About
For over a century, Howard Payne University has helped students become life-long learners, leaders in their communities and successful in their careers. Howard Payne uses quality academic programs, a commitment to its Christian heritage and a leadership-based approach to prepare students for future successful careers.
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Howard Payne University is a liberal arts college located in Brownwood, Texas. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled at HPU and every student benefits from a personalized education that is achieved through a 16:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Accreditation
Howard Payne is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Mission and Purpose
“Founded for the purpose of preparing students for Christian ministry, HPU remains dedicated to honoring Christ and serving His Church by providing an educational experience that integrates faith, learning, and living. The university has expanded its original scope to include a full array of undergraduate programs and a limited number of graduate programs, offered in a traditional residential academic community, where relationships are nurtured and individuals matter.
Students, faculty, staff, and administration work together under the shared values of academic excellence, service to others, and Christian integrity. The university also offers selected graduate and undergraduate course work at extended learning centers responsive to the academic needs of the communities served.”
Dr. Daresa Voss
Dr. Michael Rosato
Dr. Mitzi Lehrer
Dr. Brenda Emanuel
History
Howard Payne University was founded by the Pecan Valley Baptist Association at Indian Creek, Texas on June 20, 1889. The first order of business for the young institution was raising funds to establish the school, and this responsibility fell on the first president of the board of trustees, John D. Robnett. Robnett’s brother-in-law, Edward Howard Payne, made a sizeable contribution to this project. In return, the school decided to name itself after its generous donor and adopted the name Howard Payne College.
The first academic session started on September 16, 1890 and the college awarded its first degree in 1895. HPU began as a degree conferring institution, gradually grew to a senior college and eventually became a university in 1974 upon the approval of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
