The Yellow Jacket

About the Collection

The Yellow Jacket began publication in September, 1923, named to identify with the college mascot, the Yellow Jacket. The format and size of the newspaper has varied over time as has the publication schedule. The Yellow Jacket newspaper has been published since 1924 [sic 1923] with that name in the masthead. The format and size of the newspaper has varied over time as has the publication schedule. In some years, the paper was sold while, in other years, the paper was free. Many journalism students got their start in their newspaper careers working for the campus paper, including Dr. Don Newbury, who was a sports reporter during his stay at HPC and Sports Information Director before gravitating toward Higher education. Another noted author who contributed cartoons and short stories to the Yellow Jacket newspaper was famed writer Robert E. Howard.

Papers were issued by semesters. Many years include an April Fool Day issue, which contains ludicrous headlines and sometimes upside down pages. A few April Fool Day issues were given other titles, such as The Dirt Dobber and The Jelly Bean. Issues from the 1980s have a supplemental section of student writings and art entitled "The Sting". Some have special sections devoted to Homecoming, notably "Glimpses" from 1994, "HPU Station" from 1995/96 and "Homecoming 2003".

As a historical record, nothing can quite compare with a campus newspaper for noting significant events in the life of the school, the community, and the world. The Howard Payne College, later Howard Payne University newspapers are a treasure of information on campus life and personalities, as well as a reflection of the way of life and values of each decade.

Mangrum, Robert, "From the HP Monthly to The Prism to the YJ", Back Page, The Yellow Jacket, September 25, 2008.