Howard Payne University history

HPC held its first classes in 1890 and five years later granted its first degree to J.D. Robnett.

The Lasso has been published on an annual basis since 1912 by the students of Howard Payne, under the auspices of the School.

In 1915, the yellow jacket was chosen by Carrie (Camp) Allen as the university mascot.

The 1918 issue is in a soft cover format, and has smaller dimensions than the regular Lassos.

The 1918 issue is in a soft cover format, and has smaller dimensions than the regular Lassos. It was published under the title "Hooverlasso", citing "financial conditions caused by the war." The 1922 issue also has a soft binding, and was published under the title "The Yellow Jacket", again citing budget restrictions.

According to Doctor Robert Mangrum, HPU historian, it was made apparent to Doctor Taylor at the 1930 Texas Baptist convention that the BGCT had decided to close the institution due to an inability to continue funding.

In 1953, Daniel Baker College, a Presbyterian college located in Brownwood and founded in the same year as Howard Payne, consolidated with HPC. After leading the college through the hardship of the Great Depression and helping the campus expand, Doctor Taylor retired as president.

Due to his penchant for sharing popcorn with students from home neat campus, he is fondly remembered as the “Popcorn President.” Also, during Doctor Newbury’s presidency, the university announced a newly designed mascot, “Buzzsaw,” in 1996.

Additionally, the university began restoring the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom’s wings in 2020.