ETBU Holds University Scholars Faith and Learning Dinner

MARSHALL, Texas (11/08/12)- The University Scholars Program at East Texas Baptist University held its first Faith and Learning Dinner for students in the University Scholars Program. The dinner gave students a chance to join an ongoing campus-wide conversation about the way our Christianity affects and should affect teaching and learning.

ETBU President Dr. Dub Oliver was the featured speaker and University Scholars Sarah Diffie and Joe Meadows opened the event with a string duet. The dinner was held in the Woods Great Room of the Ornelas Student Center on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. ETBU faculty members who teach in the University Scholars Program were in attendance, as was Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Sherilyn Emberton.

ETBU Associate Professor of English Dr. Cassandra Falke is the Director for the University Scholars Program. She commented afterwards that "Students wrestle constantly with the integration of what they know and what they believe, but this was a unique opportunity for them to discuss this integration with ETBU’s leaders. I hope they left the dinner with a clearer sense of how faith and reason work together in Christian higher education. I hope it reminded them that their pursuit of higher learning arises naturally from their faith and God-given abilities.”

Dr. Oliver stimulated the minds of the students with his presentation. He shared about his own spiritual journey, discussed the history of Christian higher education, and talked about the integration of faith and learning here at ETBU. As dinner was being served he encouraged the students at each table to share in conversation their own experiences of faith and learning and discuss how ETBU could enhance the integration of faith and learning in the classroom.

The University Scholars program began during Fall 2011 semester. The program is for students who want to pursue a more intense opportunity to learn. Students in the program are encouraged to discover ways in which their intellectual giftedness can be used for the glory of God. Enrollment in the scholars program is open to any student.