BROWNWOOD, Texas — An honorary doctorate was presented to a former Howard Payne University trustee at the first of two commencement ceremonies May 11.
Ray Still, senior pastor at Oakwood Baptist Church in New Braunfels and former HPU trustee, was given an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree after a unanimous vote of the university’s board of trustees. The university says the presentation of the honorary doctorate was the first of the presidential tenure of Dr. Cory Hines, which began in 2019.
“I was honored to have the opportunity to recognize Pastor Ray Still for his commitment to Christ, Christian higher education and, specifically, Howard Payne University,” Hines said. “He is a devout Christian and a true leader in all aspects of his life. As stated in the citation presented to Pastor Still during the ceremony, he served Howard Payne well and is a true reflection of the university’s Core Values: Centered on Christ, Focused on Community, Called to Service, Committed to Excellence, and Dedicated to Stewardship.”
Still served on HPU’s board of trustees from 2014 to 2023, including as chairman of the board from 2018-2019. He was also an integral voice in welcoming and promoting Howard Payne University’s New Braunfels Center.
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