HPU dedicates Bob Carter Athletic Park for intramural sports

April 7, 2025 at 5:45 pm Derrick Stuckly

Local News

A ribbon cutting was held during the Bob Carter Athletic Park ceremony. Pictured (left to right) Rylee Spencer, student; Bob Carter, alumnus and donor; Dr. Cory Hines, university president; Melinda Hines, first lady; and Wyatt Benoist, student.

Howard Payne University dedicated the new Bob Carter Athletic Park (CAP) during a ceremony on Saturday, April 5. HPU alumnus Bob Carter and his wife, Tammy, gave the lead gift for the project. Bob Carter is a 1973 alumnus and CEO and founder of Lion Street insurance firm. The CAP will be used for intramural sports on campus, providing a beautiful spot within walking distance of the residence halls.

“We are so grateful for the generosity the Carter family has invested in such an important aspect of the student experience at HPU,” said Dr. Cory Hines, university president. “Bob has been a committed supporter of HPU for many years and believes in the vision we have to provide beautiful spaces on campus for students to build community.”

Participants in the ceremony included Dr. Hines; Dr. Nathan Penland, vice president for student experience; Dr. Kalie Lowrie, associate vice president for communications and alumni engagement; and HPU students Rylee Spencer and Wyatt Benoist. Following the dedication, a flag football tournament was held on the field.

Other sports that will utilize the new facility include soccer, kickball and flag rugby. The Intramural Department at HPU exists to enhance the student experience and whole person through sportsmanship, wellness, and competition, both as an individual and as a team.

“The Carter Athletic Park is such a fantastic resource for our students,” said Dr. Penland. “Being located close to our residence halls and the Mabee University Center allows for greater involvement opportunities and connectivity to others. I am grateful to Mr. Carter for how this will benefit our students for years to come.”

Carter is the Founder and CEO of Lion Street, launched in 2010. In 1976, Bob developed a significant insurance and benefits practice in Austin, Texas. He co-founded Partners Financial in 1987. In 1999, he was one of the three founders of National Financial Partners, which went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2003. Carter served as an AALU Board member and President. He has also served on the Board of Forum 400 and was president of the Board of Trustees for Howard Payne University. He became a managing partner of Integrity following its 2022 acquisition of Lion Street.

For information about giving opportunities for this project and other campus initiatives, visit www.hputx.edu/give.