Construction has begun on the Howard Payne University campus for a new 8,700 square foot Outdoor Pavilion and three sand volleyball courts. The $1.8 million project is located between Veda Hodge Hall and the J. Howard Hodge Bell Towers. This is an initiative to improve the student experience, attract and retain students, and provide additional community spaces for both the HPU family and the Brown County area. The project is being built by Brasher & Co., a local outdoor specialist company based in Early.

“The new pavilion and volleyball courts will be wonderful additions to our campus and provide another great environment for our students,” said Dr. Cory Hines, university president. “This initiative is part of our five-year Strategic Plan to enhance the student experience through transformed spaces. We look forward to sharing this space with the Brownwood community, as well.”

Key features of the new pavilion include space for a gathering of 250-300 people; state-of-the-art technology with 10 outdoor televisions and a 12×16-foot video wall; commercial grade kitchen with gas grill, sinks and refrigerators; a storage area; restrooms; and a serving area for food. The video package will allow student and community groups the opportunity to host movie nights, stream HPU athletic competitions and host large watch parties.

The three NCAA-regulation beach volleyball courts will be used for the launch of beach volleyball at HPU in the fall of 2025 with competition beginning in the spring of 2026. The courts will also be available for intramurals, student events and community gatherings.

“We are grateful for the many supporters who have given generously to fund the Outdoor Pavilion and volleyball courts,” said Dr. Dale Meinecke, vice president for advancement. “It is a meaningful way for alumni and friends to have an immediate and long-term impact on the student experience at HPU. We have raised a little over 75% of what is needed to complete the project.”

This project is one of several campus improvements planned for the upcoming academic year. Additional campus projects recently completed were renovations to a microbiology lab, new seating in the HPU Theatre, several classroom renovations in the Newman Academic Building and the new Bob Carter Athletic Park for intramurals.

For information about giving opportunities for this project and other campus initiatives, visit www.hputx.edu/give.