Hilltop Magazine | 2022

LIFE ON THE HILL CALLED TO TEACH, CALLED TO SERVE | P. 28

TIGER ATHLETICS

ETBU BASS FISHING CLAIMS

FIRST NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP | P. 52

ALUMNI

FROM ETBU TIGERS TO

|

2022

ETBU Mission

As a Christ-centered institution, East Texas Baptist University educates students by integrating biblical faith and learning to develop mind, body, and soul through community engagement to prepare graduates to be Christian servant leaders in their calling to God and humanity.

Adopted by ETBU Board of Trustees | May 5, 2017

MAY THE LIGHT ON THE HILL NEVER DIE

To signify the start of their life on the Hill, first-year students participate in the Lampsato Ceremony during Tiger Camp 2022.

EDITOR IN CHIEF/WRITER

Sara Braun

Vice President for Communication and Strategic Initiatives

MANAGING EDITOR/DESIGNER/PHOTOGRAPHER

Alyssa Rummel

Digital Media Coordinator

DESIGNERS

Will Edwards Bailee Woodall

Director of Marketing Design Coordinator and Communication

WRITERS

Steve Braun

Sydney McBride (’22)

Development Officer and Communication

Assistant to the President Coordinator

Adam Ledyard

Kathryn Pedroza (’22)

Assistant Athletic Director Marketing Graduate Asst. for Communications

PHOTOGRAPHERS

ETBU Athletic Communications

James Coreas Photography

Will Edwards

Libby Gear

Marketing Student Worker

UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP

Dr. J. Blair Blackburn

President

Dr. Thomas Sanders

Luis Lopez Photography & Video (LLS Real Estate)

Kathryn Pedroza (’22)

Katelin Smith (’21)

Marketing Graduate Asst.

Bailee Woodall

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Sara Braun

Vice President for Communication and Strategic Initiatives

Dr. Scott Bryant

Vice President for Advancement

Ryan Erwin

Vice President for Student Engagement and Athletics

Lee Ferguson Vice President for Financial Affairs

Dr. Jeremy Johnston

Vice President for Enrollment

NUMBERS TO KNOW (903.923.______)

Admissions 2000

Advancement 2071

Alumni Relations

2043

Marketing and Communication 2374

University Switchboard 2000

SUPPORT ETBU STAY CONNECTED www.ETBU.edu/give or 903.923.2071 www.ETBU.edu

Hilltop Magazine is published by ETBU Department of Marketing and Communication. ©2022 East Texas Baptist University. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. To obtain permission, email marketing@ETBU.edu.

Unless noted otherwise, Scripture references are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version , NIV Copyright© 1973, 1979, 1984, 2011, by Biblica Inc.™ All rights reserved worldwide.

HILLTOP ONLINE

Read Hilltop Magazine online at www.ETBU.edu/hilltop.

UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION

Submit mailing address changes at www.ETBU.edu/alumniupdate.

POSTMASTER

Send address changes to ETBU Marketing: One Tiger Drive Marshall, TX 75670

“Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.”

2 PETER 3:18 (NLT)

Seasons of growth can be simultaneously exciting, yet riddled with hesitation. While we long for success and achievement, we hesitate on what it really looks like to change. Things become unfamiliar, old rhythms no longer align, and leaving behind familiarity feels challenging and uncomfortable. But as Christians, we know that the power of the Holy Spirit calls us to continually pursue Christ, growing and changing until we become closer representations of Him. The calling to grow relates to us as individuals, but also for us as an institution committed to God’s purposes.

If you take a look around the Hill today, you may notice that so much has changed. While the changes have been remarkable to witness and a beautiful testament to God’s goodness and the generosity of His people, it is important to note that so many aspects of East Texas Baptist University remain the same. I hope that you had the opportunity to view a copy of our recent Special Edition Hilltop Magazine: Christian Symbols. Throughout Christian Symbols, we focused on the aspects of our campus that reflect our Christ-centered mission. These elements of faith remain unchanged, and represent ETBU’s holistic approach to higher education through a Christian worldview as we equip and prepare graduates for their callings to God and humanity.

Beyond the classroom, the court, and the Quad, East Texas Baptist University is connecting students to their passion and equipping them for God’s purposes through them. ETBU wants to meet students where they are and propel them toward where the Lord has called them to be. Founded on faith, East Texas Baptist fosters community engagement that empowers students to live in service to God and humanity on campus, in the community, and across the globe. Through Christ-centered academics taught by dedicated Christian scholars, ETBU Tigers are challenged to reach their greatest potential through the sharpening and supporting of their intellectual development and spiritual formation. Each and every student who finds their home on the Hill is connected by a calling to shine the light of Christ into the lives of others.

As you read through this issue of Hilltop Magazine, you will encounter stories of growth, stories of change, and stories of what it looks like to faithfully pursue God’s callings. But more than that, you will see how, interwoven into the growth and the change, is a commitment to what makes East Texas Baptist University what it is and Whose it is. At the core of our being, we are a faith-based institution founded on the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While we are in continual seasons of change, we remain committed to the very principles that our University on the Hill was established upon. East Texas Baptist remains fully focused on and committed to fostering a place of Christian community where the ETBU Family can be equipped and empowered to use their God-given talents to glorify the Lord and advance His Kingdom.

DR. J. BLAIR BLACKBURN, PRESIDENT

CAMPUSNews

“Each day in Alabama, I became more aware of my shallow understanding. I shifted from sympathy to deep empathy by the end of the trip. This trip provides proximity to history and modern realities that have exposed voids in my knowledge and lifestyle,” sophomore Christian ministry major Avery Abshier said.

At the completion of the Spring 2022 semester, ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn guided students, faculty, and staff on a Global Study and Serve trip to Alabama, where they learned about the history and significance of the Civil Rights Movement. The group visited Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, where they toured significant sites such as the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, Equal Justice Initiative Legacy Museum, National Voting Rights Museum, Negro Southern League Baseball Museum, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

“This trip opened the eyes and hearts of the participants to the truth of what transpired during this volatile time leaving many students forever changed,” Director

of the Great Commission Program and Director of Global Education Lisa Seeley said. “What happened during the Civil Rights Movement not only changed the face of America but also spread beyond our shores to inspire people around the world to fight for change. The students, faculty, and staff on the trip came home with a new understanding of the struggles that existed and, in many ways, still exist today for many Americans.”

The group also toured other historical sites such as 16th Street Baptist Church and Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham, and Tabernacle Baptist Church in Selma, where they served alongside church staff and members. ETBU students helped organize the church’s food pantry ministry, and several ETBU students judged a children’s art contest and essay contest.

“My favorite part was reading about my culture and how strong people were in a very rough time,” Office of Multicultural Affairs Graduate Assistant Joshua Winans reflected. “Taking advantage of opportunities like this means that you

are better prepared for real-life situations dealing with discrimination and racism and being able to stand up to social injustice and acts of unjust behavior. I believe I can apply what I learned from this trip by leading by example. It is our job to educate ourselves and everyone in our present community on this important history.”

ETBU CELEBRATES RECORD ENROLLMENT

Founded in faith and built on biblical Truth, East Texas Baptist University continues its legacy of educating and equipping students to carry out their Godgiven calling. Over the years, the campus has evolved and the student body has expanded, but one thing remains the same: the dedication to integrating faith into every aspect of the ETBU student experience. As a result, the University has seen exponential growth among the student body and the hillside campus that Tigers call home.

This year, ETBU celebrated the highest recorded student enrollment in the University’s 110-year history with 1,771 total students. The University has seen steady progress over the last decade with this year’s enrollment marking a 36% increase since 2014. Part of the growth in enrollment over the past year can be attributed to an increased focus on the retention of undergraduate students with enhanced academic success services,

and the expansion of graduate degree program offerings.

“As we prayed for our enrollment for Fall 2022, we worked earnestly to bring the students called by the Lord to study here on the Hill,” President J. Blair Blackburn said. “Our University has been showered by God’s faithfulness and blessed by the diligence of our campus community. East Texas Baptist’s faculty and staff have remained faithful to the Lord’s call on their lives to serve our students and one another, each displaying what it means to live as committed followers of Christ.”

East Texas Baptist’s enrollment has risen steadily despite the nationwide pandemic challenges over the last several years. The University boasts an 84% undergraduate retention rate (2% higher than the five-year

For the third consecutive year, East Texas Baptist University received a $100,000 grant from the East Texas Medical Center (ETMC) Foundation to help meet the growing need for mental healthcare in Smith County and the greater East Texas region.

“As we continue to grow our ETBU-Tyler campus, East Texas Baptist is grateful for the ETMC Foundation and their continued partnership,” ETBU President Dr. J. Blair

average). This fall, ETBU enrolled its first students in the new Master of Science in Sport Management program. This addition brings the University’s graduate program offerings to 15, ranging from Christian Ministry to Business. Graduate program enrollment increased by 13.6% in the last year, a significant milestone as the University continues to expand the academic programming offered to provide students with professional education and training to advance their careers through Christ-centered curriculum.

“The numeric rise in the last ten years has been significant,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Sanders said. “However, the greater joy is the lives impacted by Christian servant leaders equipped through education for the calling God has placed on their lives.”

ETBU-TYLER RECEIVES $100,000 GRANT FROM ETMC FOUNDATION

Blackburn said. “Our desire is to stand in the gap between East Texas citizens and the need for mental health care in our community. The ETMC Foundation’s support over the last few years has been crucial to the growth of ETBU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and the increase in clients that the Community Counseling Center at ETBU-Tyler has been able to serve.”

ETBU opened the Community Counseling Center in 2020 at the ETBU-Tyler site and launched a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at

ETBU-Tyler in January of 2021. The total number of students enrolled in the program at the Marshall and Tyler campuses has doubled since 2019 as a result of the additional ETBU-Tyler campus.

“Our Community Counseling Center has experienced a significant rise in the number of clients seeking counseling services since 2020,” Director of ETBUTyler’s Community Counseling Center Terrie Howe said. “These numbers are strong indicators that the program is making a positive impact on the mental health needs in Smith County, yet are even more reflective of the vital need for more accessible and affordable mental health counseling services.”

East Texas Baptist University seniors

Colton Berryhill from Bullard, Texas, and Annie Walker from Montgomery, Texas, were honored on October 3, 2022, with the Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award for consistently displaying Christian servant leadership on campus and in the community. ETBU President Emeritus Dr. Bob Riley and his wife, Gayle, took part in the ceremony at Chapel and presented the honorees with a miniature replication of the “Divine Servant” statue, created by Christian art sculptor Max Greiner, which can also be found on campus at the entrance to the Rogers Spiritual Life Center.

“Since there were so many students on campus that were servant leaders, we felt that recognizing a male and female each year would provide an emphasis that would be an encouragement to all our students,” Dr. Riley said. “The idea of servant leadership became important to our students, faculty, and staff, and has grown over the years. Gayle and I are very proud to have been a part of this continuing work of the Lord.”

Two students are selected each year for the Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award based on their embodiment of being a Christian servant leader in their daily lives. Fellow students, professors, and other members of the ETBU campus community submit nominations recognizing a student’s

dedication to pursuing a Christ-like practice of servanthood. During his presidential tenure, Dr. Riley founded the award to foster the mind and spirit of Christ portrayed by students through service and leadership at East Texas Baptist University.

Colton Berryhill, a Christian ministry major, was announced as the 2022 male Servant Leader Award recipient. He has served in numerous organizations during his time at ETBU including service as a Tiger Camp leader, Thrive Mentor, Resident Assistant, Baptist Student Ministry Leadership Team, and Leadership Fellow. Colton has been an active volunteer in the community through service at Mobberly Baptist Church’s Longview campus.

“The various service opportunities on campus have taught me as a Christian that leading is truly following after the model of Christ,” Berryhill said. “Serving

“This scholarship gives me something I’m working for that is greater than myself,” senior ETBU nursing student Cameron Anderson said.

Several ETBU Teague School of Nursing students were presented with the Polly

SENIORS RECOGNIZED FOR CHRISTIAN SERVANT LEADERSHIP

From left to right: Dean of the School of Christian Studies and Humanities Dr. Sandy Hoover, Colton Berryhill, Gayle Riley, ETBU President Emeritus Dr. Bob Riley, Annie Walker, and Dean of the School of Education Dr. Amber Daub.

on campus has also taught me the importance of loving others and how others may need you to be that one light in their lives to help them grow and strive in their walk with Christ.”

Annie Walker, an elementary education major, was recognized as the 2022 female Servant Leader Award recipient. She is a member of the Boys and Girls Club ministry, Baptist Student Ministry Leadership, Leadership Fellows, and Student Foundation. Annie has been an active volunteer in the community through service at New Beginnings Baptist Church’s Longview campus.

“Annie embodies what is means to give and not expect anything in return,” Baptist Student Ministry Director David Griffin said. “In all of her roles, she serves faithfully, diligently seeking to serve others and do more than was asked of her.”

POLLY CARGILL NURSING SCHOLARSHIP BLESSES ETBU STUDENTS

Cargill Nursing Scholarship on behalf of the Jerry and Jack Cargill family and East Texas Baptist University. ETBU’s Cameron Anderson, Reagan Creed, Trinity Griffith, Ta’Lena Johnson, Hailey Maloy, Megan McCarthy, Bailey Munch, Meagan Parker, Brittan Price, Laura Staley, Emma Stelzer, and Jaidakiss Younger received the scholarship during the reception held at the Marshall

Grand. The ETBU nursing students were 12 of 17 local students receiving scholarships who seek to impact the medical industry through a future career in nursing.

“Nurses are the backbone and the soul of the medical system,” philanthropist and scholarship donor Jerry Cargill said. “I learned about force multiplying through my experience in business, and I knew I wanted to force multiply this scholarship. When we started this initiative 20 years ago, we gave away three scholarships. A

HALEIGH AKIN CROWNED MISS ETBU2022

Haleigh Akin, a senior elementary education major from Tyler, Texas, was crowned as the 66th Miss ETBU on Saturday, September 24. Akin, who embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Christian servant leader on campus and in the community, was selected from 11 contestants during the annual pageant sponsored by ETBU’s Student Government Association. Senior English and Christian ministry major Ashly Quintanilla was selected as First Runner-Up as well as Audience Favorite, sophomore Christian ministry major Avery Abshier was voted Miss Congeniality, and Best Talent was given to senior music education major

few years later, we gave away five, and this year we have given 17 scholarships. My goal is to get up to 20-25 scholarships. That is what we are shooting for, and that is force multiplying. We are so grateful for these fantastic students and the caring nurses that they will become.”

Jerry’s and his brother Jack’s hearts were touched by the level of care that their mother, Polly Cargill, received from nurses at the local Good Shepherd Hospital in Marshall. After the death of their mother, the Cargill brothers decided to honor her legacy as well as the nursing care shown to their family during such a difficult time by instituting the Polly Cargill Endowed Nursing Scholarship, helping students in East Texas become equipped and

Hannah Stewart.

Throughout her time at ETBU, Akin has been actively involved on campus by being an engaged member, Vice President, and now President of Student Foundation. She has served on Blue Crew, led a small group, and participated as team captain during Tiger Camp, and she is a part of Leadership Fellows. Despite her dynamic schedule, she also works as a Resident Assistant in Ornelas Hall. Off-campus, Haleigh is involved at Mobberly Baptist Church’s Longview campus, where she leads worship on Sunday mornings for the college group.

“Haleigh Akin is the quintessential model of an East Texas Baptist University student,” Dean of the School of Education Amber Daub said. “Haleigh exhibits a genuine interest in students and the opportunity to serve them as a future educator. She demonstrates grace and poise in all settings and is conscientious in her efforts to attain excellence. Above all, she is a servant leader and serves as an example to her peers both in the classroom and in the field. Miss Akin possesses all the

compassionate nurses.

“I want to carry on the legacy of the care that Polly Cargill received by just being myself,” Anderson said. “I want to make sure my patients are happy. I know that being in the hospital all day can be kind of gloomy, but I try to uplift my patients, make them smile, and feel more at home in a place where they might not get that from anything else.”

This marks the 20th year of the Polly Cargill Nursing Scholarship, which has now provided financial aid to 77 nursing students from ETBU and other colleges across the East Texas region. In recent years, recipients have gathered together to be honored and recognized by ETBU

traits that we strive to instill in teacher candidates. We celebrate her successes and are eager to watch her shine upon entering the field of education.”

As Miss ETBU 2022, Akin receives a generous academic scholarship as well as the opportunity to represent the University as an ambassador to alumni, the local community, and the East Texas region.

“During my year as Miss ETBU, I desire to make a lasting impact on my school and the city of Marshall,” Haleigh said. “I want to be a woman who embodies the attributes of Christ through kindness, gentleness, boldness, and a heart to serve. Before I got to ETBU, I did not really want to go to college. I understood the importance of getting a degree, but I did not feel like meeting new people or putting myself out there. However, ever since I got involved on campus, I have made so many life-changing and impactful relationships. My college experience would have been so much less impactful if I had not taken the chance to counteract my insecurities and fears and take the time to build relationships. I am passionate about community because I want to represent myself as the light of Christ through kindness, a caring spirit, and intentionality when I get the chance to interact with those around me. I hope I can be someone that this community is proud to have serve as Miss ETBU for the 20222023 school year.”

and members of the Cargill family. The ceremonies are followed by a reception, during which scholarship recipients have the unique opportunity to visit with the founders of the scholarship program.

“It means a lot to see someone from the community pouring into students,” Anderson added. “I’ve never met the Cargills until today, but hearing the story about their mother was very touching, and I just can’t believe someone would have such a kind heart to give back to students and honor their mother in that way. It’s heartwarming that they are giving back to the community in which they grew up. This scholarship gives me a little more motivation. It gives me something I’m working for that is greater than myself.”

From left to right: Priscila Ramos, Tiffany Merino, Hannah Hobson, Avery Abshier, Haleigh Akin, Ashly Quintanilla, Hannah Stewart, Abigail Jones, Jael Davis, and Brittney Denton.

ETBU’S MILESTONE

75TH SENIOR GIRL CALLOUT HONORS KAYLEIGH HILL

Tradition is defined as the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation. As ETBU’s longest-standing tradition, Senior Girl Call-Out has, for 75 years, distinguished and recognized one senior female for her exemplary Christian character, social consciousness, personal poise, academic achievement, and spiritual vision. Kayleigh Hill (’22) of Whitehouse, Texas, was recognized during ETBU’s 75th annual Senior Girl Call-Out.

“My love for ETBU runs deep,” Hill exclaimed. “God has blessed me with strong Christian role models that have offered advice and loved me well on the hardest days. It is such an honor to be chosen by the faculty and staff who have poured into me during my time at ETBU.”

Kayleigh graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and served as President of the Alpha Lambda Delta Education Honor Society during her senior year. She was on the Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) leadership team, a member of Student Foundation, carried out her clinical teaching for second grade at Sam Houston Elementary, and co-led the BSM Kids Club ministry in Marshall. Kayleigh is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry at ETBU.

“ETBU was God sent from the moment I stepped onto campus,” she added. “I

knew this was the place for me. Through my journey at ETBU, I have discovered what a true relationship with Christ looks like. Professors and staff have poured into me not only academically, but spiritually as well. I have felt supported and cared for by all faculty, but especially those in the School of Education. ETBU has given me so many opportunities to fall in love with serving and leading others to the joy I have found in Christ. I have received a quality education, made some amazing friends, and have been equipped to live a life dedicated to the Lord, wherever that may lead.”

Twenty young women participated in the milestone event alongside their “little sisters,” underclassmen chosen by the seniors. During the ceremony, each senior girl passed onto her little sister the symbols of the ideals and traditions of the

University – the grace of the myrtle, the strength of the oak, and the ever verdant life of the pine. To commemorate the special 75th anniversary of the event, 11 past Senior Girl Call-Out recipients were in attendance for special recognition.

“We are very proud of these senior women and it is such a joy to honor them at this special event,” Director of Student Life Laura Coursey said. “While each student brings their own unique gifts, we recognize that this group of ladies together has left a special impact on the University, and it is exciting to see them pass the tradition along to their little sisters. This event celebrates Christ-like character and godly leadership among the women of ETBU, and encourages all of our guests to reflect and look within themselves for how the Lord desires to use them.”

Kayleigh Hill (’22), and Vice President for Student Engagement and Athletics Ryan Erwin.

From left to right: Robin McGee Bagley (’00), Lauren (McCollum) Vaughan (’18), Karson Kent (’14), Kallie (Kent) Philips (’13), Andrea (Guy) Chevalier (’97), Janet (Franklin) Palmer (’64), Kayleigh Hill (’22), Jennifer (Conner) Michalik (’90), Emily (Hicks) Hall (’20), Cameron (Christy) Winters (’12), Katrina (Fritz-Mills) Alpine (’11), Alice (Robinson) Holsomback (’81)

ETBU INTRODUCES SYNERGY PARK TO DOWNTOWN MARSHALL

East Texas Baptist University will introduce Synergy Park, a downtown synergistic business park, in the spring of 2023. The addition will extend the University’s downtown academic learning and vocational training footprint in connection with the Marshall Grand and the Teague School of Nursing. Synergy Park will be the University’s dedicated center for workforce development, educational learning, business workspace cooperative, and community organizational networking.

“Synergy Park will be a new education–business pathway for a collaborative community initiative that engages employers, community-based organizations, and educational institutions,” ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn said. “It will empower community members to be workforce ready and to match the skills needed in an evolving marketplace. It will provide clinical mental healthcare, speechlanguage pathology services, and literacy development strategies to the community.”

The Texas Work Force Commission and Marshall Economic Development Corporation awarded East Texas Baptist University a $299,470 grant for the creation of the Workforce Training Center that will be located within Synergy Park.

“Receiving the High Demand Job Training Grant from the Texas Workforce Commission, in partnership with the Marshall Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), has allowed us to accelerate our already aggressive construction schedule for the complete renovation of the Synergy Park facility,” Director of Synergy Park Scott McCurdy said. “These funds will enable Synergy Park to provide training space for the occupations our region needs most. The TWC award, along with the generous support of MEDCO, has ensured Synergy Park’s Workforce Training Center will be properly outfitted to provide a wide variety of job skills training.”

Through a workforce development program centering on supervisory and project management, ETBU will work to recruit professionals who seek specialized training, skills enhancement, and career advancement in the fields of oil and gas, manufacturing, logistics, construction, and industry through the Synergy Park Workforce Training Center. The University will also utilize its current partnership with Marshall Independent School District, area schools, and other colleges to recruit and enroll students in vocational development partnership programs through the Workforce Training Center.

Synergy Park will offer adult education, continuing education, workforce training, and professional and graduate-level education programs while uniting individuals and organizations for networking to foster cooperative avenues for professional growth, organizational success, and economic development.

“Marshall is blessed to have a talented and dedicated workforce comprised of people who exhibit servant leadership in all roles of our local businesses,” McCurdy added. “At Synergy Park, citizens of Marshall and the greater East Texas region will find the training and resources necessary to take the next step in their careers. We will work to ensure that Synergy Park empowers our community members to be workforceready in an evolving marketplace.”

Synergy Park and the Workforce Training Center are scheduled to open in the spring of 2023.

STUDENTS CONNECT WITH SCRIPTURE

DURING GLOBAL STUDY AND SERVE TRIP TO ISRAEL

In May of 2022, ETBU’s School of Christian Studies journeyed to Israel as part of the Global Study and Serve program. During the trip, a group of 32 students, faculty, and staff spent 11 days walking where Jesus walked at sites including the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Olives, and the Dead Sea. The trip was led by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Sanders.

“It has been said that you do not go to Israel you return,” Dr. Sanders shared. “It is my joy to help students return to the country where the stories of the Bible came to life and give them experiences that will deepen their understanding and grow their faith.”

The group also visited the city of Jerusalem, where they saw sites such as Jesus’ tomb, the City of David, and the Garden of Gethsemane.

“The Lord guided us on one of the most beautiful and life-changing experiences in Israel,” senior Christian ministry major Colton Berryhill said. “This trip was phenomenal and more than I could have

imagined. Seeing the words of God come to life and reflecting on that was incredible.”

Visiting these sites provided the opportunity to learn in greater depth and detail from an accompanying tour guide who provided background information as well as shared his personal experiences in Israel.

“I was able to see places that I never really imagined I was going to be able to see,” senior social studies education major Cade Fant said. “It helped give me a better visual of these places that are in the Bible. This

East Texas Baptist University’s Concert Choir & Band are embarking on a life-changing trip to the Holy Land — Israel. While touring and learning, they will perform in several historic locations found throughout Scripture.

We invite you to prayerfully consider sponsoring a student. Any amount contributed will be taxdeductible. Checks can be made payable to East Texas Baptist University (Israel Music Tour) and mailed to One Tiger Drive, Marshall, Texas 75670. Give online at www.ETBU.edu/give.

trip was one of the coolest experiences that I have had in my life, and it helps put the world in a different perspective, historically, politically, and religiously.”

From exploring Israel and experiencing the unfolding of God’s story of creation, covenant, sacrifice, and redemption, many students expressed sentiments of gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to attend the trip after two years of suspended University international travel due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions.

“In Israel, I was reminded of how God’s way of leadership in my life is better than the plans I could create for myself,” senior nursing major Katelynn Smith shared. “My focus should be on walking in obedience with the Father, and how each of us is anointed and chosen, designed with a purpose from God—sometimes it’s not up to us to figure out the story, but to trust the One who wrote it.”

CORE Commitments

Before the excited, yet anxious, freshmen move into their residence halls, and prior to the frenzy of class schedules, exams, practices, and student club meetings begin, faculty and staff prepare their hearts and minds to wholly invest in each Tiger student with whom their paths cross. Each August before the start of a new academic year, faculty and staff gather for the annual Fall Summit Chapel to establish the focus for the year and to spend time in prayer over the campus community and the season ahead. During the 2022 Fall Summit, the focus was centered on the University’s core commitments;

Embracing Faith, Engaging Minds, Empowering Leaders, and Enhancing Community.

Five individuals had the unique opportunity to share their reflections on the core commitments and inspired others to put them into practice as each individual carries out their unique roles and responsibilities at ETBU.

SCOTT McCURDY Director of Synergy Park

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

MATTHEW 5:13-16

Jesus is encouraging us all in this passage to embrace our ministry of salt and light. As salt, we are to collectively fight corruption and decay. Jesus then states we are collectively ‘the light of the world.’ The city that illuminates the night sky does so through the collective illumination of individual lights. It is not one light that shines, it is the many lights working together that bring about the desired goal. So, if we are all collectively salt and light, if we all collectively need each other and are called to this cooperative ministry, what are we supposed to be doing? Salt and light are placed in high-need situations. Salt fights a frontline battle against corruption and decay. Light is needed where darkness is present. We are called as salt and light to serve where others would prefer to

not go. We are called to walk on paths that others avoid. These ministries are not easy. They are not glamorous, but they are where Jesus has called us. This passage talks about two locations—a city set on a hill and a lamp in a house. We are called to be a local light, to be salt for our city. We are called to be salt and light in and for Marshall. We’re called to strive for life abundant in Marshall.

We’re called to drive out darkness in Marshall, and we cannot do it without each other. It requires that we work together. It requires synergy on our part. Synergy Park is ETBU’s downtown economic and workforce development center. It is ETBU’s investment in the future prosperity and success of our neighbors. What does Synergy Park have to do with being salt and light? What does it have

to do with engaging opportunity? With Synergy Park, we have the opportunity to fight decay and illuminate the path forward for our city. Some might wonder why this private, Christian university is getting involved in economic and workforce development. I want to remind everyone that light has no lane. It shines to drive out darkness wherever it is. Over half of the people living around Synergy Park are below the poverty level. If we have a chance to help, and if we are salt and light, then we must. It is our ministry and it is our calling. We must go where others will not, and we must do what we can, and what we can do, by God’s grace, is establish an environment where businesses can thrive and livelihoods can be made. That is what it means to engage opportunity. It means we step up where others step away. We use what God has given us to make a difference, and God has given us so much. We are in Marshall because God put us here. We individually are here because God planted us here. Marshall needs us and we need Marshall. This is our ministry that we have been called to carry out collectively. The goal of all this is to glorify God. We reflect His care and His compassion as we show care and compassion for Marshall and our students. We have opportunities to be salt and light in our classrooms and in our city.

Embracing

FAITH

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Something I believe down in the deepest core of my being is that students are made in the image of God and are best engaged when some of the control is put in their hands. When I am at my best as a professor, I am not lecturing to them. I am leading them toward wisdom, and I am helping them get there. As children created in the image of God, they have the ability not only to respond, but to initiate. The lecture can at times, be taken out of my mouth and put into theirs. That is sometimes a scary place to be because you never know exactly what you are going to get, and I’ve gotten some wacky answers that take

DR. KATE MEAD Assistant Professor of Communication

some redirection. But allowing for these opportunities is an exercise in growth. I am to recognize that my students are made in the image of God, and my job is to encourage them to grow not only in knowledge, but in maturity toward a deeper understanding of communication and Christ. I must probe. And then wait. I must ask them to trust me with their thoughts and opinions, and I must prove myself as trustworthy. And then I must trust that God will give me the words that He wants me to say and a sense of the timing in which He wants me to say them. My role in engaging students and embracing faith is to inculcate just sentiments. Academic pursuits are

completely worthy means, but they will fall short every single time if they are not trained in the Truth of Scripture. To engage students’ minds and ask them to embrace it is to protest. It prompts them to consider their studies, and my own, in relation to what we know to be good and true and noble things that come from Scripture. This is the life of engaging minds and embracing faith. Through academia, we guide our students to truth, much, much bigger than academia. We empower students to faithfully practice this in their careers and then shine the light of Christ every day through the practical skills they learn here, absolutely. But also with the spiritual insights that they gain.

ROMANS 12:1-2

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

As I think about engaging minds in the context of student engagement, I am reminded of how often Student Engagement staff is provided an opportunity to walk with students as they process the material learned in the classroom. As they are wrestling with things, I have sat with many students in my office, and we talk about what they have learned in class and what it means for how they live their lives. The classroom transforms their mind, body, and soul. We have the

privilege of challenging and supporting students as they apply these things. While often difficult, we get to encourage students to approach others with graciousness and humility. We get to demonstrate to students how to have healthy relationships with each other. And most importantly, we model a posture of devotion and followership to King Jesus. I see this practically displayed in Student Engagement through Residence Life and the investment and mentoring that happens within the walls of a residence hall. Peer mentorship and development

is also seen through the Thrive Mentor Program. Students investing back into the lives of students (through Residence Life, Thrive, Titus Women’s Ministry, and a variety of other places) is a refining, rewarding, and formative experience. We also engage in community through events that connect us to each other.

Some of these include: resume writing and networking, serving others through Spiritual Life, Baptist Student Ministry, and additional leadership opportunities including working as student workers, serving in Student Foundations and Student Government, and ministering in Residence Life. We have a great opportunity to partner alongside each other in the classroom and outside the classroom to truly serve and encourage our students in their faith, work, and life integration. This is our holistic approach to the educational experience at ETBU.

2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17

HOLLY EDWARDS Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Dean of Students

LEADERSEmpowering

“Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”

1 JOHN 2:6

That is the end game for every believer; that once we come into a relationship with Jesus Christ, to live as Jesus lived every day of our lives. The goal for every coach when it comes to athletics is to win. That is the goal, but the end game is that we would impact our student-athletes with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Empowering leaders through Christ-centered athletics means we should build relationships. Relationships matter, because Jesus was relational. He knew His disciples by name, He knew what was going on in their lives before they even knew sometimes. As coaches, our student-athletes are incredibly perceptive. If they think we are using them to win games, they are not going to give us their best. But when they believe we care about them off the court as much as we care about them on the court, that’s where you get their best. The second thing is that we have to be the model for Christcentered relationships. That is important in the classroom, and in every area we

have here on this campus. That is why my team goes to church together once a month. Our students need to see that corporate worship is important. They need to see me worshiping God. They need to see me in a different light than just coaching them on the sideline or on the practice field. Not only should we build a relationship, not only should we model the right things, but lastly we have to hold godly standards in how we coach, because some of our student-athletes have never seen that. They need to see us uphold godly standards in our language and how we do things when we fail as much as when we succeed.

That is the goal of Christ-centered athletics. That our players, our students, whether it be in the classroom or on the court, would see Jesus in us and that it would impact them for a lifetime. Because guess what? Twenty years from now, no one will remember how many games they won. But they are going to remember how you impacted their life.

CHRIS LOVELL Men’s Basketball Head Coach

LEAH AKRIDGE Senior Education Major

COMMUNITYEnhancing

Iam honored to share the many blessings and opportunities that God has used here on this campus to encourage me to be more like Jesus as a servant leader. But if I’m being honest, it did not start the first day that I walked onto this campus. You see, God uses our interest to bring us places where He then meets us. God brought me here with softball, but His intentions for me to get to know Him were so much greater. Three ETBU alumni have made a tremendous impact on me from modeling to me in high school what kind of Christian servant leader I wanted to be, by praying

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.’”

MARK 16:15-16

over me after choosing to come to school here, and by offering up their home and meals to me for discipleship. I say all of this to emphasize that each student’s impact does not stop on the physical grounds of campus. If their education is built on the foundation of Christ, it goes far past the Hill. Our University community not only shares the Gospel with our words, we preach the Gospel with our actions. The ETBU community sees everyone as family, and the graduates that ETBU produces want to serve everyone. I became interested in how these people treated me, and I wanted to know this forgiving

and gracious God. Why would these three people want to serve an 18-year-old girl with nothing to give them in return? Because they are like Jesus. Because that’s what Jesus does for us every day because He loves us. I want to continue this legacy of the ETBU alumni. Whether you realize it or not, you are not only enhancing the community to be better, but each one of our students have been hand placed by God at this University to radically change their eternity; just like this University and these alumni have radically changed mine.

LIFE ONthe Hill

FROM UKRAINE TO THE U.S. –A JOURNEY OF FAITH

For Ukrainian ETBU students

Vika Kozachok and Sofia Vovk, approximately 5,785 miles stand between themselves, their families, and familiarity. The one thing they have both carried with them across the world and onto the Hill is their shared faith in God and their trust in His plan.

When Ukraine was invaded by Russian President Vladimir Putin in late February of 2022, East Texas Baptist University leadership began planning and strategizing how to use the University’s resources for the people of Ukraine impacted by the war. Out of this planning arose the opportunity for female Ukrainian college students to evade the dangers of war and pursue higher education in the safety of the Piney Woods of East Texas with the caring support of the ETBU Family. This opportunity led to two students finding their way to ETBU, but both Vika and Sofia each have miraculous stories and testaments of how God’s goodness brought them here.

After entering a contest for Ukrainian high school students, Sofia Vovk won and received the opportunity to study in the United States. She was in the U.S. finishing up her senior year of high school in Arkansas when the Russian military invaded her home country.

“I did not want to participate in the contest at all, and I was thinking that I was going to stay in Ukraine,” Sofia recalled. “I only participated because my friends encouraged me to, and I ended up being one of the 200 winners out of the approximately 50,000 students who participated.”

Because of the dangers present in the country, Sofia’s family decided it was best that she not return to Ukraine for the time being. Her host family agreed and offered to help her figure out what step she should take next.

“I decided to stay and go to college, but it was the start of March, and the deadlines for most colleges had already passed,” Sofia added. “We had to figure out where I could go and what I could do to continue my education.”

Michael (’85) and Becky (Rogers) (’83) Cook, members of Sofia’s extended host family and Senior Pastor of Oakland Heights Baptist Church in Longview, happened to be ETBU alumni and suggested a visit to campus upon learning about the Ukrainian student scholarship opportunity. After her campus tour in July, Sofia decided to make the Hill her new home.

“God’s hand was in everything,” she said. “I can see how it all worked out and how God planned for me to come here through so many small details.”

Studying in a foreign country often comes with hoops to jump through, hurdles to cross, and a plethora of paperwork to complete, which turned out to be the case for Sofia. After working through everything that was required, she received her admittance into ETBU right in the nick of time.

“I got admitted the Friday before school started and moved in on the first day of class,” Sofia exclaimed. “That was when it clicked for me. I was on campus, and I needed to figure out how to adjust to this new place.”

Vika Kozachok’s journey looked quite different from Sofia’s, as she was residing in Ukraine when tragedy struck her country. She reflected on the fear and uncertainty that she and her family had to navigate in those initial days.

“I remember the morning when my mom ran to me and woke me up to tell me the war started,” Vika said. “I heard the first bombing, and I was just standing there, and I didn’t know what to do. Even if you hear about a lot of emergencies and feel prepared, you never know what to do when it actually happens.”

Vika’s family sought shelter in a dark basement with the windows completely covered for extra protection. There they waited and tried to listen for any movement outside, despite not being able to see what was unfolding just outside the walls of their home.

“God’s hand was in everything. I can see how it all worked out and how God planned for me to come here through so many small details.”

SOFIA VOVK, FRESHMAN

“It was difficult for our mental health,” she shared. “We could not see if it was day or night. If we heard something moving, we didn’t know if it was military or something typical. I slept in different clothes so that if something happened, I could run. I woke up every hour on the first night because I was listening to everything and wondering if we would die. Usually, before you go to sleep, you dream about a better future, but all I could think of was where I would need to go if the Russian military took the city, where the safest place would be, where my money was, and where my documents were.”

After moving cities and fleeing danger, Vika’s mother came across a flyer for East Texas Baptist University’s scholarship program for Ukrainian students. She shared the opportunity with Vika, who at first was hesitant and not interested in attending school in the U.S. due to the language barrier.

VIKA KOZACHOK AND SOFIA VOVK

“Two or three weeks later, my mother saw the advertisement one more time and asked me just to try,” Vika recalled. “I decided I would try because nothing bad would happen if I decided not to go.”

The first challenge in Vika’s journey to study at ETBU was passing an English language exam. She studied and prepared for the exam for weeks and was elated to receive her passing score. Following the test, she faced a series of complications and roadblocks concerning her student visa, and she decided to work through the process with her uncle in Chicago. Despite these hurdles, it was apparent to her through it all that God was making a way for her.

“I believe it was 15 days before I was supposed to start studying at ETBU for the fall semester, and my uncle, who was

helping me through the process, was growing concerned that we weren’t going to get my visa on time,” she said. “In my heart, I knew that I would get everything. I told my uncle there were only two options. The first is that I would die, and the second is that I would get my visa. The next day I received it.”

When asked how she had so much faith in God’s plan for her, Vika shared that her mother always told her that God would take care of her. She said she didn’t fully understand those words until going through this process.

“I realized that I’m in God’s hands, and there were a lot of moments when God just really took care of me,” she reflected. “For example, on a day I felt really bad, my uncle kissed me on the forehead just like my dad always did. And my uncle did not

realize that it meant so much to me, and I just realized that God takes care of me that much.”

Much like Sofia’s, Vika’s enrollment came down to the wire, and she hurriedly moved across the country from Chicago just one day before the semester began.

“Of course, I was homesick for the first week,” Vika admitted. “The hardest thing was hearing everything in English. But I love the teachers here. My professors know I’m from Ukraine, so they allow me to record their lessons, and if I don’t understand something, they will explain it to me. Some of them even text me to ask me how my week is going.”

Although both girls’ start to the semester was a whirlwind of events, they each expressed gratefulness to the ETBU community for welcoming them with open arms and making the adjustment a little bit easier.

“Every day is a new day that proves how ETBU is my new home,” Sofia expressed. “Teachers talk to me, people check on me, and everyone is so nice. It feels like a family, and I love that. Especially when your family is so far away, it really helps with homesickness to have so many supportive people around you.”

The beautiful aspect of a connected community is that the relationships go both ways. In the same ways that the University community has blessed these two students from across the world, they too have made a tremendous impact on the campus community.

“It is easy to think of acts of kindness as one-sided, but the opposite is true in most situations,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Sanders said. “Inviting Vika and Sofia to join our campus community is, from my perspective, a greater blessing to us. They bring infectious joy to everyone. We are the beneficiaries of God’s gifts through them.”

“This scholarship program began as an avenue to bless our sisters from Ukraine with an educational opportunity and a safe place to be during the war,” Director of the Great Commission Program and

Director of Global Education Lisa Seeley added. “It quickly became a mutual walk with blessings flowing in both directions. I have been overwhelmingly impressed with the faith of both Vika and Sofia, even in the midst of a war that is impacting them and their families. Their faith informs their actions, and they are shining lights for trust in our Savior. The vision of ETBU is to stand boldly as a committed Christcentered institution of higher learning. These two dear Ukrainian young women embody the act of standing boldly for a Christ-centered life.”

Neither Sofia nor Vika ever imagined themselves leaving Ukraine to study in the United States, but God had other plans. Each of their stories is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the goodness of His plans, so long as we are willing to step out in faith and trust Him fully.

“Every day is a new day that proves how ETBU is my new home. Teachers talk to me, people check on me, and everyone is so nice. It feels like a family, and I love that.”

VIKA KOZACHOK, FRESHMAN

“There are many small things I did not recognize until I just sat and thought about it and realized that God just showed me how He works,” Vika said. “I always remember my mom’s words that God will take care of me. Sometimes we take a lot of things on our backs and think that we will do everything, but we don’t need to because we have this great Father who takes care of us.”

As the pair navigates being first-time college students in a foreign country, they focus on the uplifting power of community amongst the campus and find community and solace in their own special friendship with each other.

“Something I have learned from going through this is how important it is to stay kind no matter what because you don’t know what other people are going through,” Sofia said. “Having Vika here, the fact that we can share and support each other, is amazing.”

As many believers seek out opportunities to help those impacted by the war in Ukraine, Sofia and Vika expressed how individuals wanting to be involved can help, including the importance of simply keeping Ukraine at the forefront of our thoughts, prayers, and conversations.

“I think the most important thing others can do to support Ukraine is to speak,” Vika urged. “Because if we forget about it, things will continue the way they are now. But if we will speak, then everything can be changed.”

“How someone can help really depends on what they have,” Sofia added. “If you can, just share a few dollars with an organization for food or resources. But even if you don’t have that, keep sharing the story. Because war is still happening, and it is not only in Ukraine but all over the

world. Help put more eyes on the issue, keep being kind to others, and be grateful for what you have. That is the best thing you can do.”

ETBU is hopeful to continue providing scholarship for Vika and Sofia.

“I hope people realize that God is real and God is the same,” Vika concluded. “God works in your life, and it is always much better if you trust Him. I hope that people will read this story and realize how great God is. I just don’t have a chance to not believe, to not have this faith. When somebody asks me why I chose ETBU, I say it’s not me. I haven’t chosen it; God chose it for me.”

SUPPORT ETBU’S UKRAINIAN STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP AT WWW.ETBU.EDU/GIVE.

SPRING 2022 COMMENCEMENT RETURNS TO PRE-PANDEMIC CELEBRATIONS

The room is charged with excitement as graduates sit in a sea of navy caps and gowns, eagerly awaiting upcoming celebrations, job interviews, and big future plans. The sway of gold fringe tassels reveals glances to the left and right as graduates seek out their friends and family in the audience, a sure sign of proud accomplishment. And for the first time in two years, graduates’ smiles and joy radiate from faces not covered by masks.

East Texas Baptist University held two Spring Commencement ceremonies to honor the 2022 spring graduates on Saturday, May 7. ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn presided over the ceremonies as 186 students received undergraduate degrees and 22 earned graduate degrees, for a total of 208 graduates.

“Graduating Class of 2022, congratulations on the earning of your degree,” Dr. Blackburn said. “It is a remarkable

achievement, indeed a tremendous accomplishment, for which we are so very proud of you. Your journey in the pursuit, discovery, and application of God’s truths does not end here on this Hill. Commencement at East Texas Baptist is a celebration of the earning of your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. We rejoice with your family, friends, staff, and faculty as we watched you grow in mind, body, and spirit. We are excited to see you follow God’s calling on your life.”

Last spring, after two years of varying health and safety guidelines and restrictions, the University returned to its pre-pandemic pomp and circumstance festivities. Graduates, whose majority of their college experience was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, were able to conclude their time on the Hill in a truly celebratory fashion.

“The fact that I do not have to walk across that stage with a mask covering my face, and I have the ability to shake

Dr. Blackburn’s hand is priceless to me,” speech communication graduate Creed Spenrath said. “My time on the Hill has truly been amazing and an experience that I am eternally grateful for. The friendships, experiences, and knowledge I have gained from this place are something I can’t put a price tag on. ETBU has been a place that has pushed me, encouraged me, and more importantly pointed me in the direction that God has for my life.”

The keynote speaker for the first ceremony was Pastor of GraceWorks Counseling Ministry Ken Brumley. Brumley is a 1977 graduate of East Texas Baptist University and holds a master’s degree with a focus on Marriage and Family Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

“When I came to ETBC, I was a broken young man in need of God’s grace,” Brumley said. “It was here that I experienced God’s deep cleansing forgiveness. To speak at this commencement brings back powerful memories of God’s faithfulness and love.”

Associate Professor of History Dr. Jenny Hoover gave the commencement address

to the Schools of Communication and Performing Arts, Natural and Social Sciences, and Nursing. She encouraged graduates as they leave their community at ETBU to find new communities that point them closer to Christ.

“Graduates, your work over the last few years has brought you to this moment and we are here, as a community, to recognize your work and to send you out into the work God has called you to,” Dr. Hoover said. “As you reflect on your time on the Hill, I want you to see a larger community at work preparing you to be a Christian servant leader in the life that God has called you to. As you leave this place today and you go out into the world to shine the light of Christ, find a church community that will help you live out your calling to serve with all of your mind, body, and soul.”

Each semester, Dr. Blackburn presents an award to a graduate who represents a Christian leader, scholar, and servant within the campus and the local community. Christian Lee Phillips, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitative Science, received the President’s Award for the Spring 2022 graduating class. From Murphy, Texas, Phillips consistently demonstrated ETBU’s core commitments during his time on the Hill. His humble spirit and servant heart, together with his demonstrated leadership, distinguished him in the classroom, the mission field, and in ministry - specifically, Baptist Student Ministry (BSM), where he served as small group leader, outreach team member, prayer team member and BSM President. Christian has maintained a GPA of 3.95 and remained on the President’s List each semester at ETBU.

Christian’s mentors have this to say about him: “He exhibits the heart of a true disciple-maker and servant leader.” And, “Christian goes out of his way to be the hands and feet of Jesus through encouragement and service.”

In 2013, ETBU established a recognition for faculty who excel in service, scholarship, teaching, and integration of faith and learning. Dr. Jeph Holloway was recognized with the 2022 Professor with Distinction Award. Dr. Holloway joined the faculty at ETBU in 2001, and he currently

serves as Professor of Christian Ministry and the John Harris Endowed Chair of Christian Studies.

A colleague observed that “Dr. Holloway is a scholar who, in faith, has spent his life studying the most important questions that people can ask. In humility, he has allowed his research to be a part of Christ’s transformative work in his life, and by extension, the lives of countless others. Dr. Holloway is a model for all of us to follow as we teach and learn as part of our calling to live the lives for which God created us.”

The Spring 2022 commencement marked a significant milestone for the University, with over 3,000 total degrees awarded over the last ten years. Since the 20112012 academic year, the total number of degrees awarded has increased by 63.1%.

“The calling of East Texas Baptist University is to educate students through embracing faith, engaging minds, empowering leaders, and enhancing communities,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Sanders said. “Our mission is the central part of everything that we do. We are building a community on this Hill that has impact around the world. The increase of graduates signifies the continued growth and impact of East Texas Baptist.”

Behind the doors of the newly remodeled Harvey Daniel Bruce Hall, the next generation of teachers is being trained and equipped to step into the mission field of schools across the United States.

The National Education Association recently estimated a shortage of approximately 300,000 teachers and staff nationwide. As districts face the challenges of staffing their schools and campuses, East Texas Baptist University is stepping up to the plate to prepare highquality, skilled candidates to the education job pool in Texas and beyond.

“ETBU’s School of Education shares a whole-hearted commitment to educating and empowering superior teachers who are truly prepared to ensure success for every student in their future classrooms,” Dean of the School of Education Amber Daub stated. “We believe that education is the pathway to all professions and that, with fully equipped teachers, society can flourish. Meeting this ultimate goal is possible through a comprehensive approach that our faculty take very seriously every day. At ETBU, future educators are seen as responding to God’s calling to serve others and make a positive impact on the world around them. This level of dedication to others is unparalleled, and our team of professors honors and embraces this as a call to action—each of us is highly committed to truly knowing our students, understanding their strengths and their calling, and equipping, preparing, and supporting them to meet the incredibly high standards for educators today.”

Focused on field-based exposure, the School of Education faculty share personal and practical classroom experiences to communicate proven teaching techniques. The faculty instruct utilizing the best teaching practices and effective classroom technologies.

HARVEY DANIEL BRUCE HALL RECEIVES RENOVATION

Dr. Harvey Daniel Bruce became President of the College of Marshall in 1942. He retired as the President of East Texas Baptist College in 1960. Prior to his tenure, Dr. Bruce served as Pastor of First Baptist Church in Midland, Texas. Born and raised in Kentucky, Harvey Bruce completed his bachelor’s degree at Furman University after enlisting and serving in the Army during World War I. In 1928, Bruce and his wife, Merle, moved to Fort Worth for him to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. After completing his studies, Dr. Bruce served as the Pastor of First Baptist Churches in Tyler, Glen Rose, Huntsville, and Midland.

After arriving in Marshall in 1942, Dr. Bruce began soliciting support to eliminate the institution’s debt of $43,000, which he accomplished during his first year. President Bruce secured support from the Baptist General Convention of Texas to elevate the College of Marshall to a four-year institution, and in 1944 the institution was formally renamed East Texas Baptist College. In 1945, ETBC began awarding its first bachelor’s degrees.

With the conclusion of World War II, ETBC welcomed an influx of students to campus. To accommodate the growing enrollment, President Bruce led a campus expansion initiative. These expansions included the construction of Scarborough Chapel, Feagin Hall, Sanderson Hall, Harvey Daniel Bruce Hall, Keys Gym, and Linebery Hall as well as enhancements to Merle Bruce Hall.

Academic program offerings grew alongside enrollment under Dr. Bruce’s leadership. President Bruce worked diligently to increase the faculty pool and to elevate faculty credentials. In 1958, ETBC received full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges.

Harvey Daniel Bruce Hall was formally dedicated on June 8, 1956. This building was originally home to the president and vice presidents’ offices, as well as the library. In 2021, University Leadership transformed Harvey Daniel Bruce Hall into a 21st-century learning and training facility for East Texas Baptist University’s School of Education. The modernizing of the building allows for faculty to share personal and practical classroom experiences and to communicate proven teaching techniques. Within the walls of Harvey Daniel Bruce Hall, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make an impact for God’s glory within their career callings.

“The most beneficial aspect of our approach to practicum classes and clinical teaching is that our students can move from textbook teaching into the realities of the classroom,” Director of Field Experiences, Certification Officer, and Assistant Professor of Education Shelby Burger shared. “That way, they can connect the strategies and methods they were taught to practical application. When students step into their first year of teaching, it is less intimidating because they have already been involved in a real classroom setting.”

ETBU-trained educators go into the field with mindsets, discipline, and a level of understanding that enables them to serve all students in all settings. As a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Accredited university and a TEAAccredited Educator Preparation Program, students are required to complete rigorous coursework and extensive field-based preparation. This level of rigor, coupled with the continuous integration of ethics, moral values, and Christian principles builds a wisdom in students that is not typical of many beginning teachers.

“Our students believe and honor the truth that all children are of God and that serving others requires well-developed traits such as patience, while also holding the standard for learning high,” Dr. Daub said. “ETBU educators believe that all students can be successful and they know that they alone can help students realize that dream.”

Graduates of the department will leave the Teacher Education program equipped with the knowledge and skills to become an effective Christian teacher. The School of Education offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, all-level education, and a supplemental certification in special education.

“I am very thankful for the legacy left by the professors who were here before me, because some of the things I remember them saying, I am now saying to my students,” ETBU alumnus and Assistant Professor of Education Jennifer Gillaspie (’01) reflected. “It is very surreal coming back to the Hill not as a student but as a professor. Our goal in this department is to make sure the instruction we are passing on to our students matches what is

current in the field of education. We focus very heavily on professionalism and how to model Christ in the classroom.”

In addition to undergraduate and certification programs, the School of Education offers graduate programming as well. The Master of Education is a 12-month program designed to develop educational leaders within a Christian framework. The program requires 12 hours of foundational courses and at least 18 hours from one of five specializations. All programs are offered completely online. Specializations include: teacher certification, educational leadership certification, sports leadership, specialization in English, math, or history, and school counseling. Additionally, the Master of Education in School Counseling

“At ETBU, future educators are seen as responding to God’s calling to serve others and make a positive impact on the world around them.”

DR. AMBER DAUB, DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

is a 51-hour program that seeks to provide students with a strong foundation for school counselor positions in Texas public schools. Upon completion of the required program, students will be eligible to sit for the TExES exam in school counseling.

“We believe that our university-based program is of the highest quality available for students,” Director of the Master of Education Program and Assistant Professor of Education Jennifer Holling said. “Because our master’s program is online, we can serve and train teachers across the state and we can help place candidates in full-time positions across Texas. I try to encourage anyone considering a career in education to reflect and pray about it. Teaching is a calling. When you go into education, you are not doing it for money or prestige. There are two sides of teaching; you may really enjoy a certain subject, but you also must care about and communicate clearly with children.”

Education graduates from East Texas Baptist are highly regarded and sought after among school districts throughout Texas for their competency and caliber of training from ETBU’s carefully planned curriculum and training from seasoned and successful faculty scholars and education practitioners.

“We prepare educators for all settings,” Dr. Daub added. “Students are equipped to adapt and respond to real-life scenarios and are able to meet the demands of both public and private education while also holding true to their own values and wellness. Time and time again, district leaders tell us that when they see an ETBU student in an applicant pool, the student will be interviewed. And, 100% of our students are not only hired—they are retained. They are successful in their first placements. This has been true for many years, and I believe that this is because of the depth of preparation and commitment to integrating faith with what we do

every day. Our students are resilient, and they have staying power because they understand the importance of the work that they are doing.”

As prospective students consider entering the field of education, East Texas Baptist’s School of Education is focused on utilizing proven teaching techniques, state-of-theart learning facilities, and a God-given calling to not only produce exemplary graduates, but to send Christian servant leaders out into schools across the state, country, and world.

“I hope that our students hold tightly to the understanding that society itself is depending on them to develop tomorrow’s citizens to the highest levels possible,” Dr. Daub concluded. “This has been ingrained in our students, and we believe that many, many children will have life-changing educational experiences as a result of ETBU educators teaching in their classrooms and leading in their schools.”

Teaching Training

CHRIST-CENTERED EDUCATORS AND

Focused on field-based experience, the ETBU School of Education professors share proven teaching techniques, while keeping students aware of current best teaching practices and effective classroom technologies. Graduates of ETBU are equipped to become highly effective Christian teachers in public and private school settings. The School of Education offers majors in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, All-Level Education, and a supplemental certification in Special Education.

ETBU FAMILIES CONNECT DURING FAMILY WEEKEND

ETBU Tigers welcomed their families to the Hill for a weekend full of community and fellowship on Friday, September 30, and Saturday, October 1. Over 1,000 ETBU students’ family members attended Family Weekend social activities and the Tiger Football home opener versus Southwestern University.

“Family Weekend 2022 was such a fun time welcoming our extended Tiger Family to the Hill,” Director of Student Life Laura Coursey said. “We loved seeing our campus full of parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends of all sorts. As stated in our core

values, enhancing community is such an important aspect of ETBU. Providing students and their families an opportunity to reconnect after eight weeks at school is always a special time.”

Family Weekend activities are designed to bring faculty, staff, students, and families together for a weekend of camaraderie. Families experienced life at ETBU with activities such as food trucks and live music at The Grove, Movie Night Under the Stars, Family Worship, Alumni Floats with Faculty Connection, and ETBU Theatre’s production of Doubt: A Parable On Saturday morning, ETBU students, faculty, and staff showcased their individual entrepreneurialism during Small

Business Saturday. The display of small businesses ranged from art and jewelry to photography and baked goods.

“Small Business Saturday gave me a whirlwind of emotions this year, I was excited to put my talents on display for people to see and enjoy, yet I was also nervous about the popularity of the things I was making,” sophomore child development major Haven Chance said. “I think Small Business Saturday went well for me. I may not have sold everything on my table, but I know that I got my name out there. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to show off something that my grandmother taught me to do just a few years ago.”

To wrap up the weekend festivities, the Tiger Family cheered on the ETBU Tiger Football Team as they claimed victory over Southwestern University at Ornelas Stadium, 31-10.

“Family Weekend was the perfect opportunity for our campus community to come together and reconnect after a great start to the Fall 2022 semester,” Dean of Students Holly Edwards said. “The weekend provided awesome opportunities to engage with the Marshall community through local food vendors as well as the campus community by providing an opportunity to connect through ice cream fellowship, faculty connections, and dramatic and athletic

talent. One of the highlights was having the chance to worship alongside each other during the Family Worship Service on Saturday morning. It was a great weekend on the Hill.”

“Family Weekend 2022 was such a fun time welcoming our extended Tiger Family to the Hill. We loved seeing our campus full of parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends of all sorts.”

LAURA COURSEY, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE

BUILDING HOUSES OF FAITH

With nearly 400 freshmen Tigers on campus for the Fall 2022 semester, and a growing freshman enrollment each year, East Texas Baptist University felt called to provide students who reside together with an enhanced opportunity to foster a deeper Christian community within the residence halls. Out of this vision, five Houses of Faith were developed, each named after a Biblical leader and accompanied by curriculum catered to help freshmen study and apply the Word of God. These Houses also aim to help new students experience a smoother transition into their life on the Hill by connecting them to their peers.

“We believe that we have a really unique opportunity to help students find a deeper connection to their peers,” Dean of Students Holly Edwards said. “We wanted to take advantage of students living in community and use that to provide spiritual formation and an applicable way for them to learn and engage with the Bible together. Our hope is that through the faithful characters found in Scripture, our students would pursue growth, character traits, and values that transform their everyday lives.”

When deciding the curriculum for the Houses, the House Committee evaluated several leaders in the Bible and the characteristics and virtues they represent. From that, the committee decided on two females and three males: Lydia, Ruth, Joshua, Daniel, and Timothy. Within each House, freshmen study the different characteristics and virtues unique to those leaders and discuss how to apply it to their lives. For example, in Daniel House, students spend the fall semester looking at the characteristics of perseverance, faith, and integrity with the key verse being Daniel 6:22, which says “My God sent His angel, and He shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” The study looks at Daniel’s

success, his life, and how he connects to God.

“The curriculum gives a framework for conversation, which the resident assistants (RAs), who lead the small groups, seem excited about,” Edwards added. “The studies also provide students an opportunity to connect individually with the Lord and learn spiritual disciplines.”

The House discipleship groups meet every two weeks to discuss the different virtues of the biblical leader being studied. In between the group studies, students are provided materials to explore further into the Scripture individually. Each of the activities looks at the virtues and how they should be applied. Junior Christian ministry and mental health major Abraham Contreras is an RA in Centennial Hall and a leader of the Joshua House. Joshua is the Israelite who succeeded Moses

in leadership and exemplifies wisdom, courage, and obedience. Contreras explained how Joshua House allowed him to see new perspectives on Scripture along with the opportunity to meet and build relationships with freshmen residents.

“It is cool seeing a fresh perspective, not only from the students, but from my fellow RAs,” Contreras said. “You will grow from the Houses. You can learn a lot from

“Our hope is that through the faithful characters found in Scripture, our students would pursue growth, character traits, and values that transform their everyday lives.”

HOLLY EDWARDS, DEAN OF STUDENTS

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

JOSHUA 24:15

Joshua’s character and how you can implement that into your spiritual growth.”

Freshman worship studies major Cole Perkins attends Joshua House with Contreras and shared how being a part of this House helped him transition into college life and being a student at ETBU.

“We dive into real life topics, and get into the Word,” Perkins said. “It is pretty great

because everyone actually speaks. Usually in Bible studies, it is one or two people talking. Here, everyone has something to say. It is cool getting to know people, the RAs especially, because it helps you become more comfortable and at home at ETBU. It has helped me transition to being a new student in the Tiger Family.”

Lydia House is hosted in Linebery Hall where a group of women study Lydia’s hospitality, her impact, and how to apply her characteristics as a female today.

Sophomore humanities major Sarah Resendez co-leads the group and sees how the House has helped residents build community and strengthen relationships, including supporting a student from Ukraine to find community on the Hill.

“The best part is just the community of women,” Resendez said. “I did not know much about Lydia when we started. She’s not extensively discussed in the Bible. One of the biggest things about her is she had a group of women surrounding her that was built around communal worship with the Lord. It has been so cool to see that happening in Linebery [Hall] while we grow together, working on our walks with the Lord, even talking about personal and fun things and working together. I have seen the fruits of this study. Not a lot of the girls would have known each other so personally if not for the study. It has been neat seeing them now being able to interact with each other.”

Linebery Hall Diligence Boldness Endurance

Centennial Hall Honor Humility Devotion

Linebery Hall Diligence Hospitality Wisdom

Centennial Hall Wisdom Courage Obedience

Fry Hall Faith Perseverance Integrity

Opposite page: Joshua House meeting together. Left: Lydia House during one of their studies.

Below left: Freshman Cole Perkins during a Joshua House study.

Below right: Sophomore RA Sarah Resendez leading a Lydia House discussion.

Bottom: Junior RA Abraham Contreras leading a Joshua House discussion.

ETBC AND ETBU TIGERS UNITE ON THE HILL FOR HOMECOMING 2022

ETBU hosted alumni from East Texas Baptist College (ETBC), and East Texas Baptist University on the Hill to celebrate past and present traditions during Homecoming weekend on Friday, October 21, and Saturday, October 22. This year’s Homecoming

festivities coincided with the University’s 110th anniversary, marked by the annual Founders Day, which recognizes the institution’s charter on October 22, 1912.

“We celebrated Homecoming festivities all week with our students, and we are elated to welcome our alumni, guests,

and friends of East Texas Baptist to celebrate this special time in the life of the University,” ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn said. “The alumni from ETBU and East Texas Baptist College here with us this weekend were dedicated to their studies, they completed their degrees and went on to serve in their callings, and now they return back here to celebrate what God did in their life while on this Hill. Thank you, alumni, for your faithfulness. Thank you for sharing with us the legacy

of God’s faith in you with these future generations of Tiger graduates.”

During Homecoming Chapel, the 2022 Golden Blazers, Alumni Award recipients, Golden Lightkeeper recipient, and the Honor Class of 1972 were recognized.

“It was such a pleasure reuniting with former classmates at Homecoming this year,” Vice President for the Class of 1972 Paula (Matkin) Nichols shared. “It was fun as we recalled incidents, activities, and people from those wonderful days on the Hill. It was also enjoyable to hear and share what has gone on in our lives since that time. It is so hard to believe that it has been 50 years, but I am so thankful to have participated in Homecoming 2022.”

Since the program’s inception in 2010, a total of 99 members have been presented with ETBU’s traditional Golden Blazers as a symbol of leadership, spiritual authority, and God’s blessing. These ambassadors have provided generous financial support and countless volunteer hours to ETBU. The 2022 Golden Blazers are Linda Cliett (’62), Lorre Kauffman (’89), Stacy Kauffman (’89), and Sergio Ramos (’93). Winners of the 2022 Alumni Awards included Bob Metcalf (’75) for the J. Wesley Smith Achievement Award; Jerry and Judy Cargill were honored with the W.T. Tardy Service Award; Janice Hearn (’89) was awarded the Alumni Achievement Award; Justin Hayes (’00) was honored with the Unsung Hero Award; and Dr. Leah Chiles Grant (’05) accepted the Young Alumnus Award.

“Attending this University shaped me in some remarkable ways,” Metcalf said. “What I learned in this place and in Scripture is that we all need grace. We all need the grace of people to come alongside us in ministry. That began here at ETBU for me and has been a mark of a ministry that I hope is extended around the globe in multiplying churches and multiplying Christians.”

Top - from left to right: Justin Hayes (’00), Janice Hearn (’89), Bob Metcalf (’75), Jerry and Judy Cargill, Suzanne Melhart.

Middle - from left to right: Stacy Kauffman (’89), Lorre Kauffman (’89), Linda Cliett (’62), Sergio Ramos (’93). Bottom: Suzanne Melhart and ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn.

Alumnus Irene (Brown) Sisk (’48) received the Golden Lightkeeper Award. The award is bestowed upon alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more and demonstrate continuing achievement in their vocation, church, and community. Through her gift to ETBU, the Sisk Health Services Clinic at ETBU was established in her honor and in memory of her husband, Dr. Walter Sisk (’50). She also designated funds for an endowed scholarship at ETBU for students pursuing a career in medicine. Irene Sisk’s daughter, Suzanne Melhart, was presented with a commemorative award on Mrs. Sisk’s behalf to honor her support and exemplification of the mission of ETBU.

“ETBU is a special place, and I am so happy to be here today,” Melhart said. “My parents met here at ETBC in the mid1940s. They fell in love with each other but most importantly, they fell in love with Jesus. ETBU shaped their futures, the career path they would take, the spouses they would become, and the parents they would become. On behalf of my family and my mom, I just want to thank you all so much for what ETBU has meant to our family and for bestowing this distinguished honor upon my mother.”

To learn more about the 2022 Homecoming Award recipients, visit www.ETBU.edu/homecomingawards.

To kickstart the Homecoming festivities, ETBU’s Office of Student Engagement planned ‘Happy Birthday, ETBU!’ for the campus community to celebrate Founder’s Day and ETBU’s 110th birthday at Toby and Tabby’s birthday party. The campus community joined in the celebration for birthday cake and cupcakes, party games, pictures with Toby and Tabby, and a photo booth. Throughout the weekend celebration, the Tiger Family enjoyed activities such as a Jazz Band concert, Tiger Pep Rally and Fireworks, Late Night Breakfast, Decade Reunions, Tiger Family Carnival and Tailgate, and several Tiger athletic events. Tiger Volleyball swept its final regular

season homestand, claiming victories over Howard Payne and Sul Ross State.

“Being back on campus with my daughter and getting to walk the path where my wife and I met has been awesome,” ETBU alumnus Nathan Mills (’18) from Garland, Texas, said. “Attending ETBU had a huge impact on my life. I met my wife here, received my degree, and I met a ton of great lifelong friends here. It really pointed me in the right direction spiritually, academically, and relationally.”

The 2022 Homecoming Court was announced during halftime of the football game against Austin College.

The court included Freshman Duke and Duchess Alec King and Graycee Mosley; Sophomore Duke and Duchess Randall Searls and Priscila Ramos; Junior Duke and Duchess Carson Loos and Anna Osborne; and Senior Duke and Duchess Landry Pedroza and Olivia Simmons. ETBU seniors RJ Miller and Abby Jones were named 2022 ETBU Homecoming King and Queen.

The King and Queen were nominated for their representations of a Christian leader, scholar, and servant. Miller is a senior kinesiology wellness-management major from Shreveport, Louisiana. He is a member of the Tiger Track Team, where

he was ETBU’s first All-American in Track and Field in 2022. He has represented the University at the NCAA Leadership Forum and was chosen for the NCAA Division III Student Immersion Program. He is an active member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and served as a Resident Assistant. Jones is a senior worship studies major from Van, Texas. Throughout her time at ETBU, she has served as Chapel Band Coordinator, Lampsato Worship Band leader, Chapel Band leader, guitar ensemble member, Tiger Camp leader, FCA worship leader, Leadership Fellow, Summer Chapel music coordinator, “First Sunday” worship night coordinator, and Thrive mentor.

ETBU Head Softball Coach Janae’

TIGERAthletics

Shirley received the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) 2022 Humanitarian Award. The NFCA’s Humanitarian Award recognizes a member coach who has selflessly dedicated time toward the long-term betterment of the community and/or engaged in charitable activities in the service of others.

Vice President for Student Engagement and Athletics Ryan Erwin commented about Coach Shirley’s NFCA Humanitarian Award, “I could not think of a more deserving coach than Janae’ Shirley for the NFCA Humanitarian Award. Coach Shirley has used her role as head coach at ETBU for the past 15 years to serve and enhance the local Marshall community. The number of initiatives and projects that she and her program have started and been involved in over the years is truly remarkable. Her servant heart and desire for community engagement has been contagious, not only to her studentathletes, but to other ETBU athletic teams and student-athletes. We are proud of what Janae’ has accomplished on the field for ETBU Softball during her tenure, but even more impressed by her continued investment in others outside her program in the community.”

Coach Shirley and ETBU Tiger Softball have hosted both an annual Strike Out Cancer weekend and Military Appreciation Day since 2010. Over the past 10 years, the ETBU Cancer Fund has raised nearly $50,000 through silent auctions, t-shirt sales, and donations.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, ETBU Softball initiated a pen pal program for children undergoing cancer treatments, who, due to safety restrictions, couldn’t have visitors.

Coach Shirley reflected when the NFCA honor was announced, “Our program was incredibly fortunate to be able to find

a way to connect with others during the pandemic. Being able to bring joy to sick and hurting children and connect through letters and communications was such a blessing for our program and taught our players how something as small as a letter could bring so much joy.”

Other community-service activities that the ETBU Softball has undertaken during Coach Shirley’s tenure include Thanksgiving basket prep; water delivery and a canned food drive for Mission Arlington; packing gifts for children in need through Operation Christmas Child; cleaning elementary schools and picking up trash alongside the road during various service days; hosting kids camps; and serving meals to those in need at Central Baptist Church’s Hearts for Hungry event. The Tigers supported the Trinity Episcopal Fall Festival, helped at Wonderland of Lights in downtown Marshall, and participated in the operation

of the 9/11 Heroes Run. The team has volunteered with the East Texas Buddy Walk to promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome. ETBU Softball also works with Habitat for Humanity and Salvation Army.

Through the Tiger Athletic Mission Experience (TAME), the ETBU Tiger Softball Team also embarked upon the first international TAME trip in school history, a week of service, faith, and softball in San Jose, Costa Rica, in 2016. In December 2022, the Tigers will journey to Australia on the program’s second TAME sports mission trip.

As a steward of ETBU Softball, Coach Shirley has been intentional in calling her student-athletes to utilize their sports platform to better the community of ETBU, Marshall, and East Texas. Janae’s investment in community health engagement initiatives will have a lasting impact throughout the region due to her caring spirit and conscientious leadership.

Service is a major part of being a studentathlete at East Texas Baptist University. Softball senior Leah Akridge led by example throughout her time in the blue and gold and earned the 2021-22 American Southwest Conference (ASC) Female Community Service Award for displaying leadership and service to her community and others.

AKRIDGE HONORED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

“Leah is a model ETBU student-athlete, who has excelled in all her endeavors during her time as a Tiger,” Vice President for Student Engagement and Athletics Ryan Erwin said. “She is a servant-leader that is always looking for ways to serve and love others within the ETBU Family, as well as in the Marshall community. We are proud of all she has done during her time on the Tiger Softball Team and at ETBU. Leah is very deserving of this recognition from the ASC.”

The ASC Community Service Award honors one male and one female studentathlete, who best display leadership and action in fostering community service on their campus and local community.

A Lufkin, Texas, native, Akridge was a four-year letter winner for the Tigers, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She received the 2022 Presidential Scholar Award for her commitment to academic excellence. Leah has served as a Thrive Mentor, Tiger Camp Leader, and peer tutor. Akridge has been on the leadership council for ETBU Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and assisted with campground clean-up with FCA in Louisiana. She has been an active part of the ETBU Softball Pen Pal Program, where she and her teammates sent letters each week to patients in children’s hospitals throughout Texas.

Leah found time to balance her busy schedule and served the community in many facets. Majoring in education, she served as the Rotary Youth Leadership head counselor and volunteered at Trinity Episcopal School, as well as at the elementary schools in the Marshall Independent School District. She was a volunteer intern at Immanuel Baptist Church (IBC) in Marshall, where she assisted with various church events. In addition, she taught youth Sunday school at IBC, as well as served in the nursery and led the college group at First Baptist Church-Lufkin when she was home for summer break.

Akridge enjoys sharing her love of softball with the next generation. She volunteered her time coaching local youth softball teams and worked the ETBU Softball camps. Throughout her college career Leah could be found serving at the local food pantry. She assisted with the annual community 9/11 run, made care packages for Afghan refugees through Houston Welcomes Refugees, served with East Texas Open Doors, made blankets and packed boxes for children in Dallas and Houston hospitals, and worked the American Appreciation Concert. During the Christmas season, Leah participated in Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, visited and sang carols at local nursing homes, and volunteered for the Salvation Army’s annual bell ringing drive.

Leah graduates in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Jordan Estes

Football

’21 AFCA

All-American

Sayers Collins

Baseball

’22 d3Baseball.com

All-American

’22 ABCA

Delanie Loya

Softball

’22 NFCA

All-American

Tristen Maddox

Softball

’22 NFCA

All-American

Courtney White

Softball

’22 NFCA

All-American

All-American Rangel

“RJ” Miller

Track & Field

’22 NCAA

Division III

All-American

SINGLETON CROWNED ASC’S 2022 WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Following a stellar career at East Texas Baptist University, Tiger Women’s Basketball player Taylor Singleton was named the 2022 American Southwest Conference (ASC) Woman of the Year inJuly.

“It is truly amazing what Taylor accomplished during her time as an ETBU Tiger and we could not be more proud of her being named the American Southwest Conference Woman of the Year,” Vice President for Student Engagement and Athletics Ryan Erwin said. “Taylor’s commitment to excellence and servant leadership was evident throughout her ETBU career on the court, in the classroom, and in the Marshall community. She was a model student-athlete, who excelled in her athletic pursuits, while always displaying great sportsmanship. Taylor is driven by her faith in everything she does. Taylor’s leadership on the basketball team and throughout the ETBU community was evident from the first day she set foot on campus and we are forever grateful for her contributions and the impact she had on so many while on the Hill.”

Singleton graduated in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a

chemistry minor. In addition to her ASC Woman of the Year award, Singleton was the conference nominee for the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year award. She is the fourth ETBU studentathlete selected to represent the ASC as the NCAA Woman of the Year nominee following Jayme Perez (2017), Lya Swaner (2013), and Ashton Brey (2012). Both Perez and Swaner were Top 9 Finalists for the NCAA Woman of the Year.

“I am so proud of Taylor for receiving this award,” Women’s Basketball Head Coach Blake Arbogast said. “Not only did she make an impact on the floor by her many accomplishments this year, but she was an even better woman off the court. To be a part of this journey with her was special, because she had so many obstacles that she had to navigate through this year, and was still able to perform at a high level both on and off the floor. What makes Taylor deserving of this award is that she never put herself above her teammates, and did everything in a way that was honoring and loving of the Lord. Any coach would be lucky to be around this high character, God loving, young lady and I am so grateful that I was able to experience this year with her.”

A four-year starter for the ETBU Women’s Basketball Team, Singleton was a two-time conference Defensive Player of the Year and All-Conference First Team selection. In both the 2021-22 and 2018-19 seasons, she led the conference in steals, three times claiming a spot on the All-Defensive

Team. During her career, ETBU posted an 89-18 record and advanced to the second round of the 2022 NCAA Division III tournament. Singleton served as team captain her senior season.

“It’s a very rewarding feeling to be honored as the ASC Woman of the Year,” Singleton said. “Accolades are not something that I expect to receive, so when I got the text from my coach it was an ‘oh wow’ moment. No one truly understands how much work goes into being a studentathlete with balancing school, practice, games, traveling, and relationships. It’s a testament of God in my life that even with all the challenges I had during my career, He allowed me to continually perform to the best of my ability. I have put in a lot of work since I started playing basketball in middle school and receiving this award was sort of an exclamation point to my career. It made it a little easier to step away from basketball and transition to life after ETBU.”

The Friendswood, Texas native was named to the ETBU President’s List and ASC Academic All-Conference in each of her four years, garnering CoSIDA Academic All-District basketball honors in 2022. Singleton volunteered with campus and community groups for Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief along with helping residents at Oaklawn Nursing Facility, Boys and Girls Club of Marshall, and at two local elementary schools. Singleton was a member of Xi Iota Chapter of Gamma Sigma Epsilon.

“Being a student-athlete at ETBU was the most life-changing experience,” Singleton said. “Going in, I did not necessarily have a relationship with God. From the moment I stepped on campus, I was pushed to become the best woman I could be. I don’t even believe that the things I learned while being a student-athlete have matriculated yet. Being a student-athlete can be really tough, but having the support of everyone on campus was unimaginably helpful. ETBU was truly my home away from home and I’ll forever be thankful I got to spend four years on the Hill. I left with some of the most wholesome connections that I know I would not have received anywhere else.”

TIGER VOLLEYBALL TALLIES 20WIN SEASON

The ETBU Tiger Volleyball Team made a big splash in Head Coach Mallory Matthew’s (’16) first season at the helm of her alma mater. The team registered its first 20-win season since 2015 and tallied its best winning percentage since 2013. ETBU won six of its last seven games to finish third in the regular season, one game back from second place. The Tigers cruised past McMurry in the opening round of the American Southwest Conference (ASC) Tournament and won a five-set thriller in the semifinals, upsetting second-seeded Mary-Hardin Baylor to clinch a spot in the title game. The Tigers fell short in the ASC championship match, but several ETBU players were recognized for their exceptional play throughout the season. Graycee Mosley was named ASC Most Valuable Player and Freshman of the Year. Mosley and Avery Reid garnered All-ASC first-team honors, while Lillie Hill and Lexi Moody earned All-ASC second-team. Reid and Moody were also named ASC All-Tournament.

The East Texas Baptist University Athletic Communications Department celebrated receiving two CoSIDA Publication awards. CoSIDA, recently renamed College Sports Communicators (CSC), is a member national association for strategic, creative, and digital communicators across intercollegiate athletics in the United States and Canada. In addition to the awards, the staff had the opportunity to present at the 2022 CoSIDA Convention in Las Vegas in June on the topic, “Training Student Assistants.”

“We are honored to receive two national awards for our publications, but the biggest honor was telling our story about our student-athlete program,” Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Adam Ledyard said. “Having my staff there to help with the presentation and an ETBU student, Sha’maal Parrish, was an experience I will never forget.”

Thibault said. “When Adam first told me about it, I didn’t think it was a big deal, but it is cool having a national award attached to my name now.”

The athletic communications staff presented at the 2022 CoSIDA Convention. Ledyard, along with Thibault, former graduate assistant Hunter Overholt, and student Sha’maal Parrish, talked about the set setup of their student program. Ledyard shared how the student program has built up over his 10 years at ETBU. Thibault, Overholt, and Parrish were each given time to share about the impact the program has had on them.

“Meeting people from all over the country at every level of athletics was awesome,” Thibault said. “I still keep in touch with some of the connections that I made. We got to present at the convention which was an amazing feeling. Hunter and I were

ETBU ATHLETIC COMM TEAM EARNS TWO AWARDS; SPEAK AT CoSIDA CONVENTION

ETBU was awarded “Best in the Nation” by CoSIDA for their 2022 baseball program cover promoting the James Morgan Weekend. That same program placed “Third in the Nation” for overall program design. This is the second time ETBU has received CoSIDA Publication Awards under Ledyard’s guidance. Reid Adams, Peyton Thibault, and Ledyard all collaborated on the creation of the publication.

“It was a weird feeling, winning the design award,” Athletic Communication Department Graduate Assistant Peyton

the only GAs, and Sha’maal was the only student worker who spoke. We had the opportunity to be in front of 50 of our peers and talk about developing an environment students want to work in.”

Another honor for the convention went to Parrish as he received an NCAA Division III grant to attend. He was one of eight Division III students chosen to go to the national convention to learn about the athletic communications profession. He is also the first ETBU student to receive a grant to attend this convention under Ledyard.

The Tiger Golf Team traveled to St. Andrews, Scotland, in early June 2022, marking the first Tiger Athletic Mission Experience (TAME) trip since the COVID-19 pandemic and the thirteenth TAME trip overall. The group of 20 studentathletes, coaches, and staff, partnered with International Sports Federation (ISF) and spent eight days serving the people of Scotland alongside Bethany Christian Mission and playing golf at historic courses before returning home.

“Serving in Scotland meant so much to me because my love language is acts of service,” sophomore nursing major Hannah Blaha said. “This allowed me to express my gratitude toward the country and people of Scotland. Because of this trip, I now have a deeper passion for serving on mission trips and for helping others in need.”

The student-athletes also partnered with Young Life International where they spent an evening at a park connecting with local youth, playing games, and serving food. In addition to service opportunities, the Tiger Golf Team had the chance to see many historical landmarks, including the first golf course ever created, the Old Course at St. Andrews. The group was afforded the opportunity to play golf at various courses around St. Andrews.

“During the trip, we were able to play an amazing round of golf at the Castle Course at St. Andrews, where we witnessed Head Golf Coach Sydney Harvey make her first hole-in-one at the birthplace of golf,” senior

TIGER ATHLETIC MISSION EXPERIENCE RESUMES WITH TIGER GOLF TRIP TO SCOTLAND

accounting major Hank Crain recounted. “I had an amazing experience in Scotland with my teammates.”

TAME was established to cultivate the Word of God and His hope through

In March of 2022, East Texas Baptist University tragically lost a member of the Tiger Family. Anthony “AJ” Gipson graduated with a Bachelor of Science in University Studies in December of 2021 and had just begun pursuing a Master of Business Administration through the ETBU Fred Hale School of Business. He was an integral member of the Tiger Track team and was described as an exemplary leader, known for his joy, and a great person to be around. Since his loss, his absence has been felt across campus.

“AJ had an infectious personality that would light up any room that he was in,” Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach Zach Richardson shared. “He brought so much life to everyone around him, and he has been truly missed. His memory lives on in our team, in his family, and on this campus.”

AJ’s legacy will forever live on at his Home on the Hill. We continue to pray for all those who loved him, taught him, coached him, and cared for him as we mourn this tragic loss of a Tiger Family member.

Christ. Cultivate is another, yet not often used definition of the word, tame. When we think of tame, our mind goes to the domestication of an animal, like “taming the tigers.” Tame in this context does not fit the purpose of the new Tiger Athletic Mission Experience. Through these trips, student-athletes use their God-given talents and abilities to share their faith with people across the globe as they strive to transform the world for our Savior, Jesus Christ. Since 2016, ETBU Athletics has sponsored trips to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Serbia, Israel, Jamaica, Slovakia, France, Japan, and Greece.

“As an athlete, life can easily catch up and throw some bumps in the road, but being able to stay strong in your faith, respond, and bring your energy every day impacts you and those around you,” graduate student Emily Watson shared. “This trip has been an amazing experience getting to serve the Lord with my Tiger family! It was personally impactful getting to help those in need and grow in my faith alongside my coach and teammates.”

The Tiger Softball Team is headed to Australia in December 2022, Men’s Soccer will serve in Spain and Portugal in March 2023, followed by Women’s Basketball, who will be traveling to Ireland in May 2023. Please join us in praying for safe travels for all upcoming TAME trips, and for God to open the hearts and minds of our student-athletes as we strive to shine the light of Christ across the globe.

GOD HAD A PLAN

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’” declares the Lord, “‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

JEREMIAH 29:11

At the right moment, at the right time, God moves. Understanding His timing can be difficult, but He has a plan for everyone’s life. God has moved in senior political science major and Tiger Football player EJ Burgess’ life since he was young, leading him to the present—preparing to walk across the stage and graduate from East Texas Baptist University in December2022.

At the age of three, EJ lost his mother to ovarian cancer. Nine years later, at 12 years old, his father unexpectedly passed away due to complications with diabetes.

God had a plan.

EJ’s Aunt Sara and Uncle Steve Easterling were constantly in his life, helping and supporting him. That was just who Aunt

Sara and Uncle Steve were.

God had a plan.

Sara and Steve were married on December 4, 1999, and found out later that they could not have children. So, in return, they opened up their home to fostering children.

“Honestly, I believe it was a divine calling,” Steve said. “We decided early in our marriage that we wanted to be foster parents. So, we signed up for the training classes, and they approved us to foster. Initially, we started working with teenage boys from a group home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A few years in, we realized that having biological children was not going to be an option for us. We had so much to offer children who were in need, and

they have blessed us way more than we have deserved.”

With the sudden loss of his father, EJ was a 12-year-old kid with no parents in his life and not many options. Through discussions with extended family, EJ and his sister united with the Easterlings just before entering high school. It was a great fit, as the Easterlings had already been fostering children for years.

“EJ’s mom is my sister,” Sara explained. “Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her. EJ’s parents were amazing people who loved their children so much. God’s plan is always perfect, but sometimes

the journey is painful. I know his parents would be so proud of him. When my brother-in-law passed away, I told my husband we have to raise these children; they need parents. EJ’s paternal aunt, Lasonja, agreed to share custody with us so they would have connections with both sides of the family. Looking back, I can see God’s hand at work through it all.”

God’s plan always works for the good. Sara and Steve took a heartbreaking situation and turned it into a blessing for many children.

“They really have been a blessing in my life,” EJ said. “They have always been a part of my life, but moving in with them at 12 years old definitely changed my life. They are great people. They have been foster parents for about as long as they have been married. They were never able to

have their own kids. Some people would say this is a bad thing, but it is a blessing in disguise as they have been able to bless so many people throughout the years from fostering.”

Steve became a strong influence in EJ’s life. He guided him and offered him encouragement throughout his football career. EJ had always loved football, but didn’t start playing until he was a

“EJ’s parents were amazing people who loved their children so much. God’s plan is always perfect, but sometimes the journey is painful. I know his parents would be so proud of him.”

SARA EASTERLING

freshman in high school. Because EJ was behind in understanding the sport, Steve continued to be there, pushing him to get better. EJ also had great support from his biological sister, D’shawna, adopted cousin turned sister, Reese, and his Aunt Lasonja.

“The person that has definitely helped me stick with football is my Uncle Steve,” EJ shared. “There have been times when I was down, but he has always been there to push me.”

As EJ progressed through high school, the thought of playing college football never crossed his mind. Entering his senior year, he had no offers to play anywhere and thought his football playing days were done. But it was his Uncle Steve that encouraged him to go to a camp at Denham Springs High School to see if he could get any interested schools.

From left to right: Reese Easterling, Lasonja Brooks, EJ Burgess, D’shawna Burgess, Sara Easterling, Steve Easterling, Vice President for Student Engagement and Athletics Ryan Erwin.

“I feel that through God giving me those challenges, He really made my life better than it was because, without those lows, I couldn’t enjoy the great things in life, like being a collegiate athlete. I’m glad about that, and ETBU has really helped me to grow in my spiritual journey. I am glad I came here.”

EJ BURGESS, SENIOR

God had a plan.

ETBU Football’s Defensive Coordinator Calvin Ruzicka was at that camp in Denham Springs. EJ did well on his 40yard dash and other drills and was noticed by Ruzicka. After the camp, Ruzicka reached out to him to see if he would be interested in ETBU.

“I went to the camp even though I thought I would never play college football,” EJ explained. “Coach Ru was there watching and pulled me over to the side, telling me he was going to keep in touch.”

That conversation led to a visit to ETBU. EJ visited campus with his family to see if it was the right fit. Steve says, “We toured ETBU on a Preview Day and fell in love with the staff and facilities. We knew this was where EJ needed to be for his education. We don’t believe there was any comparison to other schools he visited.”

“When I came here on my visit, I knew this was the place I needed to be,” EJ added. “It’s a beautiful campus, and I loved the teammates that were there.”

ETBU has become home for EJ, as he navigates life with his football brothers. As a student, he learned what it meant to be a servant leader. Additionally, EJ reflected on how he has grown in faith as he acknowledges and expresses what the Lord has done in his life.

“Through football and helping the kids at the elementary school, I feel God worked on my heart to become a better servant

leader,” EJ said. “Before I got here, my faith was a little rough. I feel like God was challenging me in a lot of different ways and that I could never catch a break. Then I realized that without lows in your life, there are no highs. I feel that through God giving me those challenges, He really made my life better than it was because, without those lows, I couldn’t enjoy the great things in life, like being a collegiate athlete. I’m glad about that, and ETBU has really helped me to grow in my spiritual journey. I’m glad I came here.”

This year, the Easterling family officially adopted EJ and his sister, D’shawna. Steve says, “We formally adopted EJ and D’shawna recently. It was a natural fit as they have been part of our family all along, and we have loved him and his sister as our own.”

God had a plan.

EJ is now set to graduate in December 2022 and has been accepted to multiple law schools. He wants to make a difference in the lives of children after seeing the example his Aunt Sara and Uncle Steve set. Their love and care of children through fostering opened up a door and life for EJ that he had not seen before. Now he knows what children must go through that need to be fostered. From losing both of his parents at a young age, learning to play football late in life, being adopted, and finally preparing for law school, God’s plan shines through the life of the Easterlings and EJ.

“I want to do something in family law after seeing what my aunt and uncle have done in people’s lives,” EJ concluded. “I know a lot of those kids need lawyers and if I can make that a priority I would love to try and change their lives.”

God had a plan.

2022 mlf abu garcia college fishing national champions

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you FISHERS OF MEN.’”

MARK 1:17

ETBU BASS FISHING CLAIMS FIRST NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

ETBU’s Bass Fishing anglers Cason Ragsdale and Kaden Proffitt won the 2022 Major League Fishing Abu Garcia Collegiate National Championship with a total weigh-in of 43 pounds, eight ounces. Ragsdale and Proffitt led all three days of the tournament securing the program’s first-ever collegiate bass fishing national championship.

“When we were announced as the champions, what kept going through my head is that we have been talking about how the national championship is the one accolade the team had yet to capture,” Proffitt said. “The national championship was the one thing we had not accomplished yet, so standing on that stage after we won and seeing Coach Burger and our families in the crowd supporting us was really cool. I could not stop thinking about what this was going to do for the ETBU Bass Fishing Team in the future.”

had fished to perfection all week during this tournament and for a team to place in first all three days is an impressive feat to say the least. I am thankful for all our sponsors that allow us to represent them and help us do what we love to do. The Lord blessed us tremendously in this tournament, and I am so proud of these ‘Fishers of Men’ standing on what our program means as they show Jesus Christ in all they do. What a victory for the ETBU Bass Team!”

Ragsdale and Proffitt came into the final day at 29 pounds, seven ounces with a one-ounce lead over fellow East Texas program Stephen F. Austin State University. As the final team to weigh-in for the day,

we might not have been as successful as we were.”

By winning the championship, Ragsdale and Proffitt earned the ETBU Bass Fishing Team a certificate for a new Phoenix boat and motor package worth $33,500 and the opportunity to compete as professional fishermen in the Toyota Series Championship.

“I am looking forward to the experience of being able to fish against professionals,” Ragsdale shared. “There can be a stigma around going to a small Christian university, but winning the national championship and competing at the professional level is bringing more exposure to ETBU. People recognize our jerseys and our Skeeter boats, and people in the fishing community already know who our school is, so it is cool to see our team growing.”

ETBU was the only program to have two boats finish in the top-ten as Tiger Anglers Cannon Bird and Jacob Keith finished in seventh place with 32 pounds, two ounces. Cody Ross and Ethan Thurston rounded out the competitors for the Tigers coming in 32nd place at 16 pounds, two ounces.

“I am at a loss for words, these guys spend countless hours perfecting their skills for moments just like this,” Bass Fishing Head Coach Cameron Burger said. “They

Ragsdale and Proffitt needed 10 pounds, 12 ounces to be crowned the MLF Collegiate National Champion. As they handed the five-fish limit over, the smiles on their faces lit up with a five-fish total of 14 pounds, one ounce to take the championship by over three pounds from King University’s Donavan Carson and Landon Lawson (40 pounds, three ounces).

“There is a lot of work that goes in to becoming a national championship team,” Proffitt added. “We have to put a lot of time in on the water. We have to have the knowledge to make split-second decisions and there were several moments during this tournament that we made those decisions and they paid off. If it wouldn’t have been for all the time we spent out on the water to develop and hone those skills,

The ETBU Bass Fishing program has been on the rise since its inception in 2016 and over the past four years has consistently qualified several angler teams for the MLF National Championship. In 2019 they won the FLW Southern Conference and the following season were recognized as the FLW “Team of the Year.” The 2021 season brought an MLF Open Championship along with the Bassmaster College Classic Championship leading up to the 2022 MLF National Championship.

“In addition to our success on the water, our team has been able to grow closer to each other and to God over the last few years,” Ragsdale added. “We have been able to study the Word and talk about life on a deeper level. It is really cool to have this opportunity that many other college athletes at other schools don’t get. Here at ETBU, we get to openly live out our Christian faith while studying and fishing for our University.”

TIGER BASEBALL MAKES KINGDOM IMPACT THROUGH SKILLS CAMP FOR CHILDREN

The mission of ETBU is to make disciples and to serve the Lord with everything we have. As Tiger Baseball players, our mission is to connect faith to the game of baseball and show the love of Christ to others. Whatever we do, we do for the glory of God, and that is what I want people to see in me and my teammates,” sophomore baseball player Benjamin Jones said.

The Tiger Baseball Team hosted a series of free baseball skills camps for local

children during the Fall 2022 semester. Over the span of six weeks, the Tiger student-athletes spent their Thursday evenings teaching an average of 60 children per week the fundamentals of baseball and sharing their faith through personal relationship development, Gospel testimonies, and prayer. More than 120 children participated in the weekly camps.

“This kind of community outreach means everything to me,” junior finance economics major and Tiger Baseball player Blake Mullen said. “Baseball has

been a part of my life for the past 15 years, and it is so awesome to incorporate our Lord and Savior through it all. It is important for ETBU Baseball to serve as a team to create this bond sealed through our Heavenly Father. Whether we realize it or not, God is at work with us as we teach these kids how to play the game to glorify His Kingdom!”

During the camps, four Tiger Baseball players, Mullen, Jones, Chris Robinson, and Jake Miller, shared personal messages about Christ’s love. Campers each received their own Bible donated by Robert Bardin of the East Texas Chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

“Serving the community and holding this kids skills camp helped me realize how

great of a platform we have,” Miller said. “These kids come into camp with so much excitement and eagerness to learn more from us, and I think seeing this makes me want to do more for the community. I had one of the greatest opportunities to speak to all the kids about who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Just watching these kids listen in awe and amazement at what I was saying encouraged me to keep going. ETBU is all about growing disciples and followers of Christ, and being able to share the Word of God with these kids is something really special. You never know how much it can impact a kid at this age to grow in their faith and start learning more about who Jesus is.”

A core commitment of the faith-integrated educational experience at ETBU is serving

people and enhancing community. Because of this commitment, each Tiger athletic team has its own adopted community service ministry throughout the spring and fall seasons.

“All of the planning, coaching, and teaching has come from the players on their own, so they had to work together and learn to communicate with each other,” Head Baseball Coach Jared Hood said. “With our camp, the big draw for getting kids here was baseball. Through camp, we are using our platform as a collegiate baseball team to reach our youth and their families. Yes, we play baseball, but we also share the Word of God while they are here. We are called to make disciples, and I believe we can use the sport of baseball to do that. It is important to serve the community as a

team because it keeps our guys grounded in this community and invested in the youth of Marshall. It makes the purpose for our being here greater than baseball, takes the focus off the scoreboard, and on to a greater mission and goal.”

“As Tiger Baseball players, our mission is to connect faith to the game of baseball and show the love of Christ to others. Whatever we do, we do for the glory of God, and that is what I want people to see in me and my teammates.”

BENJAMIN JONES, SOPHOMORE

BRINGING THE BEACH TO THE PINEY WOODS

Anew and exciting era will begin in 2023 as ETBU Tiger Athletics announced the addition of Women’s Beach Volleyball to the growing list of NCAA Division III sports. ETBU is starting the program just three years after the NCAA announced Beach Volleyball as an emerging sport. The Tigers will be the second NCAA Division III program in Texas and eighth overall to have Women’s Beach Volleyball.

“We are pleased to announce the addition of beach volleyball to ETBU Tiger Athletics,” Vice President for Student Engagement and Athletics Ryan Erwin said. “Beach volleyball has made one of the quickest transitions from an emerging sport to a championship sport in NCAA history and is one of the fastest growing NCAA sports over the past few years. We feel that beach volleyball will be a natural fit at ETBU and look forward to expanding our athletic opportunities for female studentathletes within the University, as we recruit quality young women of faith and character, who are dedicated to excelling on the sand and in life.”

Allison Kuster will lead the new program as Tiger Beach Volleyball’s Head Coach. Kuster

serves as the ETBU Volleyball Assistant Coach and her connections in both East and West Texas will help build this new program after coaching at HardinSimmons University and LeTourneau University as an assistant coach, where she earned several conference honors.

“I have always had a passion for the sport of beach volleyball,” Kuster shared. “I am thrilled that ETBU has decided to add this growing NCAA sport, and I am honored to lead the program. As a NCAA Division III school, I am excited about the opportunity to provide a great student-athlete experience that is both Christ-centered and competitive.”

Kuster was hired in December of 2021 and had to quickly scout a team in just one semester. She built the team from inception, focusing on prospective student-athletes who would thrive in the competitive atmosphere of beach volleyball. ETBU will compete against NCAA Division I, II, and III institutions.

“It has been really exciting to get to come in and choose my whole team,” Kuster said. “Typically, when you come in and lead a program, you don’t really know what you are stepping in to. However, I have had the unique opportunity to build the entire team from the ground up.”

Unlike coming into an established program, Kuster was able to focus on creating a team culture rather than changing what was already there. She emphasized the importance of discipleship and teaching the team that having the foundation of Christ makes them better teammates and overall improves the team’s character, commitment, and chemistry.

“We get to start fresh, we’ve had a lot of talks just making sure one of our foundations is being Christ-like,” Kuster shared. “God has given the team talents and abilities to play collegiately, so we are making sure we are glorifying Him. With this being the inaugural year, we are placing a huge emphasis on being a good team and good teammates to each other, on and off the court and in life.”

Kuster explains her goal for the team is to not only win, but to make sure the individuals develop into women of God and make sure that they have fun while playing. She also mentioned the team is excited for the historic opportunities during the season, like being the first pair to win and playing the first match at ETBU.

“A good season to me will be the girls loving practice every day and ultimately growing as people, as committed women of faith,” Kuster said. “Obviously, we want to be successful on the court, but also successful in the classroom, and in life. I

From left to right: Back row - Annika Demuth, Antonia Redfern, Maggie Smitherman, Avery Reid, Ashley Salas, Riley Tuck, Bailee Kitchen. Front row - Mollee McCurley, Hope Shipp, Madison McDonald, Riley Reneau, Libby Gear.

also want to invest in the girls and create Godly women who, once they leave ETBU and the beach program, are prepared for the real world and whatever careers they might choose.”

The NCAA approved a multidivisional championship in 2015 for beach volleyball. There are currently 88 NCAA teams competing across the country. This sport is played in a dual meet style with five pairs and one (sixth) alternate pair competing in a best of three-out-of-five match format. Each pair competes in a two-out-of-three set competition with the first two sets being played to 21 points and the third set to 15 points. A pair must win two sets to win a match and the first team to win three matches wins the meet. Because of its partner set-up, Coach Kuster shared the importance of the teampartner relationships.

“Beach volleyball is a different sport because it’s just you and your partner out there,” Kuster said. “When you truly know each other on a deeper level, it provides the most success on the court. They know how each other are going to react in certain situations because they know the person and are not just walking on the court and playing.”

The team not only hopes for a winning season, but also a chance to share Christ both on and off the court.

“Getting to be on the inaugural beach volleyball team is a very special opportunity,” junior business management and marketing major Libby Gear said. “We have the chance to create something very special that will last years after we graduate. We have the opportunity to create a program centered around living like Christ and using our talents to bring honor and glory to Him. We get to help build this program, and that is something very special.”

ETBU built a beach volleyball facility behind the Dean Healthplex, boasting three sand volleyball courts, during Summer of 2022. University President, Dr. J. Blair Blackburn, Vice President for Athletics and Student Engagement Ryan Erwin, and Assistant Vice President for Planning and Development Robert Erickson compiled

extensive research about beach volleyball facilities across the country as they designed the beach complex at ETBU.

“We did a lot of research among current NCAA Division I beach volleyball facilities while in the planning stages for our facility,” Erickson noted about the beach volleyball facility. “We used the beauty of our land to elevate our unique look, and took the three-court model from some of the facilities we looked at during our planning. We installed a wash-off area for players, and added seating for spectators. What is unique about the facility is that the natural elevation allows for lawn seating all the way around the courts.”

The inaugural ETBU Beach Volleyball season begins in January 2023 and the team is ready to set the standard and create something special that will be sustained and glorify the Lord.

“My goals for this season are to not only have a winning season, but create a team

“Obviously, we want to be successful on the court, but also successful in the classroom, and in life. I also want to invest in the girls and create Godly women who, once they leave ETBU and the beach program, are prepared for the real world and whatever careers they might choose.”

ALLISON KUSTER, BEACH VOLLEYBALL HEAD COACH

environment centered around Christ,” Gear said. “I strive to give 110% every time I’m on the court, and to work hard not only for myself, but for the girls on the team as well. We have a lot of talent, so I want to do my part in making sure we perform as a team. I want us to be a team people look up to and admire, so we have to make sure we have a firm foundation.”

ONE NewFace ONENew Space

As the 2022-23 ETBU athletic season kicked off, Tiger Athletics welcomed new Cheer and Acrobatics and Tumbling Coach Ashton Davis to Marshall, promoted Zach Richardson to Head Coach for Cross Country and Track and Field, and welcomed former Tiger Volleyball standout Mallory Matthews (’16) back home to the Hill as Head Volleyball Coach.

WHY DID YOU WANT TO COACH AT ETBU?

I chose ETBU because the Christian values and morals that are woven through all parts of this university are also woven throughout my life. I felt like this is a place I could really connect and be an integral part of the student-athletes’ journey. I want to guide them to live a Christ-centered life.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE A CAREER IN COACHING?

I wanted to get into coaching, but also, I got into coaching without really wanting to. I wanted to get my master’s degree and had the opportunity to be a cheerleading graduate assistant at Cameron University. I loved being a part of the students’ lives and felt a calling to be more than somebody who’s going to work and make money for a living, but to really impact students’ lives and help shape their future. I love being a part of the journey for student-athletes. It is a fulfilling experience.

YOU HAVE AROUND 40 STUDENTATHLETES ON YOUR ROSTER, HOW DO YOU BALANCE ALL OF THEIR PERSONALITIES AND NEEDS?

One of the biggest ways we can come together is we have the common goal of wanting to be successful athletically and that’s where we start. From there, the team gets to spend time together and

learn about each other’s background. We do a lot of team building activities where we learn about each other and figure out what makes each other tick. It’s easier to connect when you are on the same page. We all chose ETBU and the Christcentered values are interlaced through each part of our lives. No matter what our day-to-day life looks like, those values are integral to our lives.

HOW DO YOU CONNECT AND WEAVE THOSE VALUES AND INTEGRATE FAITH INTO YOUR PROGRAM?

I think being a representation of what a Christ-follower should be is the most important thing I can do. I also want to help them grow in their faith and encourage them to be Christ-centered. We talk about hurdles and how we overcome them through our faith in God and how faith helps us prepare for the next step in life. We constantly weave our faith into practices, team meetings, and team bonding activities. One of our program expectations is to model our Christian values in all we do.

WHAT SPECIFIC GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE PROGRAM?

We’ve talked a lot about goals and expectations, and I’ve been really blessed with two programs that want to take that next step to be more successful and to

WITH ASHTON DAVIS

ASHTON DAVIS WAS NAMED THE ETBU HEAD COACH FOR CHEERLEADING AND ACROBATICS AND TUMBLING IN JULY OF 2022. DAVIS HAS GUIDED THREE PROGRAMS IN CHEER AND COMPETITIVE CHEER AT THE NCAA DIVISION II LEVEL.

grow as programs. Over the past few years, they’ve had a foundation that’s built them up and created good programs. Now we’re ready to take the next step athletically and academically. Several of the goals we set this year, they set themselves. They wanted to change the perception of their sport on campus to have a bit more respect. Cheerleading and Acrobatics and Tumbling are usually viewed differently than other sports. They want to embrace being considered a varsity sport on campus. A lot of our goals are centered around changing that perception. Our goals for academics and athletics are to be a good people, be prepared, and be early. Within our team, it’s persevering, having some mental toughness, letting drama go, and putting each other above outside noise. Unifying ourselves to take that next step, knowing it’s difficult and that we have to help each other. I credit the students for wanting to grow in all areas.

LONG TERM, WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE PROGRAM?

I’d like both teams to become strong programs that are well-respected athletically, but also successful in the classroom. I also want them to live as good servant leaders.

WITH ZACH RICHARDSON

ZACH RICHARDSON WAS PROMOTED TO HEAD COACH FOR THE ETBU MEN’S AND WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY AND TRACK AND FIELD PROGRAMS IN JUNE OF 2022. THE 2022-23 SEASON MARKS HIS THIRD YEAR ON THE HILL AND FIRST FULL YEAR SERVING AS HEAD COACH.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO ETBU?

Actually, it was funny in 2020, during COVID, I was working at APEC (Athlete Performance Training Center) in Tyler and Coach Natalie Prather, ETBU’s previous Head Coach, reached out to me. She remembered me from UT-Tyler where I was a track and field student-athlete. Coach Prather was looking for an assistant coach. After we talked, we knew it was going to be a great fit, then President Blackburn and AD Ryan Erwin offered me the assistant coaching position. I feel really blessed that I was given the opportunity to join ETBU’s track and field program.

YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING A HEAD COACH IS UNIQUE. HOW DID YOU TRANSITION FROM BEING AN ASSISTANT TO BEING A HEAD COACH RATHER QUICKLY?

I have a lot of respect for Coach Prather. This program was her baby. I really wanted to uplift the same kind of the values that she had and maintain the consistency, but bring in my leadership style and experience. It can be intimidating as a young head coach, taking over a program mid-year, but our Tiger athletes made it really easy. We have a great group of student-athletes that have truly bought into the process and they trust me. We bonded over getting thrown in the fire

together, which ignited our connectivity.

HOW SPECIAL WAS IT FOR YOU TO TAKE THE FIRST NCAA DIVISION III TRACK AND FIELD QUALIFIERS TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP DURING YOUR FIRST SEMESTER AT THE HELM? That was mind-blowing. Absolutely mindblowing. I competed at the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2018 as a student-athlete. UT-Tyler transitioned to NCAA Division II my senior year and had no postseason eligibility, which left a hole in my heart. So, I lived vicariously through my athletes last spring at the championship. I was just so happy, so proud, so fulfilled for them that they were able to do that with the year that we had. The loss of our fellow Tiger student-athlete AJ Gipson was devastating and the team could have broken up, but they bonded and came closer together. We all came closer together. I think that vaulted us into the success that we had down the stretch. Obviously our 4x100 relay running the fifth fastest time in NCAA Division III history was pretty special. RJ Miller being able to win conference, go to nationals, and become ETBU’s first All-American was a great way to close out the spring 2022 season. It’s no mistake that these athletes made it to the national championship. The dedication, hard work, and effort they put

in on a daily basis shows this wasn’t a fluke, they earned it.

SINCE YOU HAVE HAD TIME TO SETTLE IN, WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM?

I just want to continue that consistency of being a successful program. Since we have that first All-American under our belt, I don’t want to just come home with one All-American this year, I want our program to boast multiple award winners. Last spring showed the program that we can get there, but the job is not done, we have to continue to compete and work hard.

HOW DO YOU INTEGRATE FAITH INTO YOUR TEAM?

As coaches at a Christian university, we’re given an awesome opportunity to be able to preach the Word of the Lord and give our kids a Christ-centered experience. That really makes ETBU a special place to be. It makes it easier for believers like us to go out there and represent God in competition, letting other teams know that God comes first and we represent the Lord through our actions. I have been really amazed by our team being able to go to track meets and uphold all the values that the Texas Tiger they wear on their chests represents.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU BACK TO THE HILL?

I absolutely love ETBU and everything it stands for. I loved my time here as a Tiger student-athlete. I grew a lot as a person and as a student here, the atmosphere and the people brought me back. It’s a place where we get to openly worship our God and that’s the most important thing.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A COACH?

I’m passionate about volleyball, I love the game and competing. Ultimately, I wanted to get into college coaching because of the age range of college students. They are in an important part of their life, where they are finding out who they are and what they want to do with their life. I love mentoring them and helping them navigate this exciting time.

WHAT WAS YOUR STUDENTATHLETE EXPERIENCE AS AN ETBU VOLLEYBALL PLAYER AND HOW ARE YOU INCORPORATING THAT INTO YOUR COACHING STYLE?

I loved my experience at ETBU. I was saved during my time here and my coach was instrumental in that decision. I want to be someone that is a pivotal part of their faith journey. Last week we had three girls trust Christ, which was exciting. The team

attended church at New Beginnings (in Longview, Texas) and Pastor Todd Kaunitz (’03) opened the invitation and three girls stepped forward. Evangelism and discipleship are a special part of my job and calling–it’s why I’m here.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE PROGRAM?

When you take over a program, you’re not really sure what you’re going to get teamwise and they were already a great group of college students. We brought in some talented freshmen who unified the team. My vision for this program is to win a conference championship. But more than that, I would love to see them become the women they’re supposed to be. Volleyball shows these girls life situations, how to handle hard circumstances, and be able to go into the world and find success.

WHAT SPECIFIC GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE PROGRAM?

Our program has five core standards: Christ-like character, accountability, discipline, commitment, and hard work and hustle. I want our program to embody all five of our core standards at all times.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU AS A COACH?

Seeing the athletes succeed on and off the court is a huge motivator for me.

WITH MALLORY MATTHEWS (’16)

MALLORY MATTHEWS (’16)

RETURNED HOME TO ETBU AS HEAD VOLLEYBALL COACH IN DECEMBER OF 2021. SHE WAS A STANDOUT ON THE COURT DURING HER TIME ON THE HILL WITH SEVERAL ACCOLADES INCLUDING, 2015 AVCA ALLAMERICAN. SHE BRINGS EXTENSIVE NCAA DIVISION III COACHING EXPERIENCE TO THE PROGRAM.

Yesterday we had a practice full of fun and they got to choose what they wanted to do in every drill. I think sometimes they need to be reminded that volleyball is fun. Seeing how excited they were, how much fun they had, and they got better yesterday because they competed hard.

HOW DO YOU SPECIFICALLY INTEGRATE FAITH INTO VOLLEYBALL? Being Christ-like is one of our core values. We pray with teams after games. What we’ve talked about with our team is that volleyball is more than about winning and losing, we want to glorify God in everything. We do weekly discipleship with our team. When I first took over this program, it was pretty surface-level. I came from an opposing team in the conference and they didn’t really trust me that much, and that’s OK. As I gained their trust, we dove in deep and we’ve had players sharing their testimonies and sharing things that they’ve never shared before, that’s been transformative.

WHAT ELSE DO ETBU FANS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

ETBU is really special to me. I feel like God places you in certain spots for a reason. I truly feel like I was supposed to coach this team, this year. For volleyball, yes, but for more than volleyball...for the Lord.

Sergio Ramos (’93)

GRANDE

ES TU FIDELIDAD GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

In “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss the final line states, “You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So…get on your way!”

When Sergio Ramos left Mexico City in 1986 for Harlingen, Texas, to attend boarding school as a high school sophomore at Valley Baptist Academy he could never have imagined the great places he would go.

Ramos was born into a family of pastors. His great-grandfather Juan Ramos Castillo was one of the founders of the

National Baptist Convention of Mexico and served as lead pastor at First Baptist Church of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. His great uncle Ramos Lozano pastored First Baptist Church of Mexico City and actively worked in the National Baptist Convention of Mexico including service as Convention President 11 times. Known as Papa to Sergio, but Homero Job Ramos to others, Sergio’s father served in ministry for 55 years in Mexico and in Texas with congregations in Houston, Elsa, Brownsville, Mercedes, and McAllen.

Entering a career in ministry wasn’t the plan in Sergio’s mind due to some of the injustices that his father experienced as a pastor in Mexico. “I was very ambitious. I wanted the American life, you know, I wanted to own a piece of Texas, the American Dream, all of that and I just didn’t see that in ministry,” explained Sergio.

Valley Baptist Academy only talked about two higher education institutions, one of

those being East Texas Baptist University. Sergio’s uncle, whom he was named after, had graduated from East Texas Baptist College in 1963. Ramos was aware of the school on the Hill, but was unaware it was a university.

“The reason that I felt that I wanted to come to ETBU is because of how people greeted me. Even though I was different, they accepted me as I was and that was a major, major key for me to join ETBU back in 1988,” Sergio explained of his decision to attend.

He prayed, submitted his application along with his $20 admission fee, and was accepted to ETBU.

When he arrived at ETBU he had just $75 in his pocket, but so much energy and excitement. Sergio also had optimism on paying tuition.

“I remember going and registering and they asked me, ‘Well how are you going to pay this?’” Sergio tells. “You know the famous question! A check is going to be on its way. You see, I didn’t say the full story or that I wasn’t lying either. In my mind, I was going to work and there was going be a check and the check was going to be submitted, and I was going to pay ETBU.”

Each semester Sergio would pray that he would have a zero balance to be able to take his semester final. Wise words from his mother would linger in his mind, “My mom would always say, ‘Sergio, God has taken you this far. He’s going to take you all the way.’”

Sergio told the financial aid director that he wasn’t afraid of working and off he went to work. He waited tables at the local El Chico restaurant and worked on campus in the Spanish and French lab.

He also wanted to ingrain himself in the culture of Marshall, of Texas, and the United States. To do so he became a football official.

“No, I don’t mean soccer,” Sergiochuckled.

He joined the local officials’ chapter as a sophomore, became a line judge, and for

the next three years called local football games as a way to learn the culture. He heard every put-down you could imagine for a Mexican and for an official. By that final year, he no longer was the Mexican or the guy with an accent that was brown, he was part of the football community and felt the love of the coaches and players.

“Even if you are from a different background, even if injustice has happened in your history, if you have the right heart and you love people and you understand that it is God who gives us the love, then people are going to love you back,” he explained.

One Sunday during his sophomore year he started walking around 6 p.m. from the ETBU campus and bumped into a small, local church. Sergio walked into a congregation of about 20 people and as the pastor preached about Moses, it hit him very clearly that he was continuing to give excuses about why he wasn’t going

to be a pastor. It was in that moment that he went to the altar and told the pastor, whom he had never met, that he wanted to answer to the call to full-time ministry.

“From there I began to work at First Baptist Church in Henderson, Texas. Brother Bill Tisdale and Brother Bill Baker of the church came to Marshall. They took me out to eat and said, ‘We need you to come and just preach the love of Jesus to the Hispanic congregation,’” Sergio explained.

As a junior at ETBU, Sergio was ordained through FBC Henderson. His grandfather and father flew in from Mexico to attend his ordination service.

Sergio recalls speaking to his father several times on the phone about ministry. His father would finish their conversation by reciting 1 Timothy 1:12 (CSB), “I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry.”

Sergio jumped fully into the campus community joining every organization that he could and participating in every

way that he could find. He was involved in intramural sports playing basketball, football, and volleyball.

“The reason that I had an average GPA is because I would get involved in anything that I was able to,” Sergio said with a laugh.

He joined the concert choir, giving him opportunities to travel and participate in Chapel. However, there was another reason for his involvement.

“I was looking for ways to get scholarships,” Sergio explained. “So when somebody told me, ‘Hey, if you audition and you qualify, you earn a $1,000 scholarship.’ I went up there and started singing mariachi for the audition in Spanish.”

His involvement in the concert choir allowed him to travel back to Mexico City where his father was a pastor at the largest Baptist church in a suburb where the seminary was located. When his father passed away, the Concert Choir sang a famous hymn at the funeral home in Spanish “Grande es Tu Fidelidad” or in English “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”

From left to right: Priscila Ramos (daughter), Sergio Ramos, Dora Ramos, and Saraih Gutierrez (niece).

By his senior year, Sergio was accepted across campus, becoming the President of the Baptist Student Ministry, which was the largest student organization on campus at the time. Sergio was often referred to as “El Presidente.”

Sergio earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from ETBU, a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) in Fort Worth, Texas, and a Master of Arts in Leadership from Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas. Sergio has also pursued doctoral studies in Cross-Cultural Competency from SBTS.

Sergio has served several churches throughout Texas prior to joining Buckner International. He served as the Director of Networks for Tarrant Baptist Association and Executive Director of Metro Family Ministries in Garland, Texas.

In evangelist Dr. Billy Graham’s final appearance in the Dallas area, Sergio had the privilege to give the opening prayer. “I was right there on the stage with Dr. Graham praying, and I’m thinking to myself, what am I doing here?”

Even at this stage of life, Sergio longs to influence young people, especially his own children, to trust in the Lord, especially when they’re going through hard times.

“My job is to continue to teach my kids Giovanni, who is a senior at LeTourneau, and Priscila, who’s a sophomore at ETBU, that is my job,” Sergio explained. “Before I can minister to 1,000-plus churches now as the President of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas, I have to start with my family.”

One way he is purposefully ministering and leading his family is through seven biblical values he and his wife Dora developed as the framework of their lives. He also makes time for his children taking them to dinner and spending quality time together, something he recommends to other families.

In his role as Church Engagement Officer for Buckner International, Sergio works with a team developing and implementing engagement strategies for assigned

churches, organizations, and institutions. He has worked for Buckner for 15 years.

“What I like about that, is it gives me the opportunity to work across denominations. So, in my mind, I’m about human growth,” Sergio added. “God can use anyone that he pleases to use. If He was able to use a donkey, He can of course use Sergio or any other denomination.”

He currently works with 12 different universities from Alabama and Michigan and in six different countries. His goal is to partner with all the Baptist universities and Christian universities in Texas.

As the newly elected President of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas, he looks to unite churches together. Earlier this year, Hispanics became the majority in Texas according to the new race and ethnic data released by the U.S. Census Bureau.

have fulfilled volunteer service above and beyond financial giving.

Whether his ministry has taken him around the globe or kept him right here in Texas, Sergio Ramos strives to fulfill God’s

LA LISTA DE VALORES DE LA FAMILIA RAMOS: THE RAMOS FAMILY LIST OF VALUES:

1. GOD IS FIRST IN EVERYTHING. (LUKE 10:27) “LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, SOUL AND MIND.”

2. FAMILY IS IMPORTANT. (1 TIMOTHY 5:8) “ANYONE WHO DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR THEIR RELATIVES, AND ESPECIALLY FOR THEIR OWN HOUSEHOLD, HAS DENIED THE FAITH...”

3. WORK DILIGENTLY AND HONESTLY. (COLOSSIANS 3:23) “WHATEVER YOU DO, WORK AT IT WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AS WORKING FOR THE LORD, NOT FOR HUMAN MASTERS.”

4. RESPECT YOURSELF SO YOU CAN RESPECT OTHERS. (ROMANS 12:10) “BE DEVOTED TO ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE. HONOR ONE ANOTHER ABOVE YOURSELVES.”

5. BE GOOD STEWARDS. (1 CORINTHIANS 4:2) “NOW IT IS REQUIRED THAT THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN GIVEN A TRUST MUST PROVE FAITHFUL.”

6. BE A PERSON OF INTEGRITY. (PROVERBS 12:22) “THE LORD DETESTS LYING LIPS, BUT HE DELIGHTS IN PEOPLE WHO ARE TRUSTWORTHY.”

7. NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS. (2 CHRONICLES 15:7) “BUT AS FOR YOU, BE STRONG AND DO NOT GIVE UP, FOR YOUR WORK WILL BE REWARDED.”

“I can tell you that we need each other. We cannot do whatever God has intended us to do as Hispanics alone. We need our Anglo brothers, our African American brothers, and our Asian brothers,” Sergio said of how he feels God is using him through his role as Convention President. “So as President I’m going to do whatever I’m able to with God’s direction to try to bring unity.”

During Homecoming Chapel in October, Sergio was presented alongside the 2022 Golden Blazers class, which recognizes graduates of ETBU who have given generously to the University, and who

purpose for his life and a verse from Acts stands out in his mind.

“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.” Acts 13:36

“As long as I’m awake...I will continue to ask God to make it happen in my life where I can bring a word of encouragement, kindness, but most of all, the hope that He is the truth, that is He is the way, that He is who can bring life to us. That is the path we all need to take. As long as God allows me to do that, I will continue to fulfill His purpose in my life.”

Nic Castle

Brian Hemati (’03), and Bruce Sherman (’06)

FROM ETBU TIGERS TO TEXAS RANGERS

The title of Texas Ranger is rare. It is an honorable role throughout the State of Texas, with a heritage that traces to the earliest days of Western settlement in Texas.

As of January 1, 2020, there were just 166 Rangers authorized across the entire state. Three of those Rangers hold the distinguished title of East Texas Baptist University alumni.

For Nic Castle (’01), Brian Hemati (’03), and Bruce Sherman (’06), a chapter of their journeys to becoming Texas Rangers was written on the Hill. Their experiences at ETBU grew their faith, molded them as men, prepared them for their role in law enforcement, and led them to lifelong friendships and relationships.

NIC CASTLE (’01)

During his time as a student at ETBU, Nic Castle served the campus as a resident assistant for two years and was a member of the Student Government Association. As a senior, Castle was named the Department of Behavioral Sciences Student of the Year for the 2000-2001 academic year for his commitment to Christian scholarship.

Upon graduating with a degree in Psychology in 2001, Castle joined Fort Worth ISD as a high school special education teacher. In 2005, Nic felt he was being called into law enforcement and joined the North Little Rock Police Department in Arkansas as a patrol officer. He returned to Texas in 2007 as a Highway Patrol Trooper and was recipient of the Mark J. Phebus Leadership Award presented by the Texas Department of Public Safety in 2008.

Castle was promoted to Texas Highway Patrol Sergeant in 2013. That same

year the Smith County Sheriff’s Office presented him with the Distinguished Service Award and the Smith County Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving presented him with the MADD Leadership Award for his services as a DWI expert witness and for conducting training with local Troopers.

Along his journey, he completed the Texas Department of Public Safety Training Academy and earned his Master Peace Officer’s License from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

“After some time in law enforcement, I decided Criminal Investigations, specifically violent crimes and people crimes, interested me the most,” Nic said.

Castle was named a Texas Ranger in 2016 and in January 2022 was promoted to Texas Ranger Lieutenant.

“Our profession is a calling. We meet people at their lowest moments and help them navigate situations no one should ever have to face.”

“Now as a Lieutenant, I have the opportunity to train, equip, and support a new generation of Rangers,” Castle said. “God has blessed me beyond what I ever could have imagined in my career!”

BRIAN HEMATI (’03)

Following graduation from high school in 1999, Hemati enrolled at ETBU. During the spring of 2000, he worked on the production of the Theatre Department’s play, The Importance of Being Earnest. In fall of 2000, he served as a mentor to incoming freshmen as part of the Journey Program. Hemati also sang in the Chapel Choir for a couple semesters.

Hemati completed the background and interview process for the Texas Department of Public Safety Training Academy in the fall of 2003 during his final semester at ETBU. After graduating from ETBU with a Bachelor of Arts in

(’01),

NIC CASTLE (’01)

Human Resources, Hemati entered the Training Academy as a Trooper-Trainee in February 2004. Upon his graduation from the Academy in August 2004, he was stationed in Terrell, Texas as a Highway Patrol State Trooper. For five years, Hemati was responsible for highway law and traffic enforcement.

“I was able to enjoy investing in my community by helping others. Sometimes directly helping those in need on the highways or responding to victims of crime,” Hemati explained. “Sometimes by saving their lives by slowing them down or addressing other traffic-related infractions.”

In July 2009, Brian was promoted to Highway Patrol Sergeant as a first-line supervisor for the State Troopers. The promotion led to a relocation to the Texas Panhandle where he resided for six months before a transfer brought him back to East Texas in Athens. Over the next 12 years as Sergeant, Hemati would invest in the careers and aspirations of law enforcement officers as a firearms instructor, a physical fitness instructor, a crash reconstruction instructor, a crimescene photography instructor, and a useof-force instructor.

Hemati was promoted to the Texas Ranger Division of the Department of Public Safety in August 2021 and assigned to investigate various cases involving public corruption and violent crimes.

“Law enforcement is far different than I thought it would be. I ran across one of my old assignment papers from ETBU recently in which I wrote about ethics in policing and the need of ethics in law enforcement,” Hemati said. “While nothing I wrotewas inaccurate, it was interesting to read my naïveperspective and note my level of inexperience coming from an air of informed intelligence.”

BRUCE SHERMAN (’06)

During his time at ETBU, Bruce Sherman worked on the Facilities Maintenance staff while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in applied sociology and playing on the Tiger Football Team from 2003-05.

Bruce’s career with the Texas Department of Public Safety began a month after his graduation from ETBU in 2006. With that hiring, Sherman obtained a goal dating back to when he was six years old to become a State Trooper.

“My dad, and role model, was in law enforcement since the 1970s. He always encouraged me to become a State Trooper if I wanted to be in law enforcement,” explained Bruce. “In the small town where I grew up, the Texas Highway Patrolmen were the pinnacle of a policeman in my eyes. Even the Sheriff and a Justice of the Peace were retired State Troopers.”

Over the last 15 years, Bruce has served as a State Trooper, Special Agent, and since 2017 as a Texas Ranger. In those roles, he has been deployed to border security operations, natural disasters, and other critical incidents in Texas.

“I remembered the positive influence and impact the local Texas Ranger had on our community growing up,” Sherman said. “Now, I am blessed with the same opportunity to preserve the rich history,

tradition, and bar set by those State Troopers, Texas Rangers, and great Texas lawmen before me that spent their lives serving and protecting others.”

In his current assignment with the Texas Ranger Division in Company “B” covering Dallas, Kaufman, and Rockwall counties, Sherman also has assignments to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the United States Marshal Services Fugitive Task Force.

SHARING IN THE MISSION

ETBU faculty and staff played an instrumental role in the development of these three men during their time on the Hill.

“Dean Dr. (Laurie) Smith was not just there to teach the subject matter of whatever class you registered for; she made a

“The biggest unknown thing about law enforcers is that they have to see things and deal with events, images, and realities that the majority of society will never experience.”

BRIAN HEMANI (’03)

positive difference in her student’s lives. Dr. Smith is undoubtedly my first thought when I recall my favorite professors, and I am thankful for her support in pursuing this career during my time at ETBU,” Bruce explained.

format of his classroom and the open discussion the class was able to have,” Hemati said. “I was greatly sharpened in his class. Professor David Chrisman was able to bring historical events to life and had a real passion for his subject. He

BRUCE SHERMAN (’06)

Castle added, “Dr. Smith’s ‘Death and Dying’ class and her expertise at navigating the grief process has served me well in my profession over the years.”

“Dean Dr. Lynn New’s psychology classes were always ‘quite scintillating’ (if you had his class you definitely know that reference) and he consistently helped us think outside the box and expand our understanding of the topics and our world in general,” Hemati said.

“Dean Dr. John Harris in religion taught me to think critically and logically through the text of the Bible. I always enjoyed the

“...I am blessed with the same opportunity to preserve the rich history, tradition, and bar set by those State Troopers, Texas Rangers, and great Texas lawmen before me that spent their lives serving and protecting others.”

taught me to love the past which serves me today.”

From their time spent on the Hill, all three gentlemen pointed to the friendships made and meeting the love of their lives.

Castle married Krystal (Sherrod) Castle (’01) in January of 2001 and the couple has two children, Cora and Benjamin. Hemati met his wife, Erica Rae Detrick, at ETBU and they married in August of

2008. The Hematis have three children, Titus, Maximus, and Genesis. Sherman married Kelle (Chambers) Sherman (’06) in 2009 and they have two sons, Wyatt and Marshall.

“The real heroes are the spouses, children, and immediate family members of law enforcement officers,” Sherman said. “They are the ones that make daily sacrifices for officers to effectively do their jobs. A law enforcement officer’s greatest asset, second to a personal relationship with Christ, is the support of their spouse.”

The last few years have been some of the most turbulent for those working in law enforcement. Dodging a bullet fired in their direction, being present at a brutal massacre, dealing with those lives broken by abuse, and seeing firsthand the worst of the sinful and fallen world we live in can be trying on any law enforcement officer.

“Law enforcement is certainly dangerous and all the things you see and hear, but probably the biggest unknown thing about law enforcers is that they have to see things and deal with events, images, and realities that the majority of society will never experience,” Hemati explained. “This is a heavy burden which most law enforcers feel like they carry alone.”

“Our profession is a calling. We meet people at their lowest moments and help them navigate situations no one should ever have to face. We do it all while having to maintain our composure and professionalism in the face of chaos and violence,” Castle said. “Despite this fact, the crimes, especially crimes against children, hit close to home for us as parents.”

It is the role, as a parent and husband, that all three Tiger alumni mentioned when asked how their ETBU Family could specifically pray for them, asking for prayer as they balance the demands of their careers with the responsibilities as a husband and a father.

For these three Texas Rangers and ETBU Tigers in law enforcement, and all those working in law enforcement around the United States, ETBU lifts prayers of gratitude and safety up to God for you.

Save Date the

Whether you are visiting the Hill for the first time or returning home, don’t miss these exciting opportunities to connect with the Tiger Family! Find more events at www.ETBU.edu/events.

ETBU Preview Day

January 23, 2023

ETBU Preview Day

February 20, 2023

ETBU Tiger Day

March 25, 2023

Hilltop U

May 22-24, 2023

Family Weekend

September 29-October 1, 2023

Homecoming

October 27-28, 2023

ACCENT on Alumni

CLASS NOTES

1960s

Dr. Aubrey D. Sharpe (’67) retired after 32 years from Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas, in January of 2021. He served as the Dean of the School of Continuing Studies, Executive Administrator for West Campus, and Assistant to the President for Business and Economic Development. Currently, he is the Development Officer for United Way of Smith County.

1970s

Dr. Calvin Jones (’71) and his wife, Carol, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 26, 2022. He has retired from the full-time pastorate. They live in Miller, South Dakota.

Gary O’ Day (’74) retired and lives on his farm near Bloomburg, Texas. He and his wife, Betty, served at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Doddridge, Arkansas, for 18 years. They are active in their local baptist church. Gary says that ETBC provided him a great foundation for seminary (New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, M.Div., D.Min.) and his service in churches, the Air Force as a chaplain (retired 1996), and as a Senior

Instructor for the Junior Air Force ROTC.

Davy

Dwayne Hobson (’74) went to the hospital with sarcoidosis, which made him develop heart failure. His doctors decided he needed a heart transplant, however, while Davy waited for a heart he had two VAD devices attached to his heart. Eventually, he got his heart transplant and is now working for Remington College in Fort Worth, Texas.

Carleta (Hathcox) Cates (’74) welcomed her sixth grandchild in August of 2022. She and her husband are building a house near Longview, Texas, to move in early in 2023.

1980s

Trudy (Jones) Bonnett (’89) and her family relocated from the Alaskan bush due to her son’s medical needs. They now are on staff at Little Beaver Camp and Retreat Center in Wasilla, Alaska. They have six children and six grandchildren.

1990s

Dr. Jimmie W. Kersh (’90) spoke at the Howard County Historical Society to discuss the true history and impact of The Chickamauga Nation in Arkansas. He has written six books and over 650,000

pages of academically certified research.

Rev. Jeff Ponder (’90) is now the Senior Pastor at The Church at Bushland in Bushland, Texas.

Martha Lovaasen (’92) a 22-year veteran educator in Elysian Fields ISD, was named as the principal of EFISD Middle School in Elysian Fields, Texas. She earned her bachelor’s degree from ETBU in 1992 and a master’s degree in education and mid-management from Texas A&M University-Texarkana in 2001.

Rev. Rusty (’94) and Michele (Hayes) Dollar (’94) live in Orange, Texas. Rusty serves as the Executive Pastor at North Orange Baptist Church. Michele is the lead kindergarten teacher at Little Cypress Elementary School.

Rev. Aaron Dickinson (’95) is the Minister of Music and Worship at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Dothan, Alabama.

Mark Sorensen (’96) serves as the Senior Pastor at The Woodlands Methodist Church in The Woodlands, Texas.

Laura (Hopkins) Sammons (’98) recently joined Vallourec USA Corp. as Legal Counsel responsible for employment and Labor Law and OSHA/ Safety for North American operations. She graduated with her Master of Law from Texas A&M University in December 2021 with graduate certificates in Energy Law:

Oil and Gas Policy, and Risk Management and Compliance.

Joshua Ponder (’98) was given the Good Neighbor Award by the San Augustine, Texas, Chamber of Commerce.

2000s

Adrien Kenebrew (’00) received the 2022 Baptist Educators Serving Texas (B.E.S.T) Award. This goes to Christian educators who are living out their faith daily among their students. He is a basketball coach at HamshireFannett ISD in Jefferson County, Texas.

Doug Morris (’00) is now the Lead Pastor at Branch Community Church in Bullard, Texas.

Kara Roos (’00) was named Assistant Principal at Elysian Fields Elementary School in Elysian Fields, Texas. Since 2004, she has served as a school counselor for the school district.

Sarah E. Tunnell (’00), MA, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor with HopeLink Counseling Community in Tyler, Texas.

Jason (’01) and Jenny (Smith) Tanner (’03) were given the Service to Youth Award by the San Augustine, Texas, Chamber of Commerce.

Philip Greene (’02) and his wife, Marissa, live in Bossier City, Louisiana, and have three children: Elizabeth, Joshua, and Jacob. Philip serves as the Music Minister at Rose Park Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Veronica Rochelle Hagerty (’03) received her Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration from Texas A&M Commerce.

Derek Hatch (’03) was granted tenure and promoted to Professor of Religion at Georgetown College located in Georgetown, Kentucky, where he is also the Endowed Chair of Baptist Studies.

Brian Hemati (’03), after seventeen years of service in the Texas Highway Patrol, was promoted to the position of Texas Ranger in August of 2021 and began his station in Tyler, Texas, in the spring of 2022.

Kyle Jackson (’06) was led to plant 3rd Coast Church south of Houston in the beautiful community of Lago Mar. Serving alongside Kyle are fellow ETBU Tiger alumni, Justin (’07) and Tamera (Davis) Hart (’06).

2010s

Zane Barnes (’10) and his wife, Katie, met at ETBU. Zane played soccer and is now a coach. He has moved up from high school and community college levels and is now coaching Division I at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Danae (Corley) Stack (’10) joined the team of Orphan Outreach in Plano, Texas, in April of 2022 as Senior Director of Brand Operations and Strategy. In June 2022, following God’s call to care for orphans, Danae and her husband, Dante, officially adopted Brennan (12) and Jeremiah (10) through United States Foster Care.

Krystle Harrison (’11) earned a Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition in June of 2022 from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Tempe, Arizona.

Christine Easter (’12) and Brandon Jordan (’12) married on May 12, 2022. They live in Longview, Texas, with their dachshund, Lucy.

Trey (’12) and Ashley (Tyau) Miller (’15) recently

WITH US! STAYconnected

New jobs, weddings, births, memorials, updates –whatever your news, share it with your ETBU Family.

Update online: www.ETBU.edu/ alumniupdate

Email: alumni@etbu.edu

Send to:

Alumni Relations

East Texas Baptist University One Tiger Drive Marshall, TX 75670

Hilltop Magazine reserves the right to edit information that is submitted.

purchased a new home and had their first daughter. Trey was promoted to the Director of Bethany Camp and Conference Center located in Bethany, Louisiana.

Alicia (Wright) Seeton (’12) recieved the 2021-22 Teacher of the Year at Wylie High School in Wylie, Texas.

Jamie Espinosa (’14) married Jordan Coffey on June 4, 2021, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Melody Jenkins (’14) was given the Excellent Public Servant Award by the San Augustine, Texas, Chamber of Commerce.

Shelbi (Herndon) McMullen (’15) and her husband, Anthony, are both music teachers in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, area. They live in Farmers Branch and have a son, Tristan, and two dogs. Shelbi and Anthony sing professionally around the metroplex. Shelbi also teaches

private music lessons.

Alena Vaughn (’15) started a new job as a pastoral resident at Second Baptist Church in Liberty, Missouri.

Jessica (Burrell) Hensarling (’16) published the book, “Mommy, What’s Wrong?” which addresses postpartum depression.

Hannah (Parks)

Armendarez (’16) started a new contract as a pediatric nurse in Mansfield, Texas.

Baylee (Pritchard)

Gorse (’17) teaches at a special education preschool at Pleasant Grove Elementary School in Texarkana, Texas, where she lives with her husband, Jesse.

McKayla Hendrix (’18) became a licensed attorney on September

28, 2021. She has joined Conner & Winters, LLP as an associate attorney in the Tulsa, Oklahoma, office. She practices in the litigation group with a focus on commercial and construction matters.

Ryan Sharpe (’18) is a father and husband as well as the youth pastor of Hardin Baptist Church in Hardin, Texas.

Halee (Vasquez) (’18) and Nathanael Whisman (’19) live in Maryland with their daughter, Murphee Claire. Nate works at Grace Community Church as the High School Student Director. Halee works for OneU, a college outreach program, where she has the opportunity to mentor and disciple female students at the University of Maryland.

Darius Bailey (’19) was recognized for his work with his first-grade class at Sam Houston Elementary School in Marshall, Texas. Using his musical skills, he has taught his students how to learn math through music.

Ashley Simmons (’19) is pursuing a master’s degree in Christian Ministry at Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas, with a concentration in Military Chaplaincy. She will be swearing into the Air Force to serve the men and women

First Baptist Church of Palestine, Texas, chose East Texas Baptist College as the destination for its Young Woman’s Auxiliary meeting in February 1966.

It marked the beginning of a nearly lifelong relationship between Jeanne Beth (Gibbs) Gray (’70), and current-day ETBU.

“In the fall of 1966, I thought I was traveling to Marshall to get a degree, but as I rode through the East Texas Baptist College archway, I discovered a whole new world was just waiting for me,” Gray said.

In 1968, the ETBC Student Government Association wanted to beautify the Quadrangle through a project to add additional parking with curb and gutter, red brick walkways, landscaping, as well as a lighted fountain.

“This was really an innovative project for our campus,” she explained of the ‘Quadrangle Beautification Program’ of 1968.

Each SGA member would have to type and send the information and letters to alumni and other donors for the project, which was completed in 1970. In 2017, ETBU remodeled the Quad fountain with new brick matching the adopted style of ETBU architecture, basin resurfacing, and a cast iron tiered fountain provided through a gift from Jeanne’s fellow Tiger classmate, Dr. Ben Raimer (’69).

Jeanne Beth Gray (’70)

FROM THE ARCHWAY OF ETBC TO A PILLAR OF ETBU

Today, Gray still contributes to the Quad through the Mark Your Milestone program with a personalized brick that is placed outside of the Ornelas Student Center.

“The milestone brick has been a way that I am able to honor some very special people in my life. It was an opportunity to remember ETBC friends and family members that have had a lasting impression on my life,” Gray reflected.

She and her husband, Dee Gray, were lifelong educators. Dee taught mathematics for 49 years, and Jeanne educated elementary students for 41 years.

“Neither one of us planned on teaching, but we enjoyed our teaching experiences,” she said. “We witnessed firsthand that education was the most important method for our students to achieve, be successful, and be happy in whatever avenue of life they chose.”

In retirement, Jeanne is still contributing to the education of students as a Pillar of ETBU, the group of core, faithful, and committed monthly donors whose gifts sustain and advance the ongoing Christ-centered mission of the University.

“My experiences at ETBC and the dear friends I met there were all in God’s plan,” Gray added.

“I guess you could say I have had the most wonderful life and have been very blessed!”

From left to right: President J. Blair Blackburn, Jeanne Beth (Gibbs) Gray (’70), Miss ETBU 2021, Kathryn Pedroza (’22).

WAYS to Give

Over the last century, East Texas Baptist University has educated generations of Christian servant leaders. This year we have over 1,750 students studying at ETBU, volunteering in our community, and going into the world on mission. Help us continue to transform the lives of current and future ETBU students through a contribution to the Blue & Gold Fund.

East Texas Baptist University is called to provide a quality, Christ-centered education to students. With the help of alumni and friends of the University, ETBU provides scholarships to students based on Christian leadership, academic achievement, and financial need. Please consider making a contribution to general scholarships or an endowment to ensure ETBU is accessible and affordable for everyone who feels called to the Hill.

The Mark Your Milestone brick campaign provides an affordable and concrete way for all alumni to add to their ETBU legacy. Commemorate your time on campus by purchasing an engraved brick. Your personalized brick will be placed outside the Ornelas Student Center in the Quad. Engraved bricks also make an outstanding gift to honor graduates, favorite professors or coaches, or family members including parents, grandparents, and children. Your brick donation will serve as a lasting reminder of your contribution to support the continued growth of the University.

With your assistance, ETBU will continue to attract quality student-athletes and offer them a Christ-centered experience where discipleship, ministry, and missions are central to their spiritual formation. You can take pride in having an impact on the success of Tiger Athletics and the academic, spiritual, and physical development of our student-athletes.

who serve our nation. She chooses both the military and ministry to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps who served in the military and then followed the call to serve in pastoral care.

Jeffery

Austin Jones (’19) and Crystal McBride were married on March 13, 2021.

Alex Dorman (’19) and Kayla Lanehart (’21) married on December 3, 2021, in Midlothian, Texas. Alex and Kayla live in Tyler, Texas, where Alex is a Residence Life Area Coordinator at Tyler Junior College and Kayla is a medical surgical nurse at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances.

2020s

The Legacy of 1912 Society comprises alumni and friends who, through thoughtful estate planning, deferred giving, and other forms of planned giving, ensure that resources will be available to support ETBU far into the future. The legacy of your planned gift will last forever and support current and future generations of ETBU students.

The Pillars of ETBU are East Texas Baptist University’s group of core, faithful, and committed monthly donors. In the same way that the pillars provide strength and support to the various buildings on campus, members of the Pillars of ETBU bolster and fortify the Christ-centered mission and ongoing work of the University through monthly giving. Like all contributions to ETBU, you decide how the gift will be used.

Matthew Stokell (’20) began a two-year stint as a member of the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) Board of Directors. He will serve on the AOF’s Board of Directors from January 2022 to December 2023. The AOF is a national 501c charitable foundation and serves as the philanthropic arm of osteopathic medicine.

Alexandria Hollyfield (’20) and D’undre Williams (’22)

CUB CLUB Sign up for

married on November 6, 2021. They met at ETBU Tiger Camp in 2017 and continue to thrive on the Hill. D’undre serves as the Director of University Security and Linebery Hall Resident Manager.

Emily Hicks (’20, ’21) married Cameron Hall on January 1, 2022. The Halls both work at First Baptist Church in Forney, Texas.

Karla Salvador (’20) married her husband, Tony Hernandez, in 2021. The couple has also welcomed their first child, Leia.

Hunter Punjak (’21) and Haley Harmening (’21) married on July 16, 2021. Chris Smith, ETBU professor, friend, and mentor, officiated the ceremony.

Syvoney Ybarra (’21, ’22) was named the head coach of Austin College’s men’s and women’s tennis programs in

Sherman, Texas. Previously, she served as the graduate assistant for ETBU Tennis.

Josue Morales (’21) began working for Baylor University in Waco, Texas, as a video producer in the Marketing and Communications Department.

Sarah Henry (’22) and Cannon Bird were married in 2022 and welcomed their first daughter. They met while they were students at ETBU.

TIGER CUBS

Kevin Charles (’01) and his wife, Caitlin, announce the birth of their son, Noah Wesley Charles, who was born on August 24, 2021. His sisters (Lydia and Hope) and brother (Luke) are all fascinated with him. The Charles family lives in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Kevin is the Director of Finance and Social Enterprise

The Alumni Office is excited to celebrate the children and grandchildren of the ETBU Family! Join ETBU’s Cub Club to receive birthday greetings and age-appropriate gifts for your child as they grow. Cub Club is available for infants to children seven years old. For children who are ages eight to 18, you can sign them up for Tiger Club.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

at Cabarrus Cooperative Christian Ministry in Kannapolis. Caitlin is a nurse at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Stevi (Slaughter)

Redd (’16) and her husband welcomed their sweet baby girl into this world on November 6, 2021.

Shelby (Taylor) Spencer (’17) and her husband, Ian, welcomed their son, John Paul on October 11, 2021.

Nathan (’18) and Lauren (Tice) Mills (’19) welcomed their first baby, Elizabeth (Ellie) Mills in 2021.

Brittany (Thompson) Smith (’18) welcomed her first child into the world

January 24, 2021, and her second baby on August 16, 2022.

Raven (Williams) McMahon (’19) and her husband, Sean, are thrilled to announce the birth of their son, Hutson Adam McMahon. He was born on August 4, 2021.

IN MEMORIAM 1940s

Elizabeth (Lee) Gill (’49) passed away onSeptember 9, 2022. She attended ETBC and met her husband, J.B. Gill (’49) on the Hill. They both were teachers at Barbers Hill High School and were members at

First Baptist Church in Mont Belvieu, Texas.

1950s

Lois (Bedsole) Grammer (’51) went to be with Jesus on June 11, 2022. She married her ETBC sweetheart, Gene Grammer (’51), in 1951, and was a full-time dedicated military wife. She had three daughters, ten grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was honored with a Gold Blazer from ETBU in 2017.

Joe John Jones (’52) passed away on July 26, 2022. He graduated from ETBC in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in education and coaching. He played for the Tiger Basketball Team and was inducted into the ETBU Tiger Athletics Hall of Fame in 1988 and received a Golden Blazer in 2015.

James Ellison Mauldin, Sr. (’56) passed away on November 23, 2021, at the age of 87. He graduated from Jefferson High School in Jefferson, Texas, and then attended ETBC where he met his wife, Martha (Mauldin) (’53).

Dr. James Otto Brossette (’58) went to be with the Lord on August 15, 2022.

1960s

Austin Tucker (’60) passed away on February 23, 2022. He spent 40 years of his life dedicated to pastoring churches in Louisiana and Texas. He enjoyed training pastors by teaching online courses at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He published seven books and wrote periodicals for several publications.

Carl Bunch, Jr. (’63) passed away on November 9, 2021, at 81. He met his wife of 60 years, Beth, at East Texas Baptist College. While on the Hill, Carl played basketball and was selected to the All-Conference team twice. He graduated in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary physical education. In 2003, he was inducted into the ETBU Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

David Seitzier (’63) passed away on February 17, 2022. He is survived by his wife, three children, eight grandchildren,

and four great grandchildren.

Naomi (Pauley) Smith (’63) passed way on November 26, 2021. She babysat children for 12 years and then was a teacher for over 20 years.

1970s

Clair (Chance) Pittman (’72) passed away on October 19, 2021. She was a lifelong resident of Shreveport, Louisiana. She was a wife, mother, friend, and teacher. She taught at Walnut Hill Elementary School before leaving to take care of her three beloved adopted daughters.

Dr. William Ray Scott (’73) of Evington, Virginia, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on October 4, 2021. William met the love of his life, Anne (Harrell) Scott (’73), at ETBC.

1980s

Patricia Stokley (’82)

passed away on May 13, 2022.

Rev. Bobby Ray Morford (’84) passed away on April 20, 2020. He graduated from ETBU with a degree in theology and spent his life as a youth minister. Bobby and his wife, Janet, had two daughters.

Kyle Brock Wood (’87) was born in Gilmer, Texas on March 26, 1964, to parents, Peary Wood and Ethylene Duke Wood. He passed away on January 23, 2022, at the age of 57. Kyle played baseball at East Texas Baptist University and graduated with a degree in business in 1987. He lived in Kingwood for over 30 years and started Kyle Wood Business Services in 1999.

1990s

Elizabeth Guerrero-Zuniga (’99) passed away on August 22, 2022. She enjoyed baking, crocheting, knitting, gardening and learning French.

The Tiger Family was saddened to lose Garon “Stumpy” Dupree in October of 2022. He was born March 15, 2002 in Texarkana, Texas to Bobby Dean and Heidi Dupree. Stumpy was a sophomore criminal justice major and psychology minor, a member of First Baptist Church, Atlanta, and an Eagle Scout with Troop 47. He was very accomplished at such a young age and was already a certified auto body technician, a certified welder, and an electrical and instrumentation tech from Texarkana College. Garon was an avid bass fisherman and won angler of the year in 2020.

“It is heartbreaking to experience the loss of a precious life and member of the Tiger Family,” ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn said. “Garon was a such a fine young man. He was admired, respected, and appreciated as a dear friend to his friends, roommates, and fellow Tigers.”

Garon loved serving the Lord through camps and mission work. He had a contagious sense of humor that made everyone around him laugh. He had an infectious smile that could light up any room. His presence will be dearly missed across campus. The University Family continues to lift up in prayer all those who knew and loved Garon as we mourn his tragic passing.

2010s

Michael Thomas Coyne (’16) passed away in May 2022. He met his wife, Bethany (Hubbard) Coyne (’14), while they were students at ETBU. He held a degree in university studies from ETBU. He was a father, teacher, and coach.

2020s

Natasha Chisum (’20), 47, passed away on March 20, 2022, from cancer surrounded by her husband and mother. She attended and graduated from Coastal Bend College and went on to earn degrees in both criminal justice and psychology at ETBU. She enjoyed teaching, sewing, going to church, playing bunco, and playing with children.

Dr.Ben Condray

1925-2022

Dr. Ben Condray, one of the East Texas Baptist University’s longest serving faculty members, passed away on August 12, 2022, at the age of 97. He received his M.A. from Purdue University in 1950 and his Ph.D. from Baylor University in 1963. In addition to his academic career, Ben was active in church activities and served his country in World War II. Dr. Ben Condray served as Professor and Chairman of the Chemistry and Physics Department from 1950 until his retirement in 1987. Following his retirement, Dr. Condray remained connected to the institution and made many trips back to campus to see former colleagues and former students.

Dr. Condray influenced countless lives in the classroom, on campus, and in the community. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the institution, the University awarded Dr. Condray with the W. T. Tardy Award in 1989. His legacy extended outside of the classroom as he established endowed scholarships in memory of his wife Mickey, President Harvey Daniel Bruce, and Dr. Ward Walker. In 2018, his former students honored Dr. Condray with the establishment of the Dr. Ben Condray Endowed Scholarship to support chemistry students. Alumni who had Dr. Condray as a professor speak reverently of his knowledge of chemistry, care for them as individuals, and on-going mentorship throughout their careers.

FRIENDS

David Lewis Armstrong returned to the arms of his Creator on August 25, 2022. He attended ETBU and served in the United States Navy before becoming a firefighter in Louisiana.

Audrey Ingram Edelman attended the College of Marshall where she met her husband USMC Corporal Ray Edelman. She passed away on September 16, 2022.

Joe R. Ford went to be with His Lord and Savior on February 13, 2022, at the age of 93. He was surrounded by his family as he was ushered into the arms of his Creator.

Frank Goodson friend of the University, went to be with the Lord on August 25, 2021. He served in the U.S. Navy Air Corp. and earned his Navy Wings of gold. Frank

served 18 years on the ETBU Board of Trustees, 14 years on the Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT), 10 years on the Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, 10 years on the Advisory Council of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and three years on the Human Welfare Coordinated Board of the BGCT.

William Carroll Woolley, 81, died on September 28, 2021. He was born June 6, 1940, in Florien, Louisiana, the son of John Wiley and Thelma (Geohagen) Woolley. He attended ETBC on a basketball scholarship, then transferred to Northwestern State College in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he played basketball, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Sports and Mathematics in 1962.

1940-2021

Jay Orr, Jr. went to be with Jesus on April 22, 2021. He served 14 years as Vice President for Institutional Advancement for ETBU, from 1987 to 2001. During his tenure, the University held a five-star

celebration dedicating five new building projects in one day: Nelson Murphy Science Building, Bennett Student Center expansion, Rogers Spiritual Life Center, C. Roy and Ollie L. Chick Gazebo, and Jenna Guest Music Hall in 1990. Jay’s love for the school and for people inspired growth and development during his service at ETBU. Jay also served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at HannibalLaGrange Baptist University in Missouri; Campbellsville Baptist University in Kentucky; and Brewton-Parker College in Georgia. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Orr, three daughters and their husbands, and five grandchildren.

1972 CLASS OFFICERS

The class of 1972 celebrated their 50th anniversary this year. ETBU was honored to recognize them during Homecoming 2022.

Carolyn Hamilton, Treasurer; Sandi Guess, Reporter; Paula Matkin, VicePresident; Beth Echols, Secretary; Rick Stewart, President

Braided Prayer

OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME. Your holy name is powerful and lovely. As we humbly set our mind on things above, we praise You and proclaim that Your lovingkindness endures forever. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

YOUR KINGDOM COME. YOUR WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.

We trust You to reign over our circumstances and purify our hearts so that we might discover the reality of Your comforting presence amid great hardship and loss. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD. AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE

OUR DEBTORS.

We trust You to provide for our needs. Let our gentleness serve as evidence of the rich and sure inheritance we have by Your grace. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

AND DO NOT LEAD US INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US

FROM THE EVIL ONE.

We trust Your guidance as we acknowledge that we struggle with sin and selfishness, and are prone to settling for lesser satisfaction. Give us wisdom to turn from evil, and give us a deep longing for Your truth as Your strength is made perfect in our weakness. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

FOR YOURS IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER.

We trust that through faith in You, we can have peace. In this world, we have distress and suffering, but You have overcome the world. Give us confidence and joy as we patiently and purposefully share the good news of Your Kingdom with others. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

By Your grace, we receive these blessings from You, Lord, and we receive Your commission to steward them well for the cause of Christ, that we might offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to You. To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever. AMEN.

Matthew 5:3-10 and 6:9-13

A PRAYER FROM CARI JOHNSON, INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTRY COORDINATOR AND DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

Christ Centered

GIVE THE Gift OF EDUCATION

Your gift to student scholarships at ETBU enables the preparation and development of Christian servant leaders who will impact and transform the world for Christ.