Faculty, staff and students at Howard Payne University entered the fall 2015 semester recently with increased enrollment and excitement over the months to come. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment at HPU’s three locations is 1,163 students, a 2.2 percent increase over fall 2014. The figure includes 382 incoming freshmen and transfer students.
“We have certainly been blessed with an amazing group of students this year,” said Kevin Kirk, associate vice president for enrollment. “It is really great to see them already connecting to the campus community.”
Dr. Trissa Cox, professor of computer information systems, said summer is a great time of renewal but students are the lifeblood of campus.
“Howard Payne’s campus was never meant to be quiet,” she said. “I’m excited to see students back at HPU and around Brownwood.”
Dr. W. Mark Tew, HPU provost and chief academic officer, said the entire campus community plays a large role in the recruiting efforts.
“In addition to the excellent work of our admission staff, the university is particularly indebted to the personnel in the offices of business affairs, financial aid and the registrar for countless hours of behind-the-scenes efforts to bring in this class,” he said. “I am deeply appreciative of the university’s faculty who are invaluable to the process of recruitment and retention by providing exemplary education and loving Christian support to all our students.”
Nathan Lacy, freshman from Brownwood, said he already feels like a member of the HPU “family.”
“I’m looking forward to future semesters and the many wonderful things I am about to learn,” he said.
Like many other students from the area, Lacy benefits from HPU’s Heart of Texas Scholarship which awards substantial financial assistance to students from Brown County and other nearby counties.
Lacy said he chose HPU not just for the quality education but because he feels it is the best place for him to grow and prosper as an individual.
“I am extremely happy that I received the Heart of Texas Scholarship,” he said. “It was a tremendous help.”
HPU is always excited to welcome new members to the family. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming an HPU Yellow Jacket, visit www.hputx.edu, e-mail enroll@hputx.edu or call (325) 649-8020.
Pictured above: New freshmen are pictured with upperclassmen leaders during HPU’s Jacket Journey new-student orientation.