Howard Payne University’s Board of Trustees has named a committee to conduct the search for the institution’s next president. The move follows the recent announcement of Dr. Bill Ellis’ upcoming retirement as president and transition to the role of chancellor.

The search committee is chaired by Dr. David Lowrie, senior pastor from Decatur and member of HPU’s Board of Trustees. Other committee members from the Board of Trustees are Ronnie D. Andrews, business executive from Houston; Marc Dingler, HPU alumnus and attorney from Midland; Carter M. Sharpe, insurance executive from Brownwood; Jonathan “Jonny” Snow, HPU alumnus and professional clothier from Dallas; and Lesley Collier Wyse, HPU alumna and retired educator from Boerne. Representing HPU employees on the committee are Dr. Kylah Clark-Goff, dean of the School of Education and professor of education; Lynn Humeniuk, director of the criminal justice program and associate professor of criminal justice and sociology; and Hunter Sims, athletic director.

“The members of this search committee have a wide range of experiences and perspectives, but they all share a heartfelt commitment to Howard Payne University,” said Pastor Ray Still, chair of HPU’s Board of Trustees. “I am confident in their ability to locate the right candidate and I appreciate their leadership through this process.”

Dr. Paul W. Armes, longtime educator, administrator and minister, will take office as HPU’s interim president on June 1.

For more information about HPU, please visit hputx.edu.