HBU's "A Higher Education" and the Return on Investment

The News Magazine of HCU

Investing in Students

One of the draws of a Houston-based university for Dipasupil was the ability to work and train in the Texas Medical Center, the largest healthcare hub in the world. Likewise, students majoring in other disciplines have access to the many business and arts resources of the bustling Bayou City.

“The only college that I really wanted to go to was HBU,” Dipasupil said. “It was my first choice. It’s an investment, but it’s the quality of education at HBU that is important.”

Thankfully, students and families aren’t the only ones making an important investment of time and resources. Classes at HBU average about 25 students. Faculty and staff members are known for being engaging and accessible.

David Hao, dean of the Department of Student Success & Advising, said the University values creating relationships with students through initiatives like the Academic Success Center, TRIO Student Success Program and the First-Year Success Program.

On a daily basis, students pour into the first floor of the Moody Library. There, they receive tutoring and academic advising, as well as access a slew of resources to help them succeed in each area of college life and career preparation.

“Due to partnerships and working together internally, we can reach students in a more personal and innovative way,” Margaret Humphreys, director of the Academic Success Center said. “Some places may have one layer of support, but here we have multiple layers, including faculty, and staff members like advisors and success coaches. Students are reached holistically.”

Whether students need tutoring for one of 90 different courses, want to find out what organizations are available on campus, or just need to work through challenges, they aren’t left to navigate the next steps alone.

“We really have students at the center of everything we do,” Hao said.

For students like Garima Malhotra, on a pre-med track, the ability to have a well-rounded college experience made HBU attractive. The dancer, pianist, community volunteer and second-degree black belt in Taekwondo was looking for more than just an academically rich environment. She also wanted to be part of a thriving community.

“I’m a recipient of the Founder’s Scholarship,” she said. “The scholarship encouraged me to explore HBU more by meeting with professors, taking campus tours and attending a variety of events. In my opinion, education is not only something that trains, qualifies and prepares you for working and making a living, but it also enhances your personality. Education gives you a platform on which you can develop your skills and competencies to excel, not only professionally, but also personally.”

HBU President Dr. Robert Sloan said connections with peers, faculty and organizations are primary considerations in school selection.

“Choosing a university includes qualitative things,” he said. “It’s sort of like a covenantal relationship: who will be my friends and my family? The personal networks and associations are important in providing fulfillment, ongoing development and opportunities.”

To learn more about HBU’s programs for student success, visit: HC.edu/student-success

Why Choose a School Like HBU

An often-underplayed consideration of college and university selection is the importance of the atmosphere and its espoused worldviews, Steen said. Christian students who attend secular colleges have many additional challenges to add to the normal tasks of adjusting to college life and excelling in coursework.

“I think sometimes parents value the Christian environment of HBU even more than the students do. We know that a lot of students who come from Christian backgrounds and call themselves Christian, after four years in a secular institution, sometimes have a lesser commitment to their faith,” Steen said. “It really is the whole experience that we value and excel in. We desire for students to not only grow and be challenged academically, but also spiritually, intellectually, socially and even physically. The spiritual component is one we take very seriously, and we hope that all of our students are much more rooted and grounded in their faith when they leave.”

Sloan said it shouldn’t be assumed that belief systems are simply absent from secular universities, or that they present neutral viewpoints about the world.

“Every university should commit to providing a quality education; none should commit to brainwashing, which happens at many secular institutions,” he said. “The values and belief systems that are communicated ought to be one of the primary considerations for students. Not all institutions and professors and curriculums are the same.”

Emma Perry chose HBU largely for the environment.

“I was offered a very generous scholarship, and that definitely was a factor,” she said. “But even if I hadn’t received it, I think HBU would still have been a good option.”

Perry had the chance to visit classes and talk with several professors before she made her decision to come to HBU.

“I could’ve studied ancient languages somewhere else, but wanted to come to a university that taught and studied it from a biblical worldview, because I want to teach from that view in the future as well,” she said.

Espinoza said she liked the chance to learn more about God and the Bible.

“It takes some stress away knowing it’s not only all about math, science, English and history, but I also get to take classes to learn more about what I love,” she said. “I love Jesus.”

Students are able to attend convocation, or chapel, once per week. All students are required to take at least six hours of Christianity courses.

Steen notes that some students do not embrace the Christian faith, but are warmly accepted into the HBU community. Faculty and staff members are believers from varying Christian denominations and backgrounds.

“Not only are we in a major city, but I think it’s unique that we have the diversity we have as a comprehensive university serving Houston, Texas and beyond,” Steen said. “We make sure that students get a solid degree that allows them to go to the next level — a profession or graduate school. Students who are graduating are definitely being successful, contributing to society, becoming influencers, making a difference and growing in their faith.”

Perry keeps the larger purpose of her college experience in mind.

“I think beyond just seeing education as merely a way to get a job and make money in the world, I see education as preparing for the vocation that God has given us— whether that be a teacher, nurse, engineer or doctor,” she said. “I believe that God has planned out our vocations through eternity past, and He has planned our way to carry that out. I see education as investing in the future by giving us the ability to live out God’s call on our lives.”

Sloan said investing in a degree at HBU simply adds up.

“The kind of education, the networks and family you’re joining and the financial support all go together to make a private school education worthwhile,” he said. “An HBU education is very attainable and more doable than many may realize. Families should make an honest comparison and consider all of those things.”

Learn more by visiting HC.edu/Admissions.