Special awards were presented at Howard Payne University’s Personnel Recognition Luncheon on Friday, April 30.
Dr. Julie Welker, professor of communication, was announced as the recipient of the “Outstanding Faculty Member Award.” The award, made possible by Underwood’s Bar-B-Q, was presented by Dr. Bill Ellis, university president, and Leo Underwood.
Randy Weehunt, director of administrative computing, was announced by Dr. Ellis as the recipient of the “Outstanding Staff Member Award.” Robert Porter presented the award, which is made possible by the Dr. Gene and Mrs. Bernice Porter family.
“Excellence in Teaching” certificates were presented to Dr. Athena Bean, assistant professor of psychology and university counselor; Lance Beaumont, assistant professor of music; Dr. Derek Smith, assistant professor of physical science; and Dr. Rusty Wheelington, assistant professor of Christian studies.
Eydie Henderson, administrative assistant for the School of Christian Studies, and Debbie Childs, facilities coordinator, were recipients of “Excellence in Service” awards.
Randy Taylor, reference and systems librarian and instructor of library science, was recognized for his retirement from the university.
The following individuals received service pins in recognition for the years of service at HPU:
Five Years: Dr. Juan Alamo – adjunct instructor of music; Corey Ash – assistant professor of music, director of bands; Cathi Ball – assistant professor of art; Jeff Bell – custodian; Dr. Mary Carpenter – assistant professor of Christian studies; Dr. Brett Coulter – associate professor of math; Steve Fanara – head football coach; Karalee Fikes – loan coordinator; Roger Geise – assistant football coach; Rebecca Mainka – clerk, copy center and mailroom; Miranda Marsh – administrative assistant, School of Music and Fine Arts; Dr. Keith Mask – associate professor of psychology; chair of the Department of Psychology and Family Studies; Shawn Matlock – adjunct instructor of psychology; Joyce Myers – grants and scholarships coordinator; Thomas Owens – general maintenance; Dennis Simons – warehouse and motor pool coordinator; Brian Street – residence hall director; and Dr. Rusty Wheelington – assistant professor of Christian studies.
Ten Years: Jerry Barnum – groundskeeper; Mary Griffin – serials coordinator and cataloging assistant; Margie Hall – custodian team leader; Kathy James – special events coordinator and executive assistant to the chief marketing officer; Dr. Brad Johnson – vice president for enrollment and student services; Kristy Mitchell – coordinator of alumni relations; Stan Peña – director of facilities and planning; Tracy Stansberry – security officer and shift leader; James Stewart – groundskeeper; and Patricia Valencia – custodian.
Fifteen Years: Wendy Grooms – associate professor of math; John Nickols – assistant professor of history and political science; Dr. Robert Tucker – dean of the School of Music and Fine Arts and Extended Education, professor of music; and Bertha Valle – office manager for the HPU El Paso Center.
Twenty Years: Brenda Brittain – executive assistant to the vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Gerry Clarkson – associate professor of physical science; Dr. Gary Gramling – director of the graduate program in youth ministry, professor of Christian studies; Dr. Peter James – professor of modern languages and chair of the Department of Modern Languages; and Patsy Weeks – program director of the Heart of Texas Literature Center.
Twenty-five Years: Mary Dunham – technical services librarian and assistant professor of library science.
Thirty Years: Dr. Robert Mangrum – professor of history and political science and university historian.
Photos by Kalie Lowrie
Top Photo: Randy Weehunt – Outstanding Staff: Robert Porter (left) presented Randy Weehunt with the 2010 “Outstanding Staff Award.” This award is made possible by the Dr. Gene and Mrs. Bernice Porter family.
Bottom Photo: Dr. Julie Welker – Outstanding Faculty: Leo Underwood presented Dr. Julie Welker with the 2010 “Outstanding Faculty Award” on Friday, April 30, during Howard Payne University’s Personnel Recognition Luncheon. This award is made possible by Underwood’s Bar-B-Q of Brownwood.
