Howard Payne University will confer the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree on Gary R. Price, of Brownwood, during Commencement on Saturday, December 11. The event will be held at 10 a.m. in the Brownwood Coliseum. The honorary doctorate is the highest honor the university can bestow upon an individual.
A 1960 graduate of Howard Payne University, Price went on to earn the Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Baylor University School of Law.
Attorney at Law and Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Association, Price is board certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Specialization and has actively engaged in the private practice of law for more than 40 years. Price served two four-year terms as District Attorney of the 35th Judicial District of Texas as well as a four-year term as County Attorney of Brown County.
One of the most significant accomplishments in his career is the creation of the Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG), which helps offset the difference in tuition rates between private and state institutions of higher education in Texas. Price conceived the idea, wrote the legislation and enlisted support for the TEG, which was ultimately passed by the Texas Legislature in 1971. Since its passing, three quarters of a million needy students in Texas have had improved access to private higher education. In 2010 alone, more than $101 million was allocated for students in Texas’ participating institutions, with more than $1.3 million benefiting students at HPU.
Because of his significant involvement in this legislation, he has been recognized with Resolutions by the Texas House of Representatives in 1991 and 2001, a special citation from the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT) and a plaque of appreciation by the Church Related Colleges of Texas.
“Many may not realize the significance of this legislation and the impact that it has had upon multitudes of students seeking degrees from private education institutions,” said Dr. Ellis. “Gary Price is truly a champion for the world of higher education.”
Price has remained dedicated to his alma mater including service as a member of the HPU Board of Trustees, the President’s Development Council and the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom Board of Directors. He is the recipient of the HPU Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Outstanding Jacket Backer Award. Price is also a former president of the HPU Jacket Century Club.
A native of Brownwood and graduate of Brownwood High School, Price has been very involved in the community throughout the years. He has served as a member and president of the Brown County Bar Association and the Brownwood Jaycees. He is also a former director of the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce, the Heart of Texas Girl Scout Council and TexasBank of Brownwood.
Price and his wife, Jarene, have two sons: Kent, married to Melissa, and Waren, married to Eren. They also have four grandchildren: Thomas, Loree, Jackson and Wyatt. He is an avid tennis player and they are active members of the First Baptist Church of Brownwood.
