HPU administrator Dr. Donnie Auvenshine has announced his retirement from Howard Payne University after 32 years of service to the institution. Auvenshine currently serves as the vice president for academic affairs and is set to retire in June.

“Dr. Donnie Auvenshine has provided tremendous leadership at HPU for more than three decades,” said Dr. Cory Hines, university president. “He has led with wisdom and grace and ably encouraged and equipped our faculty to be excellent educators. Dr. Auvenshine also guided the university through the 10-year SACS accreditation process with skill and excellence which set HPU up for future success for years to come. He will be missed greatly, and we are thankful to the Lord for his service.”

Auvenshine joined the HPU faculty in 1993 as professor of Christian studies. He went on to serve as dean of the School of Christian Studies from 1994-2003 and again from 2007-2019. Auvenshine led as vice president for academic affairs from 2003-2007 and then from 2019 to the present. He received Excellence in Teaching Awards in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2001.

“Dr. Donnie Auvenshine has been one of the finest additions to Howard Payne University in all the years I have been here,” said Dr. Gary Gramling, dean of the School of Christian Studies. “He is not only a wonderful teacher who regularly shares insights into the world of the Old Testament, but he is also a capable and trusted minister and friend to all who know him. I know him to be a person of integrity, kindness, honesty and hard work. He also has a keen sense of humor and a contagious laugh.”

In addition to his work at HPU, he was also a pastor in DeLeon, Comanche, Odessa, Iraan and has held multiple interim pastorates and provided supply preaching and Bible teaching across the state. He is a previous member of the Theological Education Council for Texas Baptists and has served numerous times on off-site, reaffirmation site and substantive change committees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

He holds a bachelor’s degree from HPU, as well as a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Auvenshine is married to Sande and the couple have three children and seven grandchildren.