Howard Payne University recently named Dr. Nathan Penland to the position of vice president for student experience. He will lead HPU’s efforts in student life, housing, athletics and public safety.

Dr. Penland has most recently served for nearly 12 years at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, as director of student leadership and engagement, where he provided organizational structure for student-led organizations, administered leadership development programs for student leaders, engaged in cross-departmental collaboration in the areas of recruitment and retention, and provided leadership in the creation and development of new student spaces across the SBU campus. Additionally, he gave course instruction in areas such as spirituality and collegiate ministry at SBU as well as at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry degree from Southwest Baptist University in 2006, a Master of Arts in Christian Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2009 and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration degree from Liberty University in 2017. He and his wife, Kristina, have three children: Katelyn, Karaline and Noble.

Dr. Penland’s first day at HPU will be August 16, but in the meantime he will work with the various teams in his areas of responsibility to prepare for the upcoming fall semester.

“I am eager to welcome the Penlands to Brownwood and to the HPU family,” said Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president. “I am confident that Dr. Penland will play an instrumental role in the future of our beloved HPU as we continue to find ways to enhance the student experience on campus.”

Applications are still being accepted for the fall 2021 semester at Howard Payne University (www.hputx.edu/apply). For more information about HPU, including the wide range of available financial aid options, contact HPU’s Office of Admissions at 325-649-8020 or by e-mail at [email protected].