Howard Payne University is pleased to announce the creation of the Center for Faculty and Student Research. This new center embodies HPU’s mission to equip the whole person for intellectual inquiry, integrity and service to God and humanity. Dr. Dennis Gibson, director of research and associate professor of chemistry, will oversee this new initiative.

The Center for Faculty and Student Research is designed to elevate the student educational experience by cultivating a vibrant culture of critical thinking and innovation.

“I am excited for the opportunities that the new Center for Faculty and Student Research will provide,” said Dr. Nathan Lane, vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. Gibson brings a distinguished record of advancing academic research, and under his leadership, faculty and students alike will be well-positioned to pursue their scholarly interests in meaningful and impactful ways.”

Under Dr. Gibson, this new role will provide mission-aligned leadership, opportunities for student research development, support of faculty research; faith and scholarship integration; grant and resource management; research events and communication; assessment and institutional reporting; and professional development.

“I am excited to develop the Center for Faculty and Student Research,” said Dr. Gibson. “By establishing this center, HPU shows its commitment to academic excellence and innovation. This center will allow students to develop additional skills outside of academia, which are vital to their post-academic career.”

This initiative will prepare students not only for graduate study and professional careers, but also for meaningful lives of faithful leadership rooted in a worldview that integrates scholarship, service and spiritual growth. It will support undergraduate students in achieving financial empowerment by promoting financial literacy, prudent decision-making, and long-term economic growth while also helping to attract and retain exceptional students and faculty across all disciplines.

Additional research opportunities include HPU’s Summer Research Symposium, which Dr. Gibson has led the for the last four years. The symposium is a four-week program that provides students with laboratory experience prior to attending university.

Faculty and students interested in participating in the Center for Faculty and Student Research can email Dr. Gibson at dgibson@hputx.edu.