Student Staff headshots by Maddie King & Emily Hughitt Adviser headshot by Brie Williams ‘21
Rylee McAlexander Staff Writer
Yellow Jacket - 2024-2025
Maddie King Chief Photographer
The Yellow Jacket feature magazine is a student publication, published in the Department of Communication
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By Kate Nordhaus, sophomore strategic communication major
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Yellow Jacket - 2024-2025
Before paved roads, city-wide electricity, and running water, the charter for Howard Payne University was established deep in the Heart of Texas. Since its inception in 1889, HPU’s beacon of theological education and Christian leadership has been a shining light in the central Texas area. HPU’s commitment to educating students in ministry has always been at the core of its identity, and was founded in direct response to the need for real theological training within the Baptist tradition in central Texas.
Dr. Robert Mangrum, university historian and professor of history, said that Christianity was always at the center and the driving force behind the establishment of HPU.
“Fromtheearliestdiscussionsaboutcreatingaschool,thefounderswerecommittedto establishingaChristianpresenceinCentralTexas.TheearliestcurriculumincludedBiblecoursesand thiswasthefirstmajorofferedbythecollege,” he said.
By the late 19th century, the city was growing rapidly with a Baptist congregation, meaning Brownwood was in need of pastors and educated ministers. To address this, the university started offering classes in biblical studies and theology.
As HPU’s mission began to grow, so did the Christian studies faculty. In the early 20th century, Reverend A.E. Baten became one of the most important figures in the development of theological departments at the university. Baten joined the staff in 1895, where he taught homiletics and theology, which taught students about the art of preaching. His impact lasted over two decades, alongside Rev. Franz Marshall McConnel and George Wilson McCall, where they led HPU’s Bible courses and pastored at Brownwood’s First Baptist Church.
In the mid-20th century, HPU’s religious studies department was starting to become well-respected around the area. Dr. M.E. Davis joined the faculty in 1919 and became an essential piece in growing and shaping the department in the future. Davis worked at HPU until 1947 and it was under his influence that the religious department expanded to include courses like biblical languages, ethics, and pastoral ministry.
Scholars such as Dr. Nat Tracy, Dr. Joe McClain, and Dr. Robert Dobson all brought unique aspects to the department, prioritizing their studies while integrating the importance of service and ministry. The chase for academic excellence and theological depth attracted students not only to Brownwood but also in the Baptist community around the world, and the growth of the religious studies program continued.
HPU’s religious studies program is a story of service, faith and the enduring power of education to transform lives.
By the time the university entered the late 20th century, its religious studies program had produced hundreds of ministers, missionaries, and religious educators who spread Baptist teachings around the globe. As societal changes and new theological challenges emerged, the School of Christian Studies evolved to meet the needs of contemporary religious life.
In 1974, Dr. Wallace Roark joined the staff, serving for over 30 years, which is the longest tenure in the department’s history. During his time at HPU, the university saw a rise in students who were encouraged by what they were learning. Dr. Randall B. Bush and Dr. Robert L. Smith played key roles in renewing the school’s approach to Christian education. Through their work, the School of Christian Studies stayed deeply rooted in Baptist tradition while also addressing current and modern-day topics.
HPU faculty and students continue to be passionate about knowing Jesus and preaching the Word, and the program is still shaping Christian leaders.
Currently led by Dr. Gary Gramling ‘81, dean of the School of Christian Studies, the university is carrying on the legacy of their predecessors, while also balancing service and ministry.
“WewerethefirstBaptistuniversityinTexastoofferanundergraduatedegreeinyouth ministry,andlater,thefirsttoofferagraduatedegreeinyouthministry. Wealsoprovidemorecourses inbiblicallanguages(GreekandHebrew)thanmostofoursisterschools,” he said.
The faculty and staff are committed to serving the Lord and their students, while also being involved and serving in their communities. The School of Christian Studies continues to be a cornerstone for Christian leadership and theological development throughout Texas and beyond. HPU’s religious studies program is a story of service, faith and the enduring power of education to transform lives.
to do a few things before we took theirs over. It turned out, a rat had made a hole in the top of the ceiling and had, unfortunately, died there, leaving his tail hanging out of the hole.”
“The guys being guys didn’t really care, but they figured the ladies would probably like a few more amenities, than a dead rat,” Romig added. “So, they got that out, and we changed bathrooms.”
In the aftermath of Old Main’s burning, Romig recalled how she had lost numerous items in the fire, including all of the supplies she needed to have class.
“There was nothing electronic then and my gradebook was inside, along with my books and all my notes, it went up in smoke. I had nothing left to assess my classes,” Romig said.
“I could remember roughly who was failing and who was acing my classes, but I had five classes who had around 25 students. So, I asked my students to help me reconstruct my gradebook. What was amazing was that people were so honest; they told me if they were failing, and they brought me papers that were Cs and Ds. The students weren’t going to take advantage of me, or any other professors.”
Dr. Romig worked at HPU from 1978 until her retirement in 2017. While she was there, she served under eight different HPU presidents and became the first distinguished professor of literature emerita. She believes the legacy of HPU’s most iconic building will live on long after the people who walked in it are long gone.
In 2001, Old Main Tower was constructed, which would serve as a nice tribute to Old Main and become a focal point of HPU’s main campus.
In 2022, HPU’s “new front door,”
The Newbury Family Welcome Center, was built on part of Old Main’s lawn and is adorned with another tribute to Old Main on the back patio, which is appropriately named “Old Main Porch.”
“There wasn’t going to be any saving that building.”
- Dr. Evelyn Romig
So although the original Old Main building is long gone, stories of the historic site and structure live on.
From the remains of Old Main to the new monuments, the legacy stands. The stories of those who experienced Old Main’s beauty remain a tribute to how they felt when they found out HPU’s oldest and most iconic building was gone.
Generational Ties
He said that the friendships he has made here have truly made his journey unforgettable.
“I wanted a fresh start, and it was hard at first being in the same town I pretty much grew up in all my life, but when I got here it was super easy to make a lot of friends and get involved and truly break out of my shell,” said Bowers.
Elaina Buchanan, senior allied health science major from Mineral Wells, is also a second generation HPU student. Buchanan said that HPU holds a special place in her heart not only because of her own experience here, but also because of her dad’s, and now younger sister’s, experiences.
“I have developed a deeper appreciation for the campus and its people, especially knowing that my father attended before us and my sister will still be here when I graduate in May,” said Buchanan.“This legacy of faith and values inspires me to want to leave a similar legacy for my sister and other students.”
Buchanan recalled when she was a little kid and attended events at HPU and what that means to her now.
“From a young age, I have fond memories of seeing the homecoming parade and playing on the Bell Tower lawn while my Dad was in meetings,” she said.
“After hearing all my Dad’s memories of HPU, I realized that I wanted this to be the first place I visited when looking at colleges.”
“After that visit, I kept comparing all the other schools to HPU. That is when I knew I wanted to be a Yellow Jacket. Now, as a student, I have been in the homecoming parade every year. I sit and do homework on the Bell Tower lawn, and I’m currently living out my own story at HPU like my father before me.”
Buchanan added that she cannot wait to come back to campus as an alum and bring her own kids here.
Elaina
Buchanan with dad, Nathan Buchanan ‘96
“This legacy of faith and values inspires me to want to leave a similar legacy for my sister and other students.”
- Elaina Buchanan
Patricia GaribayBartolo, senior allied health science and honors academy major from Nolanville, is a second generation student. GaribayBartolo’s mom is an HPU graduate and encouraged her to attend HPU by telling her stories of her time here.
“She influenced me to go to HPU by telling me how close-knit the community of HPU was and how that had impacted her walk with the Lord,” she said.
GaribayBartolo said that her mom being an alumna has strengthened their relationship.
“My mother became more supportive and involved at HPU again, which has allowed us to grow closer because we share the same love and passion for this school,” she said.
Legacy students have the unique opportunity to develop a special connection with not only HPU, but also their relatives. They get to share their experiences at HPU and grow in relationship because of their love for the university. Legacy students know how special HPU is when they come in.
Dr. Kalie Lowrie ‘06, associate vice president for communications and alumni engagement, said that legacy students bring knowledge of traditions and values of HPU when they come in.
“The values and mission of HPU are important, and these students help continue the legacy by having intimate knowledge of these when they begin their journey at HPU. It is really cool to see these families trust the university with their children because they had a great experience here, it has a huge impact on these students and the school,” said Lowrie.
Patricia GaribayBartolo with mom, Martha GaribayBartolo ‘93
of Payne Tradition Continues
By: Ryleigh Watson & Maddie King
The Yellow and Navy beanie tradition started when Daze of Payne began in 1923
wearing from
Daze of Payne is now a 100-year-old tradition
Daze of Payne hasn’t always been called Daze of Payne. Throughout the years it has been called various names, such as “Bootcamp” or “Roundup,” but essentially it has the same purpose - to welcome freshmen to HPU and help them get to know the upperclassmen
Chime In and Chime Out
By: Rylee McAlexander, sophomore strategic communication major
When students across campus hear the chimes toll, a distinct sound--marking a distinct moment--is etched in their memory. The Chime In and and Chime Out ceremonies commemorate both the beginning of and the culmination of students’ undergraduate experience at HPU.
The newer of the two traditions is Chime In, which started when the Wilson Gate and Walkway was completed in 2001. The memorable event is an invitation to each year’s incoming freshmen to be guided by and connect with the upperclassmen as they carry the garland through the Wilson Gate to Old Main Tower.
At the end of the ceremony,faculty, staff, family, and students pray over the incoming freshmen.
Lindsay Badgeley ‘09, director of alumni relations, didn’t think much about Chime In at the time, but now looking back at it she understands the impact it had on her life.
“I think as a freshman, I didn’t realize how symbolic Chime In was and what a huge part of HPU’s tradition I was getting to be a part of. It marked the beginning of an amazing journey,” Badgeley said.
Badgeley added that getting to walk through the Wilson Gate after her first days on campus was impactful.
“Chime In came at the end of an exciting freshman orientation week. I loved that after learning so much about HPU and its traditions, Chime In was like the final step
to officially starting my freshman year. I also loved that I walked through the gates with the person who ended up being my husband,” said Badgeley.
Badgeley added that her favorite part was the excitement of entering into a season of life that was new and exhilarating.
“I already knew HPU was where I was meant to be and traditions like Chime In helped with that,” she added.
Just as Chime In ceremoniously recognizes the upperclassmen leading the underclassmen in, the older of the two traditions, Chime Out, symbolizes the transfer of leadership from the seniors to the juniors. The tradition began in May of 1957 over 60 years ago. The first ceremony was held outside the historic Old Main building. Twenty years later the ceremony started being held on Friday evening before the graduates would walk on Saturday.
In May of 1984 after Old Main burned, Chime Out was then moved to the J. Howard Hodge Memorial Bell Towers. The Chime Out ceremony eventually moved back to the original location in 2016 and has been in the same location since.
HPU President Dr. Cory Hines, ‘97, experienced
Ceremonies Span Decades
Chime Out when he graduated and said that it is a wonderful tradition.
“My Chime Out ceremony was outside, so it was very hot – I remember that vividly,” Hines said, “It was a meaningful experience for me personally, knowing it was a tradition that preceded me and something that would last long after my graduation the next day.”
Now, as president, Hines said that it is special to see graduates and their families during Chime Out.
“Chime Out allows us the opportunity to celebrate our graduates and highlight the transfer of campus leadership to our junior class. I love getting to see our graduates in their regalia, and our families getting somewhat of a preview of commencement the next day,” said Hines.
Hines delivers the president’s address at Chime Out, sharing advice and encouragement, adding that the message varies each year.
“I ask the Lord for direction and clarity in helping me craft the message for the evening. Since we began including a worship service as a part of Jacket Journey two years ago, and I have the honor of preaching at that worship service, I feel humbled by the opportunity to put a bookend in the journey of our HPU students by preaching at Chime Out. I love the opportunity to challenge our graduates as they get ready to leave our campus and impact the world,” Hines said.
“I already knew HPU was where I was meant to be and traditions like Chime In helped with that.” - Lindsay Badgeley ‘09
FOR THE MOMENTS THAT MATTER
By: Chandler Britton, senior strategic communication
major
Heritage Rings Commemorate College Experiences
LETTER from the Editor
Becoming the editor of The Yellow Jacket has been one of the greatest experiences and achievements of my college career. When I began the position in the fall of 2023, I had no idea what the future would hold for me, the staff or the magazine.
I have had the privilege of producing two magazines, many articles and lots of social media posts while I have been editor.
I know that without HPU and the Lord’s goodness and provision in my life, I would not have been able to receive so many amazing opportunities. He has truly been the guiding light that has helped me pursue this career path.
In the time since the last magazine was published, I have been able to work for Brownwood News, The HPU Marketing and Communications Department, and as a writing and communication tutor for the Center for Student Success.
When I first began as the editor in chief, I decided I wanted to base the magazines we
Stewardship and Committed to Excellence. Dedicated to stewardship is inspired by 1 Peter 4:10.“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Committed to Excellence is inspired by 1 Corinthians 9:24. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.”
I hope that this magazine will remind everyone of HPU’s beautiful legacy that revolves around the wisdom of God. I pray the readers will find encouragement and joy in remembering the traditions that have built our school, which has shaped the foundation of our lives after college.
I am proud of this magazine, and I am thankful for the staff I have been able to work with for the last four semesters. As I prepare for graduation this May, I am hopeful for the future of The Yellow Jacket. I know I am leaving this
Senior Strategic Communication Major Howard Payne University
