Howard Payne University

Howard Payne University is a private university in Brownwood, Texas, United States. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Noah T. Byers and John David Robnett founded Howard Payne College in 1889. It was named for its first major benefactor, Edward Howard Payne, who was Robnett's brother-in-law. Athletic programs include NCAA Division III football, baseball, softball, women's volleyball, men's and women's soccer, basketball and tennis. The HPU mascot is a yellow jacket named "Buzzsaw". The university also has extension centers in New Braunfels, Texas and in El Paso, Texas.