Members of Howard Payne University’s faculty and staff were recognized for their service during the 2021-2022 year at an annual personnel luncheon held recently on campus. Dr. Matthew McNiece, director of the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy, professor of history and government and department chair, received the Outstanding Faculty Member Award. Kyle Mize, assistant vice president for communications, received the Outstanding Staff Member Award. The outstanding faculty and staff awards are made possible by Underwood’s Cafeteria and Porter Insurance Agency, respectively.

HPU’s Office of Admissions received the Department of the Year Award, recognizing all members of the department for their service.

Certificates recognizing excellence in teaching were presented to Stephen Goacher, professor of music, and Wendy Grooms, associate professor of mathematics.

Certificates recognizing excellence in service were presented to Renee Hull, custodian team lead, and Bobby Womack, director of technology support services.

A special plaque commemorating retirement and years of service to the university was presented to Dr. Nina Ouimette, dean of the School of Nursing and professor of nursing.

The following personnel also received awards: 

Fifty years of service ­­­­– Bobbie Price, certification coordinator and graduation assistant

Forty years of service – Chuck Boland, professor of accounting and chair of the Department of Accounting

Thirty years of service – Mary Hill, administrative assistant for the School of Business; Wade Kinnin, instruction and outreach services librarian and assistant professor of library science

Twenty-five years of service – Marcie Drew, controller; Dr. Millard Kimery, dean of the School of Humanities and professor of English; Terrie Wells, administrative assistant for the School of Humanities and the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy

Twenty years of service – Chuck Gartman, assistant professor of Christian studies and director of ministry guidance

Fifteen years of service – Troy Drummond, associate director of athletics for operations and head golf coach; Dr. Nicholas Ewen, associate professor of theatre and chair of the Department of Theatre; Yvonne Lundy, data management and analytics coordinator

Ten years of service – Emily Attaway, director of external reporting and special projects; Kelly Franke, coordinator of transfer credits and records; Dr. Brad Lemler, dean of the School of Business and professor of accounting; Dr. Denny Megarity, assistant professor of chemistry; Bob Pacatte, chief of police and director of HPU’s Department of Public Safety; Dr. Debra Powell, associate professor of business administration; Susan Sharp, teacher certification officer

Five years of service – Dr. Dave Claborn, professor of government; Dr. Jill Heupel, associate professor of kinesiology and director of the Master of Education in Sport and Wellness Leadership program; Dr. Nina Ouimette, dean of the School of Nursing and professor of nursing; Zachary Sterling, resident director for Thomas Taylor Hall, Newbury Place Apartments and Smith-Bell Duplexes and intramural coordinator; Ashley Trevino, administrative assistant for the New Braunfels extension center; James Wunderle, Jr., assistant professor of psychology.