HPU honors Central Texas J.R. Beadel Foundation, Inc., at Robnett Founders Dinner

March 29, 2025 at 7:00 am Updated: March 31st, 2025 at 10:15 am Derrick Stuckly

Local News

The Central Texas J.R. Beadel Foundation, Inc., was this year’s recipient of HPU’s Dr. John D. Robnett Founders Award. Pictured with Dr. Cory Hines ’97, HPU president (right), is Robert Porter, board member of the foundation.

Howard Payne University hosted the third annual Robnett Founders Dinner on March 27. The Central Texas J.R. Beadel Foundation, Inc. was honored as the recipient of the 2025 Dr. John D. Robnett Founders Award. More than $206,000 was raised from the event to benefit student scholarships. The event hosted 400 attendees with 52 tables sponsored by supporters. The event was held in the Brownwood Event Center.

“The J.R. Beadel Foundation has made an incredible impact in this community and we were honored to recognize them with the Robnett Founders Award,” said Dr. Cory Hines ’97, HPU president. “We are grateful for the investment the foundation has made on the HPU community through many capital projects and student scholarships. I also would like to express appreciation to our generous supporters who believe in the mission of providing Christ-centered, quality education for students in Brownwood.

James R. Beadel established the Central Texas Foundation, Inc., for the purpose of supporting, “religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes and for the prevention of cruelty to children.” In addition, the foundation “shall strive among other things to give assistance to education, scientific, historical, medical and other qualified institutions doing charitable and research work.” Through the years, the Central Texas J.R. Beadel Foundation, Inc., has given over $8,670,000 to charitable causes throughout Brown County and surrounding areas.

The generosity of the Central Texas J.R. Beadel Foundation, Inc., has provided for campus improvements at HPU through many capital projects, including the Newbury Family Welcome Center and the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom. In addition, numerous students have benefited from scholarships awarded and funds provided for the campus nurses’ office.

Robert Porter, chair of the Beadel Foundation, accepted the award on behalf of the foundation.

The two HPU alumni who served as keynote speakers for the event were Dr. Mary Scott Nabers, president/CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI), and Isaac Sommers ’18, a graduate of Harvard Law School and current employee of Ropes & Gray’s Washington, D.C. Other individuals participating in the program were Dr. Hines; Bob James, morning show host, 96.9 KQBZ The Breeze; Marc Dingler ’84, HPU trustee; Sadie Willie, a senior Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and jurisprudence major; Bryson Monroe, a junior kinesiology major; and Bob Knoll ’82, HPU trustee.

Providing music was the Heritage Chapel band. The group was led by Dr. Christopher Rosborough ’08, associate professor of music, director of choral activities and chair of the Department of Music. The event was catered by Sodexo.

The Robnett Founders Dinner was established to honor an individual or organization which has made a major impact on the university and in the furthering of its work in the lives of students. Proceeds from the dinner each year, named in memory of Dr. John David Robnett, a founder of HPU, benefit a major project at the university. Student scholarships were the project of focus for this year’s event, and several members of the Robnett family were in attendance.

HPU expresses its appreciation to the event’s sponsors for helping to make the dinner a success.

The Platinum Sponsor was Waldrop Construction.

Gold Sponsors were Mr. Jay & Mrs. Jenny Allison; Brookshire’s Grocery; Bruner Toyota; Mr. Mickey ’80 & Mrs. Pam Cunningham; Mr. Woody ’80 & Mrs. Miki ’80 Martin; Mr. Bob ’82 and Mrs. Gerrie Knoll ’82; Mr. Ben & Mrs. Bertha Mieth; Dr. Mary Scott Nabers; The Sparrow Charitable Foundation; and Texas Baptists.

Silver Sponsors were Mr. Steve & Mrs. Teresa Beal; Mr. Tim ’95 and Mrs. Michelle Brasher; Mr. Rodney & Mrs. Debra Cavett; Mr. Mike ’72 & Mrs. Elizabeth Cochran; Mr. David & Mrs. Wendy Grooms; Mr. Neal ’66 & Mrs. Sharon Mitchell ’65 Guthrie; Dr. Cory ’97 & Mrs. Melinda Hines; Oakwood Baptist Church, New Braunfels; Mr. David & Mrs. Cindy Robnett; Dr. Leonard & Mrs. Dolores Underwood; Mr. James ’70 & Mrs. Jeanie ’70 Williamson.

Navy Sponsors were Alvarez Drywall & Acoustics, Inc.; Mr. Daniel ’08 & Mrs. Emily ’09 Attaway; Mr. Charles & Mrs. Patricia Boland; Citizens National Bank, Brownwood; Rev. L.J. Jr. ’78 & Mrs. Lori ’76 Clayton; Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, Dennard Electric; Dr Pepper Bottling Co.; Ms. Stephany Elliott; Ellucian; First Baptist Church Brownwood; Guidestone Financial Resources; Mr. Wayne & Mrs. Kara Hamilton; Hendrick Health; HighGround Advisors; Jones Carpet; Kohler, Inc.; Dr. Dan & Mrs. Cynthia ’76 Locker; Dr. Ben ’04 & Mrs. Ashley Martin; MCBank; Dr. James ’69 & Mrs. Pat ’70 McGlothlin; Dr. Dale ’98 & Mrs. Christy ’98 Meinecke; Mr. Jake Montoya ’73; Mr. Robert Morrison ’82; Dr. Nathan & Mrs. Kristina Penland; PF&E Oil Company, Calvin Fryar ’60; Mr. Robert & Mrs. Sally Porter; Mr. Marlon ’90 & Mrs. Sherry Prichard; Texans On Mission; TexasBank; Texas GoldStar Real Estate; Mr. Mike ’69 & Mrs. Sandra Turner.

Details about the fourth annual Robnett Founders Dinner will be announced in spring 2026. To make a gift for student scholarships, please visit www.hputx.edu/give.