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On Saturday, December 6, East Texas Baptist University celebrated the achievements of 177 graduates at its commencement ceremonies in Baker Chapel of the Rogers Spiritual Life Center. Guided by the University’s President, Dr. J. Blair Blackburn, the ceremony marked the conferral of degrees to 113 undergraduates, 62 master’s graduates, and two doctoral graduates. The event was filled with Scripture readings, songs of praise and
worship, heartfelt prayers, and blessings bestowed upon the graduates.
This fall’s Commencement marked a historic milestone for East Texas Baptist University as the institution conferred its first doctoral degrees in partnership with B. H. Carroll
Theological Seminary. ETBU also celebrated the inaugural graduates of the MavPATH Program, an innovative collaboration with Marshall Independent School District designed to help address the growing need for qualified teachers. Established in 2023, the program provides selected MISD paraprofessionals the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

East Texas Baptist University participated in its tenth annual Operation Christmas Child, an outreach program organized by Samaritan’s Purse. This ministry involves filling festive shoeboxes with small toys, school supplies, hygiene products, and other items sent to children worldwide as Christmas gifts and tangible reminders of God’s love for them. This year, ETBU also served as a designated drop-off location, inviting the community surrounding the University to join in sharing joy and hope with the world.
“I am so proud of our Tiger students as they continue to show their servant hearts every day,” Senior Vice President for Campus Life Ryan Erwin said. “These gifts will serve as an avenue for children worldwide to hear the story of Jesus’ birth and the true meaning of Christmas.”

Feagin Hall is a treasured part of our campus story. Thousands of alumni who made East Texas Baptist their “Home on the Hill” deepened their walk with the Lord, forged the bonds of friendship, and prepared for God’s calling within this
residence hall. By preserving Feagin Hall’s heritage and modernizing its interior, we honor their legacy while preparing to welcome future Tigers who will write the next chapter of the building's storied history. Beyond a building, Feagin Hall is a cornerstone of our campus community, and today we have the opportunity to restore it to its past significance.
With your fervent prayers and generous support, we can shape the future of ETBU and the future of the next generation of Tiger students through the revival of Feagin Hall. We invite you to partner with us in shaping the future of ETBU.
Together, we can restore Feagin Hall as a place where men are educated, discipled, and sent to impact people for Christ. Let us faithfully steward this opportunity for the development of Christian servant leaders to the glory of God.

Advance your future with a graduate degree from East Texas Baptist University. ETBU offers a wide selection of master’s degrees designed to fit the needs of working professionals and lifelong learners. Graduate theological education opportunities are available through B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary at ETBU. Carroll Seminary programs include the Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Divinity, multiple Ph.D. programs as well as the Doctor of Ministry degree.
Many graduate programs can be completed in less than a year and are built with flexibility in mind. Enjoy fully online options for most degrees, with select programs offering hybrid or evening coursework. The M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology is offered on campus.
Take the next step in your educational journey and discover how an ETBU graduate degree can equip you for your calling.
For further information about our Graduate Programs, call 903.923.2079

David Flowers (’05) received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from ETBU and then later an MTS in Biblical Studies from Houston Graduate School of Theology. David is married to his wife and fellow alumnus, Lanna (Rogers) Flowers (’03), who currently serves as the Performing Arts Coordinator at Messiah University and teaches private music lessons. David and Lanna have two young boys, Kainan and Judah, who are active in music and sports.
David shares, "My professors developed in me a lifelong love of learning. It was at
ETBU that I was captured by a vision that God could do greater things than I could ask for or imagine if I would trust Him and surrender to His will for my life."

No. 1 ETBU Volleyball capped off a record-setting season with a historic appearance in the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament Elite Eight. The Tigers finished an extraordinary year at 34-1, winning 34 straight matches and setting new program records for both consecutive victories and total wins in a season. ETBU’s remarkable run marks a milestone moment for Tiger Volleyball and a season that will be remembered for years to come. Read more

ETBU’s Graycee Mosley won the Elite Scholar-Athlete Award at the 2025 NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship, becoming the first student-athlete in ETBU history to receive this prestigious honor. The award recognizes the NCAA Volleyball National Championship tournament participant with the highest cumulative GPA. This marks Mosley’s fifth major accolade of the season, joining her titles as ASC Regular Season and Tournament MVP, NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player, and AVCA AllAmerican First Team selection. Read more.

Guiding ETBU to its finest season in program history, Head Coach Mallory Matthews ('16) has been named the American Volleyball Coaches Association's Coach of the Year. Since she arrived at ETBU in December 2021, Coach Matthews has won the American Southwest Conference Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in each of the last three seasons. She has earned four ASC Coach of the Year awards and twice has been recognized by the AVCA as the best coach in Region 10. Read more.
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Dr. Scott Bryant
Vice President for Executive Affairs
903.923.2069 | sbryant@etbu.edu
Scott McCurdy
Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Administrative Affairs
903.923.2220 | smccurdy@etbu.edu
Chad Cox ('11) ('16)
Director of Career Counseling and Placement/Development Officer
903.223.2330 | ccox@etbu.edu
Keli Sparks ('24) Gifts Coordinator
903.923.2071 | ksparks@etbu.edu