Connexus Brings Students Together East Texas Baptist University hosted the annual Connexus event on Saturday March 13, 2021. Connexus aims to build community on campus, celebrate unity, and advance the Christ-centered mission of ETBU. “Connexus was founded on Ephesians 4:16, which talks about everyone joining together as the body of Christ,” ETBU Director of Student Activities Laura Coursey said. “Connexus comes from the term ‘connect us’ and the annual event is a great reminder that our Tiger Family is stronger together.” Activities included canvas painting, a blackout maze, archery tag, miniature golf, and roasting smores. “I'm a senior and even though I've been here for four years, I still come in contact with new people every year at Connexus,” senior behavioral sciences major Mylan Shed said. “Our campus is so active and each group of students is involved in different activities. However, the day of Connexus, we are able to come together as one and have a great time.”
ETBU Hosts Events for Black History Month Celebration Throughout the month of February, the Office of Multicultural Affairs at East Texas Baptist University honored the rich contributions of African Americans to our communities, culture, and country through the hosting of Black History Month events. “These activities helped bring together the Tiger student body by offering learning experiences and facilitating open discussions regarding history, justice, unity, health and wellness. The special programs promoting cultural diversity, understanding, and appreciation gave students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge on different aspects of Black history and heritage,” ETBU Resident Director Arlette Henderson said. “Black History Month is a time to reflect on the past, examine the present, and embrace the future to continue progressive change and aid with uniting every ethnicity for a greater purpose.” Read more.
The ETBU Family Unites in Celebration of Spiritual Renewal East Texas Baptist University celebrated Spiritual Renewal 2021 on campus with worship services, prayer, and reflection led by Pastor Rechab Gray of Fellowship Church Memphis the week of February 15. This year’s theme, “Unite," was inspired by Paul’s call for unity and restoration with God and one another found in 2 Corinthians 13:11, “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” Read more.
ETBU Athletics Dominates Spring Semester No. 2 Women’s Basketball – The ETBU Women's Basketball team recently completed a perfect regular season with a record of 23-0! For six straight weeks, the team was ranked second in the d3Hoops.com and the NCAA Division III National Polls. In the American Southwest Conference tournament, the Lady Tigers lost 75-72 to UMHB in the championship game. Under first-year head coach Blake Arbogast, the Lady Tigers finished the historic season with a record of 25-1. The Lady Tigers' season ended following the ASC tournament as the NCAA cancelled the Division III national championship tournament for men's and women's basketball this season. Congratulations Lady Tigers on an outstanding season! No. 2 Softball – Picking up where they left off in the shortened COVID-19 season of 2020, the Lady Tigers are ranked No. 2 in the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) weekly poll. Under Head Coach Janae Shirley, the ETBU Softball team has been ranked in the national polls for 98 straight weeks. The Lady Tigers are off to a 12-1 start this season and are leading the ASC conference with an 8-1 conference record. No. 12 Hockey – The East Texas Baptist University Tiger Hockey team is ranked #12 in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 2 national poll. The team is 11-4 on the season with victories over TCU, Dallas Baptist, and Arkansas. The Tiger Hockey team is one of 184 teams competing in Division 2 of the American Collegiate Hockey Association and is looking to compete in the American Collegiate Hockey Association National Tournament April 15-20 in Bismarck, North Dakota. No. 16 Women's Golf – The ETBU Women's Golf team is currently ranked No. 16 in the nation by GolfStat.com. Under Coach Sydney Harvey, the Tiger Women's Golf team completed the fall season with a second place finish at the UMHB Invitational and opened the spring season with a victory at the Pinecrest Invitational. "I am so proud of who are ladies are becoming as a team and individuals," Coach Sydney Harvey said. "We are truly a family that holds one another accountable and works to grow as individuals each day. It's exciting to see their hard work recognized at the national level." No. 24 Men’s Golf – The Tigers find themselves in the Top 25 of the GolfStat weekly poll at No. 24. This is the third week of the season for the ETBU Men's Golf program to be nationally ranked. They look to improve that ranking in upcoming tournaments hosted by Centenary College and Concordia University. For the latest information related to ETBU Tiger Athletics and full game schedules, visit www.goetbutigers.com.
ETBU's Historic Marshall Grand Receives National Recognition for Historic Roof Renovation East Texas Baptist University’s Marshall Grand was selected as the recipient of the Overall Historic Renovation Award among hundreds of projects by Ludowici, a world-renowned tile producer located in New Lexington, Ohio, whose terra cotta tiles are revered worldwide for their distinctive look and sustainable, long-lasting beauty. Winners are chosen each year by an internal Ludowici panel and a popular vote based on factors relating to appearance, uniqueness, complexity, and craftsmanship. Read more.
Get to Know Alumna Dr. Lynette Ogletree ('01) Dr. Lynette (Luedders) Ogletree ('01) set a goal in high school to become a dentist and never looked back. She spent her summers during college working in dental offices to gain experience, which only solidified her career path. "I love what I get to do," Dr. Ogletree said. "I spend my days helping people, whether it is getting people out of pain, conquering their fears, or cosmetic fixes, my career is such a gift." Before Ogletree began her career in dentistry, God led her to ETBU through softball and soccer. "My senior year of high school I broke my hand playing softball," Ogletree said. "This concerned a lot of college coaches, but not Coach Kent Reeves. He knew my tenacity to
compete and gave me a spot on the inaugural Tiger Softball team." Balancing life as a two-sport student-athlete at ETBU and a biology major proved challenging but prepared Ogletree for life after college. "At ETBU, I learned how to manage my time, which prepared me for my professional career path, spiritual life, and home life," Ogletree said. "I also had incredibly supportive professors who supported me as a student-athlete and believed in my career aspirations. Being surrounded by professors, coaches, and friends that were believers helped me develop a Kingdom focused outlook." Today, Dr. Ogletree and her husband, Buddy ('00), and their three children reside in Tyler and are heavily involved at The Branch Community Church in Bullard.
ETBU in the News Dr. Brian Hill ('05) selected as Superintendent for Colorado's District 51. At their latest school board meeting, District 51, which encompasses Grand Junction, Colorado, and the surrounding communities, selected their next superintendent to lead the district. East Texas Baptist University Alumnus Dr. Brian Hill has been chosen for the position. Dr. Hill has been serving as the Assistant Superintendent for District 51 since 2019. Read more.
ETBU makes the final push for Mabee Foundation grant As part of East Texas Baptist University’s fundraising campaign for the new Great Commission Center that will house the Fred Hale School of Business, the Great Commission Program, and the Office of Career Development, ETBU received a $1,500,000 challenge grant from the J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation, requiring the University to raise $6,000,000 by July 1, 2021 in order to receive the challenge grant funds. Today, East Texas Baptist has $4,625,550 committed to the campaign. The University must raise an additional $1,374,450 by July 1, 2021, to reach the $6,000,000 goal and receive the Mabee Foundation challenge grant of $1,500,000. Read more.
ETBU School of Nursing Spotlight
2020 was a challenging year for all of us and for health care professionals in particular as they helped provide care and healing in the midst of the pandemic. School of Nursing Dean Dr. Rebekah Grigsby was recently asked how educating nurses changed during the pandemic. Read more.
For more information please call: Dr. Scott Bryant Vice President for Advancement 903.923.2069 | sbryant@etbu.edu Emily Clark Director of Alumni Relations and Advancement Communication 903.923.2043 | eclark@etbu.edu Reid Adams ('19) Advancement Officer 903.923.2070 | reida@etbu.edu
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