Howard Payne University recently began renovations on Veda Hodge Hall, the female residence hall on campus. The renovation project is estimated to cost a total of $4 million and will include new bathrooms, featuring a bathtub in each suite, fresh paint and new flooring.

“We are excited about the opportunity to renovate this pivotal building on our campus,” said Dr. Cory Hines, university president. “Students spend a significant amount of their time in our residence halls and we want to provide a high quality on-campus living experience for them.”

This year, $2 million in renovations will take place on the east wing of the building. Female residents will occupy the west wing of the building while the renovations take place. Then, the remaining $2 million of the project will be completed on the other side of the building during the 2025-2026 academic year. This is the second set of recent updates to Veda Hodge Hall, following renovations to the lobby which were completed in 2020.

Veda Hodge Hall was built in 1955 and has been in continuous use on the campus for 69 years. It was named for the late Dr. Veda Hodge, an alumna, trustee and benefactor of the university.

Giving opportunities are available for individuals who would like to contribute to the project. Room sponsorships are available for $25,000 per room. Contributions of $1,000 and more will also be recognized on a plaque in the first-floor lobby.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for alumni and friends to support the student experience at HPU,” said Dr. Dale Meinecke, vice president for advancement. “It is in the spaces of Veda Hodge Hall that lifelong connections are formed and the faith of our students is strengthened.”

The renovation is part of an ongoing effort to transform spaces on the HPU campus to enhance the student experience. Last summer, bathroom renovations were made in Jennings Hall, one of the male residence halls. Updates were also made recently to Taylor Hall, the other male residence hall. Additionally, extensive renovations took place in all three buildings of the Newbury Place Apartments, an on-campus residence area for upperclassmen. Over the past five years, more than $16 million has been invested into renovations across campus and to athletic facilities.

For more information on giving opportunities, visit www.hputx.edu/give or contact the Advancement Office at 325-649-8048.