Howard Payne University receives $3 million grant to support Hispanic and under-served students

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 Howard Payne University will receive a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education over the next five years as a part of the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) program. This grant, which is the largest in university history, will be used to assist Hispanic and under-served students through a variety of programs. The DHSI program is an initiative that focuses on creating environments that support students and families of Hispanic backgrounds, built on four pillars: bridge, success, connection and completion.

“This grant is a tremendous opportunity for HPU which will provide long-term impact for our students,” said Dr. Cory Hines, university president. “We are thrilled to be able to serve our Hispanic students in new ways and provide valuable resources for them to succeed in their educational pursuits. During opening session this fall, our staff and faculty prayed together that we would receive the grant, knowing the importance and the high impact it would have for HPU students. We are grateful to the Lord for this answer to prayer. This is yet another indication of God’s favor and blessing on our institution.”

The HPU program, named “Centro de Exito” or Center for [Student] Success, will impact all areas of the HPU campus, including enrollment, academics, career services and more.

Funds from the grant will be used to support the new Center for Student Success (CSS) at HPU, which includes academic coaching, peer tutoring, learning assistance services, academic testing, academic advising and mentoring. Three HPU faculty recently obtained academic coaching certification from the Association of Coaching and Tutoring Professionals to provide services to students. Programs will be targeted to support Hispanic and under-served students through the CSS, with emphasis on first and second-year experiences.

Additionally, HPU will develop a Summer Bridge Program to assist incoming students with tools to succeed before they begin college. Career service programs will be developed for undergraduate to graduate students. Funds will also be used for faculty and staff professional development, software updates and campus renovations.

“This grant provides momentum to further the emphasis on student success that has been initiated on campus,” said Dr. Donnie Auvenshine, vice president for academic affairs. “Throughout the implementation of the grant, we look forward to an increase in enrollment and retention, increased graduation rates and a higher sense of belonging among students across campus.”

HPU was named a Hispanic Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education in 2022. Currently, more than 25 percent of the student body is Hispanic. The designation allows HPU to expand financial aid options and support for Hispanic students, including grants such as the DHSI. The HPU program consisted of a 56-page application submitted in June 2023, in partnership with MaryGrove Consulting, to the Department of Education.