Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Great Hall, Great Commission Center
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Honoring Marshall Economic Development and Executive Director Rush Harris
Inspired by the parable in Luke 10:25-37, East Texas Baptist University presents the Good Samaritan Award to individuals and organizations that have embodied the second greatest commandment of “loving your neighbor as yourself.”
Created by Marshall citizens and City Commission members in 1991, Marshall Economic Development (MED) has faithfully supported the City of Marshall and Harrison County through strategic efforts designed to attract new businesses and investments while enhancing local industries and employers. The MED has been instrumental in elevating Marshall’s and Harrison County’s economic standing in East Texas. The MED has invested significantly in the local workforce, educational institutions, and businesses through vital partnerships, grant programs, and development initiatives.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Rush Harris, Marshall Economic Development has strengthened its commitment to serving Marshall through innovative and creative programs established to ensure Marshall’s economic future remains bright. As a Marshall native, Mr. Harris leads Marshall Economic Development with a passion for the community and the East Texas region, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in economic and workforce development. The impact of Mr. Harris’ dedication to selflessly serving Marshall can be felt across the city, county, and region—from students in Marshall ISD to TSTC vocational programs, from manufacturing professionals to small business owners, from Wiley University and ETBU student interns to successful entrepreneurs, and all areas in between.
As an institution, East Texas Baptist University is committed to preparing students to follow the example of Marshall Economic Development, Rush Harris, and the talented staff he has assembled in “loving your neighbor as yourself.” Under the servant leadership of Mr. Harris, Marshall Economic Development embodies the parable of the Good Samaritan, providing significant funding and development services to support employees and existing businesses as they work to attract new employers to Marshall and Harrison County. We would be grateful for your support of the Good Samaritan Award and ETBU Scholarship Dinner as we honor Marshall Economic Development, MED Board of Directors, and Executive Director Rush Harris.
Please join East Texas Baptist University on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in ETBU's Great Commission Center for an evening of recognition and celebration.
For more information about available sponsorships, call the University Advancement office at 903.923.2071 or email advancement@ETBU.edu.
