HPU dedicates new Mieth Outdoor Pavilion and Martin Volleyball Courts

BROWNWOOD – April 28, 2025 – A special dedication ceremony and ribbon cuttings were held on April 26 for the new Ben and Bertha Mieth Outdoor Pavilion and Woody and Miki Martin Volleyball Courts on the HPU campus. The new facilities are located between Veda Hodge Hall and the J. Howard Hodge Bell Towers.

“We are so grateful for the Mieth and Martin families and their investment in the student experience at HPU,” said Dr. Cory Hines, university president. “These state-of-the-art facilities on our campus will allow for wonderful gatherings for students, alumni and the community, as well as provide competitive space for our new beach volleyball team.”

Ben and the late Bertha Mieth gave the lead gift for the 8,700 square foot pavilion, which is named in their honor. The couple were married for 71 years and devoted their lives to serving the Lord. Ben is the founder of International Commission, an organization that has reached millions for Christ since its founding in 1972. They have three children, six grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren.

Key features of the new 8,700 square foot Mieth Pavilion include space for a gathering of 250-300 people; technology with 10 outdoor televisions and a 12×16-foot video wall; commercial grade kitchen with gas grill, sinks and refrigerators; a storage area; restrooms; and a serving area for food. The video package will allow student and community groups the opportunity to host movie nights, stream HPU athletic competitions and host large watch parties.

Woody ’80 and Miki ’80 Martin gave the lead gift for the new sand volleyball courts connected to the pavilion. Miki is the daughter of Ben and Bertha Mieth and played volleyball at HPU during her time as a student. The Martins are both alumni of HPU and retired educators who spent their careers in teaching, coaching and administrative roles. They have two children and three grandchildren.

The three NCAA-regulation beach volleyball courts will be used for the launch of beach volleyball at HPU in the fall of 2025 with competition beginning in the spring of 2026. The courts will also be available for intramurals, student events and community gatherings. HPU recently hired alumna Micah Taylor to serve as the first beach volleyball coach.

Program participants for the dedication ceremony included Dr. Hines; Dr. Nathan Penland, vice president for student experience; Ben Mieth; Woody and Miki Martin; and Taylor. Following the dedication, HPU Fest was held on the grounds for students with 15 teams competing in a volleyball tournament.

“I am so excited for the Mieth Pavilion and Martin Volleyball Courts,” said Dr. Penland. “Our students will utilize this space daily in both recreational and varsity athletic competitions. I am so grateful to these families for their generosity in supporting the student experience.”

This is an initiative to improve the student experience, attract and retain students, and provide additional community spaces for both the HPU family and the Brown County area. The project was built by Brasher & Co., a local outdoor specialist company based in Early.

For information about giving opportunities for this project and other campus initiatives, visit www.hputx.edu/give.

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Cutline 1: Pictured left to right: Deaven Connelly, HPU student; members of the Mieth family including Charis Mayton, Rodney and Debra Cavitt, Ben Mieth, Miki and Woody Martin, Sarah Martin; and Brylee Awbrey, HPU student.

Cutline 2: Pictured left to right: Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president; members of the Martin family including Rylan, Leander, Woody, Miki, Sarah, Brinson, Ashley and Dr. Ben Martin; and Melinda Hines, HPU first lady.

Cutline 3: Woody and Miki Martin (left) are pictured with Micah Taylor (right), HPU’s new beach volleyball coach.

Cutline 4: The Office of Student Experience hosted HPU Fest to celebrate the opening of the new Mieth Pavilion and Martin Volleyball Courts.