The campus of Howard Payne University has been swept up in a flurry of activities to kick off the 2024-2025 academic year. Student-athletes participating in fall sports moved back to campus on Tuesday, August 13, followed by incoming students on Friday, August 16. Faculty, staff and students lined the parking lots to help new students unload belongings and move them into the three residence halls.

Friday afternoon, Chime In was held along Center Avenue, led by Dr. Cory Hines, university president, and his wife, Melinda. During the Chime In ceremony, a tradition which began in 2001, new students walked through the Wilson Gate on Center Avenue, surrounded by upperclassmen on either side. This marked their entrance onto campus and the start of their HPU experience. It also was the first activity for Jacket Journey, a new student orientation weekend.

“We are thrilled to welcome a new class of students into the HPU family,” said Dr. Hines. “This incoming class ushers in a wave of excitement to campus. We look forward to seeing how God uses HPU to prepare the Class of 2028 to be change-makers in the world.”

During Jacket Journey, students participated in small group activities, large gatherings, Primetime outdoor games, a business fair and more. New and returning students joined the Hines at their house on Friday evening for a cook-out, which provided them with a great opportunity to connect with the president and first lady. On Saturday, the HPU Alumni Association packed and delivered welcome bags to all the on-campus students and hosted an ice cream social. Thirteen local churches also attended a church fair, allowing students the opportunity to engage with many ministry leaders in the community.

Then on Sunday, a campus worship service was held in Mims Auditorium, with worship led by the Heritage Chapel Band and a sermon from Dr. Hines. The weekend concluded with a Street Party on Sunday evening, where campus organizations set up booths and introduced new students to many ways to get involved.

“Jacket Journey was an exciting weekend on our campus,” said Kailee Torgerson, director of student leadership and engagement. “The weekend was planned by our amazing student leaders, and it was great to see how engaged our new students were in all of the activities.”

Classes began on Monday, August 19, across campus and online. The university offers more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs.

For more information, visit www.hputx.edu.