Howard Payne University welcomed five faculty members for the 2025-2026 academic year. New faculty include Dr. Mary Agboola, associate professor of finance; Dr. David Lowrie, dean of the School of Christian studies and assistant professor of Christian studies; Kay Shields, assistant professor of education; Dr. Jacob Skiles, assistant professor of music; and Jonathan Young, assistant professor of computer information systems.

“Howard Payne University’s new full-time faculty bring an impressive range of educational backgrounds, real-world experiences and subject-matter expertise,” said Dr. Nathan Lane, vice president for academic affairs. “Despite their diverse areas of study, each one shares a deep commitment to our Christ-centered mission and to enhancing the student experience. These five colleagues are outstanding additions to an already strong faculty.”

Dr. Agboola previously served as coordinator of graduate studies and special projects in academic affairs at HPU. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in Nigeria, and a master’s and doctorate from Eastern Mediterranean University in North Cyprus. She previously served in a faculty role in Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Lowrie has 43 years of ministry experience where he served as pastor in Decatur; El Paso; Canyon; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Mabank; Lewisville and Roanoke. He holds a bachelor’s from Baylor University, a master’s from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctorate from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Shields has more than 20 years of experience as an elementary and middle school educator in the communities of Blanket, Colorado City and Santa Anna. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Hardin-Simmons University and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Dr. Skiles is an accomplished musician with many notable solo and concerto performances. His experience includes teaching private piano lessons, teaching as a guest clinician, and graduate assistant teaching at the University of Georgia and Florida State University. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama, Birmingham; a master’s from Florida State University; and a doctorate from the University of Georgia.

Young previously served as director of technical support services at HPU. He also served in technology administration roles in Crane ISD, Mission Aviation Fellowship, and Greater Opportunities of the Permian Basin Head Start. He holds a bachelor’s degree from HPU and a master’s from Western Governors University.

The first day of class for the 2025-2026 academic year at HPU was Monday, August 18.