Howard Payne University recently formed Gold and Blue Partnership programs with Carroll ISD (CISD), in Southlake, Texas, and Santa Fe Christian School (SFC) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The partnerships will provide automatic acceptance for students from each school who graduate within the top 50 percent of their respective classes and have a 3.5 GPA. The Gold and Blue Partnership Scholarship, valued at $60,000 over eight semesters, will also be provided to graduates in the top 50 percent of their classes from each school.

All CISD and SFC students will also be offered free application to HPU. Additionally, students whose academics meet other merit scholarship levels will be afforded those opportunities. HPU will provide ongoing support to students through financial aid, admissions, degree counseling, work-study mentorships and peer mentoring.

Dr. Cory Hines, university president, and Dr. Jeremy Glenn, CISD superintendent, signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalize the CISD partnership. Dr. Hines and Principal Tiffany Torres signed the MOU for SFC.

“We are excited to partner with Carroll ISD and the Santa Fe Christian to provide quality higher education, in a Christ-centered academic community, for graduates from their respective schools,” said Dr. Hines. “Both of these partners are producing exceptional students who would thrive at our university. I’m thankful for the visionary leadership of Dr. Glenn and Mrs. Torres to form these partnerships with HPU.”

Both educational institutions have found great value in the partnership with HPU.

“Carroll ISD is excited to partner with Howard Payne University to provide our students with valuable opportunities for academic growth and a seamless transition into higher education,” said Dr. Glenn. “Together, we look forward to shaping the future of our students and empowering them to succeed in all their future endeavors. HPU offers students the opportunity to gain a first-class education combined with the unique feel of a small private university.”

“Santa Fe Christian is excited to have a partnership with Howard Payne University,” said Catherine Compton-Custred, co-founder of Santa Fe Christian. “The benefits HPU offers to our graduates has the ability to impact generations to come from New Mexico. We align with the intimate environment and Christ-centered education HPU provides and believe our graduates will thrive spiritually, academically and socially at Howard Payne University.”

HPU is interested in forming more Gold and Blue Partnerships with school districts and Christian schools to ease the application process and provide opportunities for scholarships for deserving students.

“The Gold and Blue scholarship allows Howard Payne University to partner with aspiring school districts around our area, throughout Texas and with schools in other states,” said Dr. Ben Martin, associate vice president for enrollment management at HPU. “This gives students an exceptional scholarship starting point, which starts the conversation about how bright their future can be with a Howard Payne University degree.” 

Administrators interested in forming a Gold and Blue Partnership with HPU can contact Dr. Martin at benmartin@hputx.edu or call 325-649-8020.