Howard Payne University
Howard Payne University is a private Baptist university in Brownwood, Texas, United States. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Howard Payne College was founded by Noah T. Byers and John David Robnett in 1889. The institution is named for its first major benefactor, Edward Howard Payne, who was the brother-in-law of Robnett. Athletic programs include NCAA Division III football, baseball, softball, women's volleyball, men and women's soccer, basketball and tennis. The HPU mascot is a yellow jacket named "Buzzsaw". The university also has extension centers located in New Braunfels, Texas and in El Paso, Texas. Founding and history On June 20, 1889, Howard Payne College was founded at Indian Creek by members of the Pecan Valley Baptist Association, Noah T. Byers and John David Robnett. It was named for its first financial benefactor and Robnett's brother-in-law, Edward Howard Payne. The first classes at HPC were held in 1890, with the first degree being granted in 1895 to Robnett. In 1915, the yellow jacket was chosen by Carrie (Camp) Allen as the university mascot. Thomas H. Taylor led the university through the Great Depression, which began just two months into his presidency. Robert Mangrum, university historian of