This year’s installment of Howard Payne University’s Community Leadership Lunch and Learn series featured a presentation by leadership coach and consultant Casey Merrifield, Ph.D., of Elk City, Oklahoma. The event was held Tuesday, September 26, in the Bullion Suites of HPU’s Mabee University Center.

Pictured at HPU’s recent Community Leadership Lunch and Learn event are, from left, Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president; Dr. Casey Merrifield, the event’s speaker; and Superior Essex Communications Title Sponsors Jeffrey Buck, director of operations, Brownwood, and April Wyatt, national account manager.

Dr. Merrifield, co-founder and ­partner of ConneXtion Worldwide, provided a presentation on how to be an effective leader. More information about Dr. Merrifield and ConneXtion Worldwide is available at www.connextionworldwide.com.

Proceeds from the annual event support student scholarships at HPU. This year’s title sponsor was Superior Essex Communications. The Sumners Foundation was the presenting sponsor. Table sponsors were 3M Brownwood; Ann Jones Real Estate; Mark T. Bessent, Attorney-CPA; Citizens National Bank; Dr Pepper; Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood; Kohler Co.; MCBank; Painter & Johnson Financial – Smith & Sharpe Insurance Agency; Robnett Integra Insurance Services; TexasBank; Texas-Clean, Inc.; Texas Goldstar Real Estate; The Hideout Golf Club and Resort; and Wendlee Broadcasting.

Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president, said Dr. Merrifield’s presentation was enjoyable and enriching, and he offered his thanks to those who invested in HPU’s students by serving as sponsors of the event.

“I enjoyed hearing Dr. Merrifield’s insights,” said Dr. Hines. “Her presentation was informative and inspirational, and I appreciate Superior Essex Communications, the Sumners Foundation and all our table sponsors for helping to make this a successful event.”

For details regarding the next Community Leadership Lunch and Learn or for information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Laura Benoit, special assistant to the president at lbenoit@hputx.edu or 325-649-8043. Details regarding the next Community Leadership Lunch and Learn event will be announced in summer 2024.