BROWNWOOD – April 29, 2025 – Howard Payne University recently recognized members of faculty and staff at an annual personnel luncheon held on campus. Dr. Chris Rosborough, associate professor of music, director of choral activities and department chair, received the Outstanding Faculty Member Award. Aaron Diaz, grounds supervisor, received the Outstanding Staff Member Award. The outstanding faculty and staff awards are made possible by Underwood’s Cafeteria and Porter/BKCW Insurance Agency, respectively.
HPU’s Business Office received the Department of the Year Award. Members of the team are Haleigh Alcorta, accounts payable coordinator; Jayla Devery, student accounts coordinator; Marcie Drew, controller; Diann Prickett, financial accountant/cashier; and Pam Shaffer, assistant controller.
Certificates recognizing excellence in teaching were presented to Sarah Langford, assistant professor of math; and Dr. Chelsea Miranda, assistant professor of biology.
Certificates recognizing excellence in service were presented to Jayla Devery, student accounts coordinator; and Dr. Kalie Lowrie, associate vice president for communications and alumni engagement.
Special plaques commemorating retirement and years of service to the university were presented to Mike Dillard, assistant professor of business administration; Mike Daub, CPA and associate professor of accounting; Chuck Gartman, assistant professor of Christian studies and director of ministry guidance; Susan Sharp, teacher certification officer for the School of Education; and Juanita Sypert, technical services assistant and government documents specialist.
The following personnel also received awards representing a collective 325 years of service to HPU:
Forty-five years of service – Dr. Robert Mangrum, professor of history, university historian
Thirty-five years of service – Brenda Brittain, executive assistant to the vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Gary Gramling, dean of the School of Christian Studies, professor of Christian studies and director of the graduate programs
Thirty years of service – Wendy Grooms, associate professor of math
Twenty-five years of service – Tracy Stansberry, public safety officer/sergeant #1
Twenty years of service – Deborah Dill, director of libraries and assistant professor of library science; Dr. Jodi Goode, assistant vice president for information technology services; and Dr. Rusty Wheelington, professor of Christian studies
Fifteen years of service – Dr. Lauren Kirk, associate professor of education
Ten years of service – Anthony Arreola, enterprise systems administrator; Dr. Jim Finch, professor of business administration; Doris Goacher, part-time digital archives assistant; and Renee Hull, facilities services coordinator
Five years of service – JC Churchill, part-time groundskeeper; Eva Gutierrez, administrative assistant and financial aid coordinator for El Paso Center; Charles Lewis, director of development; Dr. Chris Liebrum, part-time vice president for external affairs; Dr. Martin Mintchev, professor of engineering; Bryan Pate, director of the Baptist Student Ministry; Sarah Ramos, executive assistant to the associate vice president for enrollment management; and Dr. Shannon Sims, assistant professor of kinesiology and director of the Masters of Education in Sport and Wellness Leadership Program.
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Cutline 1: Dr. Chris Rosborough was named the recipient of HPU’s Outstanding Faculty Member Award. Pictured from left to right are Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president; Dr. Chris Rosborough; and Lisa Underwood and Leo Underwood, representing Underwood’s Cafeteria.
Cutline 2: Aaron Diaz (center) received HPU’s Outstanding Staff Member Award. He is pictured with Dr. Cory Hines (left) and Tanner Spears of Porter Insurance/BKCW Agency (right).
Cutline 3: The Business Office received the Department of the Year Award. Pictured from left to right are Haleigh Alcorta, Jayla Devery, Marcie Drew, Pam Shaffer and Diann Prickett.