Howard Payne University's 2026 Commencement weekend celebrates newest graduates

May 19, 2026 at 5:28 pm Derrick Stuckly

Local News

Dr. David Lowrie, Jr. (left), dean of the School of Christian Studies, and Dr. Gary Gramling ’81 (right), director of the Christian studies graduate programs, pose with graduate student Anthonia Brass-Akinyemi (center).

Howard Payne University hosted Commencement ceremonies and several additional events on May 15 and 16 to celebrate graduates from August 2025, December 2025 and May 2026.

Degrees were presented by Dr. Cory Hines ’97, university president, and other HPU personnel during two Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, in Mims Auditorium. Dr. Scott Davis ’91, retired superintendent and education leader, presented a charge to the graduates during both ceremonies.

Additional participants in the ceremonies were Dr. Mary Agboola, associate professor of finance; Wyatt Benoist, member of the Class of 2026; Robert Chandler, parent, Class of 2026; Charles Gregory Cooper, Jr., parent, Class of 2026; Dr. Gary L. Gramling ’81, director of the Christian studies graduate programs and professor of Christian studies; Dr. Jill Heupel, director of the graduate program in Sport and Wellness Leadership and associate professor of kinesiology; Dr. Millard J. Kimery, Jr., dean of the School of Humanities and professor of English; Dr. Nathan Lane, vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Brad Lemler, dean of the School of Business and professor of accounting; Randy Lewallyn ’97, chairperson of the Board of Trustees; Dr. David Lowrie, Jr., dean of the School of Christian Studies and assistant professor of Christian studies; Dr. Matthew A. McNiece ’03, director of the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and associate professor of history; Diondray Parker, member of the Class of 2026; Kristina Penland, university registrar; Anna (Delgado) Ramos ’90, Alumni Association president; Dr. Michael Rosato, dean of the School of Education and Fine Arts and professor of education; Dr. Christopher Rosborough ’08, chair of the Department of Music, associate professor of music and director of choral activities; Dr. Russell Wheelington, Faculty Assembly president and professor of Christian studies; and Cesar Zamora, parent, Class of 2026.

On Friday, May 15, Chime Out was held, a tradition dating back to 1957 on the HPU campus. Graduates were accompanied by underclassmen as walking partners. As the ceremony culminated, the graduates passed a chain of ivy to the underclassmen, symbolizing the passing of authority, responsibility and privileges to those students who remain at HPU. Rev. Randy Marshall ’82, pastor of White Bluff Chapel in Whitney, gave greetings and Dr. Hines presented a challenge to the seniors.

Additional participants in the Chime Out ceremony were Caleb Callaway ’21, resident director of Jennings Hall and Chapel coordinator; Nina Delafuente, member of the Class of 2026; Brenna Douthit, member of the Class of 2026; Elijah Dillard, member of the junior class; Luke Moss, member of the Class of 2026; and Dr. Nathan Penland, vice president for student experience.

The ceremony concluded with the seniors walking through the Wilson Gate on Center Avenue, symbolizing their send-off from HPU.

Two additional ceremonies were held on Friday – a pinning ceremony for students from the School of Nursing and a ceremony for graduates from the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy.

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