Commitment to Academic Resources for Excellence
Our campus is a very fine Christian institution, with a friendly and outstanding faculty and student body. It is the kind of institution our world needs if we are going to make a difference. Dr. Robert E. “Jack” Craig (’50) ETBU’s 10th President (1986-1992)
Dr. Robert E. “Jack” Craig (’50) led East Texas Baptist University from 1986-1992 as the tenth President and holds the honor of being the first and only East Texas Baptist University graduate to serve the institution as President. Dr. Craig’s commitment to providing students and faculty with quality academic facilities and the resources necessary to serve for Christ with excellence was evident in his choices as President. During his tenure, Dr. Craig led the fundraising efforts for construction of the Fred Hale School of Business, Jenna Guest Music Building, Mabee Performance Hall, Murphy Science Building, and the Ornelas Spiritual Life Center. In addition, ETBU’s enrollment increased by nearly 50 percent under his leadership. Dr. Craig also initiated two programs through which students could personally meet with him for counsel and guidance. Prior to his position at ETBU, Dr. Craig served as the President of Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, Missouri, and President of Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. He also served in various administrative roles, including Dean of California Baptist College, Department of Education Head at the University of Corpus Christi, and Principal of Shady Grove School in Dallas County, Texas. Dr. Craig earned a Bachelor of Science from East Texas Baptist College in 1950, a Master of Education from East Texas State University in 1951, and a Doctor of Education in Administrative Leadership from North Texas State University in 1957. Following the death of Dr. Craig in 1992, the Board of Trustees renamed the Sanderson Hall of Science “Craig Hall” in honor of the esteemed President and the First Lady, Mary Jean Light Craig (’48). Dr. and Mrs. Craig had four children: Candy, Cherie, Chris, Carey. The Craig Family were beloved members of the ETBU community, and their legacy continues to influence generations of ETBU students, faculty, and staff for the glory of God.
Robert E. Craig Hall is a two-story brick building of Georgian colonial architecture at East Texas Baptist University. Originally built in 1953, the Sanderson Hall of Science was renamed and repurposed for the ETBU School of Nursing in 1992. After more than 25 years, the University now has the opportunity to restore the outdated building as the nursing program transitions to the historic Marshall Grand in downtown Marshall. Designed for 21st century learning and training, Craig Hall will house the Frank S. Groner School of Professional Studies. The school consists of Adult Education, Athletic Training, Kinesiology, and University Studies programs. The project will ensure that Craig Hall continues to provide quality, Christ-centered educational training to both students and faculty.
“The renovation of Craig Hall will allow all of the academic departments of the School of Professional Studies to collaborate and teach under one roof. State-of-the-art labs and modern classrooms will allow students to receive the handson learning required in Athletic Training and Kinesiology. These much-needed facilities will enhance our already successful and popular programs.” Dr. Joseph D. Brown, Ph.D. Dean of Frank S. Groner School of Professional Studies
“When I first started college and thought about majoring in Rehabilitative Science, I was really intimidated. But, the faculty encouraged and empowered me to learn and grow into my vocational calling. The professors at ETBU have prepared me for the next level of physical therapy school. As the School of Professional Studies moves, I know that students will be even more prepared for their careers, and they will have a space of their own to call home.” Megan Friend (’19) Rehabilitative Science Major Frank S. Groner School of Professional Studies
“The Athletic Training Program at ETBU has given me opportunities to practice with student-athletes what I have been taught in the classroom. We are blessed to be surrounded by amazing faculty and staff, who are willing to pour into us their faith in Christ and expertise of Athletic Training. Being mentored in the Kinesiology department, my relationship with Christ has grown exponentially, and I have been equipped to share the Gospel in both my professional and day to day life.” Joshua Britnell (’19) Athletic Training Major Frank S. Groner School of Professional Studies
Frank S. Groner School of Professional Studies As a testament to Dr. Craig’s legacy, the University will be renovating Craig Hall for use by ETBU's largest academic school, the Frank S. Groner School of Professional Studies. This facility will house all undergraduate and graduate programs in kinesiology, clinical lab sciences, and adult studies. Programs like athletic training not only provide curricular experiences for our students, they also provide clinicals that support the nearly 40% of the student body, who are student athletes involved in NCAA and compete on ETBU club sports teams. In addition, graduate assistants who provide coaching, leadership, and discipleship to students will receive their training from the Christian faculty, who work and teach in Craig Hall. Enhancements to this time-honored facility will include new labs and instructional space to provide for theoretical instruction, practical hands-on experience, as well as research into the science and application of kinesiology.
KINESIOLOGY
5
MAJORS
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, 1 Timothy 4:8 holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Wellness Management Athletic Training Sports Management Rehabilitative Science EC-12 Physical Education
ROBERT E. CRAIG
Kinesiology is ETBU's
LARGEST
academic department
“In honor of Dr. Craig’s commitment to academic resources for excellence during his tenure at our home on the Hill, ETBU invites alumni and friends of the University to join us as we extend his legacy by showing CARE for Craig Hall. Your support will provide our current and future students with the modern educational space needed to develop skills for their callings. East Texas Baptist will invest an estimated $500,000 to create this contemporary learning environment. Renovation is set to begin in Spring 2019 with planned completion in Spring 2020. I invite you to partner with us to pay tribute to Dr. Craig’s presidential leadership and provide our students with 21st century educational space.” Dr. Thomas Sanders, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Donor Wall Study Benches (4) Advising Lobby Faculty Workroom Lab Supply Room Dean's Reception Advisor Office Kitchen Faculty Offices (5) Foyer Dean's Office Staircase Administrative Suite Classrooms (3) Instructional Technology Classroom Kinesiology Labs (2) Outdoor Kinesiology Lab Athletic Training Lab
Please, contact me about a gift of support. Name
Yes, I would like to contribute to the CARE for Craig Hall: $1,000
Address
$2,500
City/State/Zip
$10,000
$5,000 $15,000
Phone
$20,000 $25,000 $50,000
$100,000 For more information about donating with a debit or credit card go to www.etbu.edu/careforcraighall. To give now online go to www.etbu.edu/give.
1,000 2,500 2,500 5,000 5,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 20,000 25,000 25,000 50,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 100,000
$150,000
EMBRACING FAITH
ENGAGING MINDS
EMPOWERING LEADERS
ENHANCING COMMUNITY
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 At East Texas Baptist University we have a lot of fine young people who attend college. Gifts such as yours help us to continue to operate. I am sure the young people will benefit greatly and this institution will continue to operate for the glory of God and help our Baptist denomination. I heard that you were planning to help the University. We are seeking to secure funds for the project. It is going to be a very fine structure. It has good architectural planning. It is being built by a very fine firm. Thank you for your support of East Texas Baptist University. Â Your love for young people and your desire to help them is a blessing to all the world. If you can help East Texas Baptist University and honor our good Christian friend, please let us know. Visit this campus any time and may the Lord continue to bless you in a great way. Thank you for your attention to this most noteworthy matter. Sincerely,
Robert E. Craig President
Correspondence written by Dr. Robert E. Craig concerning endowments and the building of campus facilities.