A Non-Profit Corporation and Secondary Market for
Federal Family Education Loans

Panhandle-Plains Higher Education Authority (PPHEA) is a nonprofit corporation, chartered for the express purpose of helping aspiring students in the Panhandle and South Plains of Texas take hold of their college education--and their futures.

In 1979, Clifford Baker, then Director of Financial Aid at West Texas State University, saw first hand how students were being affected when they couldn't obtain a student loan. Although it's hard to imagine now, twenty-one years ago few institutions in West Texas offered guaranteed student loans. Clifford Baker and Milton "Buff" Morris, President of the Opportunity Plan Inc., assembled a dedicated group of bankers and educators to take action. Under their leadership, PPHEA's first Board of Directors was formed. The Board worked tirelessly to ensure West Texas students would have a chance to pursue their dreams. In 1983, PPHEA purchased its first guaranteed student loan.

In 2004, Terry D. Langehennig assumed the duties as President/CEO while Mr. Baker stepped into his new role as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Langehennig proudly became the new CEO after serving as legal counsel for the Panhandle-Plains Higher Education Authority for six years.

Today, as President/CEO, Mr. Langehennig administers PPHEA's long range plans including coordination of bond proceedings and working with lenders and schools. West Texas students now have access to guaranteed student loans from a wide variety of lending institutions. PPHEA continues to ensure that students receive personal service through its arrangement with Panhandle-Plains Student Loan Center. Now, as in the beginning, serving students is PPHEA's primary mission.

PPHEA is governed by a Board of eleven directors who represent a broad range of financial, educational and business disciplines. Their expertise lends credibility and soundness to PPHEA's organization and operations. PPHEA is a member of the following organizations, all of which are constantly working to improve the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP).