Hall completes triple crown with inauguration at Howard Payne_111003

Posted: 11/07/03

Hall completes triple crown with inauguration at Howard Payne

BROWNWOOD–Lanny Hall made history Oct. 17 when he was inaugurated as Howard Payne University's 18th president and became the first person to serve as president of three Texas Baptist universities.

Previously, Hall was president of Wayland Baptist University and president and chancellor of Hardin-Simmons University.

“Howard Payne is a special place, and I am here for a purpose,” Hall told the 850 people attending the inauguration ceremony.

He pledged to work to increase enrollment to 2,000 students, continue providing technology enhancements in academic programs, build the institution's endowment and raise funds for scholarships, student housing and other facilities.

Howard Payne trustee Rudy Camacho, first vice president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, greets President Hall at the inauguration. (Dumas Photography Photos)

“I truly believe our university stands at the threshold of a new period of hope, growth and opportunity,” Hall said.

The day's events began with a prayer service at 8 a.m. in the University Chapel. The inauguration ceremony took place at 2:30 p.m. on the lawn north of Old Main Tower Plaza and was followed by a community reception.

Hall, who assumed his duties as president in March, is in the 32nd year of his career in education and government. In addition to his positions in higher education, Hall has served as a public school teacher, a congressional aide, deputy executive secretary of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and, for five years, a member of the Texas House of Representatives.

In the Texas House, he served on the Appropriations, Higher Education, Public Education, Rules and Resolutions, and Transportation committees. During the 68th Session, he served as chairman for budget and oversight of the Transportation Committee. While in the Legislature, he wrote legislation in the areas of transportation, education and health care.

Hall's current service at HPU marks the third time he has served as an administrator at the Brownwood school. He served as executive vice president and chief academic officer from 1986 to 1989 and returned for five weeks during the summer of 2002 to serve as acting president.

Lanny Hall and his wife, Carol.

He first visited the campus in 1964 when, as a ninth-grade student, he attended a student council workshop.

Bud Stephens, pastor of Lifeway Bible Church and an HPU trustee, presided at the one-hour prayer service. He has known Hall for 17 years. Stephens was a graduate student at Hardin-Simmons University while Hall served as president there.

The inauguration was held at Old Main Tower Plaza.

Prayers were led by campus leaders and friends–Carrie Dubuque, Steve McMeans, Frankie Rainey and Robert Smith.

A devotional message on prayer was delivered by Donald Williford, associate vice president for academic affairs and professor of New Testament at Hardin-Simmons University. Williford is a 1970 graduate of HPU.

Donnie Auvenshine, vice president for academic affairs, presided at the afternoon inaugural. Delegates from 60 colleges and universities were recognized.

Congratulatory greetings were delivered by eight individuals: David Fair, a member of the Brownwood City Council; Victor Carrillo, chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission; Keith Bruce, director of institutional ministries for the Baptist General Convention of Texas; Bob Riley, president of East Texas Baptist University; Jeremy Barnes, student body president; Glenda Huff, director of financial aid; Elizabeth Wallace, president of the faculty assembly; and Greg Collins, president of the HPU Alumni Association.

HPU Chancellor Don Newbury presented the chancellor's charge. Trustee Richard Jackson offered a prayer for the president.

Trustee Chairman Walter Wilson presided at the formal investiture, presenting Hall with the presidential medallion.