The fall 2014 semester at Howard Payne University brought nine new faculty members to the HPU classrooms.
“We’re very blessed at HPU to have an outstanding and dedicated group of faculty serving our students,” said Dr. W. Mark Tew, provost and chief academic officer. “We’re confident these individuals are of the same caliber and we’re delighted to welcome them to the university.”Joining the faculty this semester are Scott Eddy, Dr. Richard Fiese, Dr. Adrian Gil, Dr. Debra Powell, Alexia Riggs, Dr. Nancy Romig, Shawntay Sparks-Hubbard, Kay Teague and Shannon Turner.
Scott Eddy, instructor of mathematics, received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Youngstown State University in 2009 and 2011. His experience includes serving as a math assessment writer, 2012-2014; part-time instructor at Kent State University, 2011-2013; and graduate assistant at Youngstown State University, 2009-2011.
Dr. Richard Fiese is the new dean of HPU’s School of Music and Fine Arts and professor of music. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1980 and his Master of Music and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Miami in 1986 and 1989. Dr. Fiese’s previous experience includes serving as professor in music education at Houston Baptist University, 2000-2014; associate professor of music education at the University of Miami, 1995-2000; associate professor of music education at the University of Houston, 1989-1995; and director of bands at Henry L. West Laboratory School in Coral Gables, Fla., 1986-1989.
Dr. Adrian Gil serves as the new director of HPU’s El Paso Center and as an associate professor of business. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (1996), Master of Business Administration (2000) and Doctor of Philosophy degrees (2009) from The University of Texas at El Paso. His previous experience includes serving as assistant professor of management at the University of Houston, 2010-2014; associate instructor of management at The University of Texas at El Paso, 2004-2009; research assistant at The University of Texas at El Paso, 2004-2005; production control manager at A.O. Smith Water Heaters, 2002-2004; and purchasing/materials manager at Air System Components, Inc., 1998-2002.
Dr. Debra Powell, previously an adjunct instructor at HPU’s New Braunfels Center, now serves as assistant professor of business administration at the Brownwood campus. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from McMurry University in 1987, her Master of Business Administration degree from Hardin-Simmons University in 1990 and her Doctor of Business Administration degree from Argosy University in 2013. Her experience includes serving as an online facilitator at the Art Institute Online, 2006-present; adjunct in business administration at HPU, 2007 and 2013-2014; fashion and retail management faculty member at Art Institute of Austin, 2008-2010; visiting instructor at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 2005-2006; and various positions, including managerial, at J.C. Penney Co. in various cities, 1988-2004.
