On Tuesday, July 9, College of the Ozarks proudly dedicated the President’s Popcorn Machine, a heartfelt gift from Dr. Don Newbury, President Emeritus of Howard Payne University. The dedication ceremony, held at the C of O president’s home on campus, honored Newbury’s unique tradition of fostering community and connection through his beloved popcorn machine.
Dr. Newbury, affectionately known as the “Popcorn President” throughout his years as a college president and chancellor, earned the moniker by using his popcorn machine as a prop at speaking engagements across Texas and beyond. He also used it on campus to welcome students for conversation and connection, impacting C of O President Dr. Brad Johnson as he began his own higher education career and Laura Lacey Johnson, now C of O First Lady, as a Howard Payne University student. His popcorn, dubbed “Chancellor Corn” after becoming chancellor, symbolizes warmth, community and joy.
The dedication event began with a warm welcome from Dr. Johnson and Laura Johnson, who shared personal anecdotes about Dr. Newbury’s mentorship and friendship. Dr. Johnson recounted his first job interview with Dr. Newbury at Howard Payne University, expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity and guidance he received.
“Dr. Newbury, you and Brenda set the tone for us early on in our careers as a President and First Lady who loved students and helped them feel seen, heard and known,” Dr. Johnson said.
Laura Lacey Johnson, an alumna of Howard Payne University, spoke fondly of her experiences under Dr. Newbury’s leadership, highlighting his compassionate and student-centered approach, which included making it known that any time the porch light was on at the president’s house, students were invited to drop by for popcorn and conversation. “That hospitality spoke to me that he really cared about students,” Mrs. Johnson said.
Dr. Newbury, in turn, shared his memories of the Johnsons and of events in his own life that led to his approach to connecting with people. His remarks were sprinkled with nuggets of wisdom, often hilariously worded, that made it immediately obvious why he was a favorite with students and staff alike.
As the highlight of the ceremony, Dr. Newbury officially passed the popcorn scoop to Dr. Johnson, symbolizing the continuation of the popcorn tradition at College of the Ozarks. Dr. Newbury expressed his pleasure in knowing that the machine would find a new home where it could continue to bring people together in a community committed to faith and education.
“I am pleased that the popcorn machine will have a new home where the Lord is exalted, and where College of the Ozarks students, alumni and friends will enjoy popcorn as much as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches,” Dr. Newbury said, referring to another staple in the typical student diet.
“I never imagined this event would be taking place,” said Dr. Johnson. “The College of the Ozarks is already a place of community, and this ceremony represents still another community-building tradition.”
The Johnsons will be assisted in the practicalities of the relationship-building tradition of the popcorn machine by students in the Student Ambassador Program, coordinated by Mrs. Lily Peterson, administrative assistant in the President’s office at C of O. The ambassador program facilitates recruitment and relationships locally and nationwide.
The ceremony concluded with a benediction before the guests adjourned to enjoy—you guessed it—peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and of course, popcorn.
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