Howard Payne University Hosted Leadership Lunch

The event brought together Brownwood business and civic leaders for a keynote address on industry management.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Philanthropy

Bold vector illustration of a collegiate stone archway next to an empty wooden table, representing professional networking. — Howard Payne University hosted its annual Community Leadership Lunch at the Mabee Center, fostering professional connections between local business leaders and the academic institution. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Howard Payne University held its annual Community Leadership Lunch and Learn event in the Mabee Center. The gathering focused on building relationships between the university and local organizations.

Why it matters

The event aims to strengthen professional connections between the institution and Brownwood community members. By hosting industry leaders, the university fosters a collaborative environment for regional development.

The university supports students through 100 academic majors, minors, and programs. Founded in 1889, the school continues to facilitate local professional engagement through its annual leadership forums.

The players

Howard Payne University

This private university located in Brownwood, Texas, offers over 100 academic programs to its students.

Doug Foster

He is the current principal and CEO of NovaLex Consulting and previously served as the first chief marketing officer for 7-Eleven.

The details

Doug Foster, the CEO of NovaLex Consulting, provided the keynote presentation at the Bullion Suites. Attendees included representatives from more than a dozen area businesses and civic groups who gathered to exchange insights.

The leadership event was held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

Market Landscape

This initiative follows the pattern set by the American Council on Education's community engagement framework, which encourages universities to serve as regional hubs for local economic and leadership development. Such events allow academic institutions to better align their resources with the specific workforce needs of local businesses.

Local business leaders and civic organizations gain direct access to university resources and expertise through these networking opportunities. Residents benefit from the stronger alignment between the regional workforce and the institution.

The takeaway

Building strong ties between academic institutions and local industry can create a more resilient regional economy. Professionals interested in regional development should prioritize attending these networking events to stay updated on industry best practices.