Scott Community College and Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

In Reisman’s view, an important objective is to have unified departments that support one another as they build momentum for the organization as a whole. He is excited about how HPU is moving forward in all areas and is grateful to participate in the Christ-centered focus of all that happens at the university.

“It’s an honor to work for Dr. Hines,” said Reisman. “His vision for the future of Howard Payne University is very exciting, and I’m extremely blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of his leadership team.”

HPU’s Dr. Hunter Sims, director of athletics, expressed his excitement for Reisman joining HPU in this new role.

“Lonn brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to HPU,” said Dr. Sims. “With his expertise in college athletics and higher education, we are excited about our future progress.”

Reisman holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Pittsburg State University and a Master of Science in education from Arkansas State University. He and his wife, Misti, have five children and 12 grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, golfing and going to the beach with family.

Applications are still being accepted for the fall 2024 semester at Howard Payne University (www.hputx.edu/apply). For more information about HPU, including the wide range of available financial aid options, contact HPU’s Office of Admissions at 325-649-8020 or by e-mail at enroll@hputx.edu.