Recruiting Staff
Kyle Brewer: Admissions Counselor 903-923-2015 kbrewer@etbu.edu
Recruits: Freshman students from East Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas
Kyle is also the coordinator for RecTeam, a summer recreation ministry team sponsored by the Admissions Office.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Religion from East Texas Baptist University
Hometown: Cleveland, TX
Fun Fact: In high school, I had every line of Top Gun memorized.
Word or Phrase that Best Describes You: Witty
Favorite Quote: "You are not a disillusioned old man who may die soon, a midded-ages woman stuck in a job and desperately waiting to get out, a young person feeling the fire in the belly begin to grow cold. You may be insecure, inadequate, mistaken, or potbellied. Death, panic, depression, and disillusionment may be near you. But you are not just that. You are accepted." ~Brennan Manning, Grace
Favorite Thing about ETBU: Playing campus golf.
What advice would you give to incoming students: Don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Apply for any and all scholarships you can find.
Megan Cumbee: Admissions Counselor 903-923-2008 mcumbee@etbu.edu
Recruits: Freshman students from Dallas/Fort Worth and Oklahoma
Education: Bachelor of Science in University Studies from East Texas Baptist University
Hometown: Rusk, TX
Fun Fact: I enjoy traveling and have been to Turkey, China, Mexico, and Canada. I also love to sing and dance in the car.
Word or Phrase that Best Describes You: Spunky and Personable
Favorite Quote: "God delights in doing extraordinary things with us and reversing the trajectory of our life. Pointing us away from ourselves and toward Him." ~Unknown
Favorite Thing about ETBU: Since I stepped foot on campus, I felt like it was home. It truly is a community.
What advice would you give to incoming students: Make an effort to get to know your professors. They genuinely care for you on both an academic and personal level.
Christine Easter: Admissions Counselor 903-923-2009 ceaster@etbu.edu
Recruits: Transfer students from Southeast Texas and Louisiana
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from East Texas Baptist University
Hometown: Arkadelphia, AR
Fun Fact: I am a Disney nerd.
Word or Phrase that Best Describes You: Random
Favorite Quote: "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." ~C.S. Lewis
Favorite Thing about ETBU: CandyFest - provides a safe environment on Halloween for kids in the community and allows students to dress up and have fun
What advice would you give to incoming students: Do your homework, study hard, but also make time to relax and make friends.
Adam Jones: Admissions Counselor 903-923-2010 ajones@etbu.edu
Recruits: Freshman students from the I-35 corridor of Texas, Tyler area, and all states besides Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma
Education: Bachelor of Science in Education from East Texas Baptist University
Hometown: Harleton, TX
Fun Fact: I have experienced 24 hours of daylight inside the Arctic of Alaska.
Word or Phrase that Best Describes You: Simple and Passionate
Favorite Quote: "You tell anyone that has ever doubted, thought they did not measure up, or wanted to quit; you tell them, 'Look up, get up, and don't ever give up.'" ~Michael Irvin
Favorite Thing about ETBU: The way the university promotes community between students and faculty. Also, the friends and relationships I made while attending ETBU.
What advice would you give to incoming students: Enjoy the experience of finding a college that fits who you are. When you find the perfect university, that is where you will thrive and grow.
Crystal Lopez: Admissions Counselor 903-923-2012 clopez@etbu.edu
Recruits: Freshman students from Houston and the Golden Triangle area
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication at East Texas Baptist University
Hometown: Humble, TX
Fun Fact: I've never been to Disney World.
Word or Phrase that Best Describes You: Charismatic
Favorite Quote: "God made you an original. Don't die a copy."
Favorite Thing about ETBU: Release and all events that include dancing
What advice would you give to incoming students: Find accountability at ETBU. Also, find a church home. Don't spend 4 years church hopping. There is so much the Lord wants to teach you by being connected to the body and serving side by side with other believers. ETBU is not your church.
Bethann McLain: Admissions Counselor 903-923-2006 bmclain@etbu.edu
Recruits: Transfer students from Dallas/Fort Worth, Arkansas, and Oklahoma
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from The University of Texas at Austin
Hometown: Southlake, TX
Fun Fact: I lived in Turkey for two years.
Word or Phrase that Best Describes You: Approachable and Sincere
Favorite Quote: "Craving clarity, we attempt to eliminate the risk of trusting God." ~Brennan Manning
Favorite Thing about ETBU: The family-style atmosphere.
What advice would you give to incoming students: Get involved.
Kristine Slate: Campus Visit Counselor 903-923-2013 kslate@etbu.edu
Education: Bachelor of Arts in English from East Texas Baptist University
Hometown: Hallsville, TX
Fun Fact: I am slightly obsessed with Texas Rangers baseball
Word or Phrase that Best Describes You: Grammar Critic
Favorite Quote: "Be good. Be sweet. I love you." ~My mom
Favorite Thing about ETBU: The size. As a smaller university there is more opportunity for lifelong friendships and personal growth through smaller class sizes and campus organizations.
What advice would you give to incoming students: Ask questions. If you are unsure or need clarification, ask someone. Don't be afraid to be honest with your advisors - they are here to help you be as successful as you can be. Graduation is the goal and there are people eager to assist you.
Jason Soles: Director of Admissions 903-923-2011 jsoles@etbu.edu
Education: Bachelor of Science from East Texas Baptist University
Hometown: Farmersville, TX
Fun Fact: I can juggle.
Word or Phrase that Best Describes You: Boss man
Favorite Quote: "There is no substitute for hard work." ~Thomas A. Edison
Favorite Thing about ETBU: The people.
What advice would you give to incoming students: You can't get out what you don't put in. Be sure to regularly get out of your comfort zone. Above all else remember you are here to learn.
Support Staff
Barbara Taylor 903-923-2003 btaylor@etbu.edu
Education: Baskin High School, Baskin, Louisiana
Hometown: Baskin, LA
Fun Fact: My grandchildren call me Lucy. I've had this nickname since I was in the 6th grade.
Word or Phrase that Best Describes You: Encourager
Favorite Quote: "Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4
Favorite Thing about ETBU: Being a part of a wonderful family
What advice would you give to incoming students: Don't stress over what your major will be. You will figure it out as you begin to take your classes.
Theresa Swearingen 903-923-2000 tswearingen@etbu.edu
Education: Attended ETBC/ETBU from 1982-1985
Hometown: Marshall, TX (I'm a preacher's kid so I have many hometowns)
Fun Fact: I have two precious children and am about to have one awesome son-in-love
Word or Phrase that Best Describes You: I love to laugh
Favorite Quote: "Your lack of preparation is not my cause for emergency."
Favorite Thing about ETBU: Family unit
What advice would you give to incoming students: Clean your dorm room at least once a month.