Physically Distanced—Socially Connected

For the first time in University history, ETBU harnessed the power of technology to host online chapel services. The Tiger Family was invited to join in the special time of worship and virtual gathering. The services featured student-led worship and encouraging messages to inspire the campus community to stay connected and unified despite physical distance, and served as an opportunity to pray fervently for the health and safety of ETBU faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

As COVID-19 halted inperson student life on campus altogether, members of the Tiger community participated in a virtual Sing-A-Long of Hillsong Worship’s “King of Kings.” Thank you to all the members of the ETBU Family who joined together to make this possible. The SingA-Long was another way the University connected through worship during the time spent apart.

The traditional Miss ETBU Pageant looked a bit different this year as contestants participated in online interviews, written essays, question-and-answer sessions, and online voting. Congratulations to this year's Miss ETBU Scholarship Pageant winners: 2020 Miss ETBU Haley Harmening, First RunnerUp Bailey Snow, and Second Runner-Up Cayce Billingsley. We are so proud of all of our 2020 Miss ETBU contestants!

Over 20 young women virtually participated in this year’s Senior Girl Call-Out, East Texas Baptist’s longest standing tradition. Although the ceremony was presented differently this year, the sentiment remains the same as the University community honored the tradition of recognizing outstanding senior women for their Christian character, campus achievements, and community service. Congratulations to ETBU's 2020 Senior Girl Call-Out: Emily Hicks!

Tigers were encouraged to engage in ETBU life from wherever they were across the state and country by participating in the ETBU TikTok Challenge. To be eligible to win, the TikToks had to be created by current ETBU Tigers, and contain creative content that reflected the University spirit. With more than 100 video submissions, three winners were announced: Anthony Gipson, Carson Rucker, and Ethan Cook.

New and prospective Tigers participated in one of three Virtual New Student Orientations (NSO) throughout May and June, where they were given insight on what it’s like to be a part of the ETBU Family, and had the chance to virtually visit with academic advisors and get registered for classes. The NSO experience connected students to their new college community. We can’t wait to welcome these new Tigers to life on the Hill.