Expanding Master's Degree Programs

Providing increased opportunity in light of COVID-19 through TJC Partnership, new graduate programs, and ETBU-Tyler

As recent graduates navigate the uncharted waters of job searching in the midst of a global pandemic and widespread economic turmoil, the University strategized ways to assist recent graduates who may have trouble finding employment post-graduation. In an effort to help these recent Tiger alumni and others looking to expand their career opportunities during this time, the University is expanding its graduate programs and offered at the reduced rate for individuals interested in a variety of fields. Students who choose to pursue postbaccalaureate professional degrees at ETBU can choose from one of these available Master's Degree programs:

Master of Arts in Theological Studies* Master of Arts in Christian Ministry* Integrated Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (new for Fall 2020) Integrated Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Master of Business Administration* Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master of Arts in Strategic Communication (new for Fall 2020) Master of Education* Master of Education in College and University Leadership* Master of Science in Kinesiology Master of Business Administration*

*Denotes Master’s degree available completely online

Additionally, ETBU recently strengthened its unique public/private partnership with Tyler Junior College by offering a specialized Master of Education program to TJC faculty and staff, as well as high school teachers who wish to teach dual credit/dual-enrollment courses. The 30-hour graduate degree, offered online through ETBU, will give those enrolled a new venue for career advancement with increased opportunities for teaching at the collegiate level. The program also benefits those individuals who have a master’s degree, yet need the 18-hour graduate discipline courses for qualification to teach college courses.

“As a graduate from Tyler Junior College, I am honored to work with TJC President Dr. Juan E. Mejia in creating a collaborative academic partnership for the benefit of the East Texas region,” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. “I am confident that offering ETBU’s Master of Education program to TJC faculty and staff will aid us in developing servant-hearted educational leaders and scholars and will equip qualified higher education professionals to reach their full teaching potential.”

East Texas Baptist’s partnership with TJC dates back to 2017 when the two institutions entered an articulation agreement, providing more accessible and more affordable pathways for TJC students to pursue a quality, Christ-centered education through ETBU. This new component of the two schools’ ongoing collaboration targets those seeking to further their professionallevel education and training. The 18-month graduate education program offers discipline specific content in English, History, Mathematics, or Communication for obtaining post-secondary teaching credentials in these high-demand areas of study. This unique private-public partnership is catered to professionals who desire to receive qualification and preparation to teach at Tyler Junior College and other East Texas regional community colleges. Additionally, the ability for more educators to attain their master’s degree or 18-hour graduate discipline specific qualification will help address the 60 X 30 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s primary goal of having at least 60 percent of Texans between the ages of 25-34 with a post-secondary credential by 2030.

“TJC’s strategic plan includes a strong focus on innovation through authentic partnerships, and we value the partnership with ETBU,” TJC President Dr. Mejia shared. “Dr. Blackburn and his Cabinet have continued to work closely with the leadership team from TJC, and all have embraced the direction from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to encourage public and private partnerships. We are honored to partner with ETBU as we share a significant number of stakeholders who are friends to both of our institutions and very proeducation, and we have the opportunity to establish the state model of a partnership that leads the way for Texas.”

While the University makes strides to meet needs in higher education for recent graduates and throughout the East Texas region, it is also seeking to help meet the growing need for mental health care in Tyler and Smith County by opening a community mental health clinic that will also offer the University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, located at 1301 S. Broadway in Tyler at the former American Cancer Society building. The Community Counseling Center will open later this fall, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling classes will be offered at the new ETBU-Tyler location beginning in January 2021.

“In light of the expanding mental health needs with the COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation, ETBU is honored and humbled to extend opportunities that serve the Tyler and Smith County communities through both counseling and graduate education,” Dr. Blackburn said. “The ETMC Foundation’s generosity towards this program at ETBU-Tyler is vital, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their support and partnership.”

The ETMC Foundation is a private foundation created by the sale of the East Texas Medical Regional Health care system to Ardent Health Services in 2018.

“The East Texas Medical Center Foundation is pleased to assist ETBU in their goal of increasing available counseling services to the East Texas area,” Executive Director of the ETMC Foundation Dawn Franks said. “This program comes at a critical time for many individuals seeking mental health services and helps to fulfill our mission to improve the health and quality of lives in the surrounding East Texas communities.”

The RW Fair Foundation of Tyler has also blessed the University with a $25,000 contribution toward the center.

The University’s two-pronged approach enables ETBU to address current needs for mental health care while providing for the growing demand in East Texas for additional qualified and trained Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in the mental health field. Designed with flexibility and working professionals in mind, the graduate program features evening and online courses. All clinical hours required by the program can be completed through the onsite clinic. The program, designed with academic rigor and holistic attention to the intellectual, mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical development of the person, produces graduates who are educated, equipped, and empowered to provide professional counseling services in a variety of settings. These skilled mental health care professionals are trained to comprehensively understand counseling practice management and emerging counseling treatment and methodology trends. “According to the data provided by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, Smith County has a shortage of Licensed Professional Counselors compared to other counties in Texas with similar populations,” ETBU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Sanders said. “To address the present need for mental health services in Smith County, ETBU’s Community Counseling Center will provide no-cost counseling services to members of the community through local referral partners with counselors or graduate counselors-in-training.”

Through expanding graduate program choices, offering the Master of Education program to those interested in higher education through partnering with Tyler Junior College and integrating ETBU’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in Smith County at ETBU-Tyler, East Texas Baptist is advancing pivotal leadership to provide quality Christian higher education throughout the East Texas region. As the University strives to relieve some of the burdens brought on by COVID-19, we remain vigilant in our calling to serve the needs of our students, prospective students, graduates, and the surrounding communities.

As East Texas Baptist University seeks to expand academic capabilities, enhance program offerings, and further spread the Gospel across East Texas and throughout the world, the J.E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation selected ETBU for a challenge grant in the amount of $1,500,000 towards the construction of the Great Commission Center (GCC), the future home for ETBU’s Fred Hale School of Business. In order to receive the challenge grant funds from the Mabee Foundation, the University will need to raise a total of $3,000,000 for the project by July 2021.

“We rejoice in the provision of God’s grace and gifting, and we give thanks to the Lord for the great things He has done for our University,” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. “God has laid a vision on our hearts to transform more ETBU students and graduates into devoted Christian servant leaders and outstanding ethical business leaders. I am excited to witness how the Great Commission Center will provide a place for our faculty and staff to teach and equip ETBU business students with the tools to live out the Great Commission in their future vocations.”

Inspired by Baker Library at Harvard University, which also houses the Harvard Business School, this new building will become the focal symbol for quality Christian education, servant leadership development, and excellence in business leadership and ethics throughout the East Texas region and Southern United States. ETBC Alumnus, Dr. Jim Teague (’68) gave the initial lead gift to set this vision in action. Dr. Teague was the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Humanities for his service to God and humanity at ETBU’s Spring 2018 Commencement ceremony.

“We are thrilled to receive the $1,500,000 challenge grant from the J.E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation to support the $7,500,000 Great Commission Center Building Campaign," ETBU Vice President for Advancement Scott Bryant said. “The Mabee Foundation leaders are thrilled with the project and impressed that we already raised $3,000,000 for the campaign. The Mabee Foundation challenge grant gives us 12 months to raise an additional $3,000,000. If we raise the additional $3,000,000, then the Mabee Foundation will grant us $1,500,000 to complete the project. I am asking for ETBU alumni and donors to prayerfully consider partnering with us on this important project. Together, we can make a great impact as we provide a new facility that prepares students to be Christian servant leaders."

Called the Great Commission Center, the building will be the physical manifestation of ETBU’s core mission of developing Christian servant leaders. The facility will house the University’s Great Commission Center—an institution-wide program initiative which connects students, faculty, and staff with our local communities in East Texas, cities across the United States, and cultures across the globe in fulfillment of the Great Commission call in Scripture (Matthew 28:19-20).

“The Great Commission Center at ETBU will be a brick and mortar representation of our understanding of the depth and breadth of the Great Commission: to make disciples,” Director of Global Education and the Great Commission Center Lisa Seeley said. “The ministry there will reach into the world for Christ through those ETBU teaches and influences. To be able to focus our work on instilling these teachings, literally making disciples on our campus and in our community is a life changing ministry.”

The 23,500 square foot facility will be a modern 21st-century learning center with historic architectural and educational identity, the building will advance the Hale Business School’s awareness, relevance, and reputation as a leading Christ-centered business school for undergraduate and graduate studies.

“The marriage of the Business School with the Great Commission Center is not just a convenient way to house two departments,” Dr. Seeley added. “It is a recognition of the call of every Christian to make disciples as they go into the world with their God given vocation, whether that be as an executive, entrepreneur, financial planner, teacher, nurse, physical therapist, coach, or minister.”

Since its formation in 1948, the Mabee Foundation has made grants totaling over $1.2 billion for nonprofit, 501©(3) organizations in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas.