1980
University Status
In 1982 
the Baptist General Convention granted ETBC university status, and after meeting accreditation requirements ETBC officially became ETBU in 1984. Beginning in 1985-86, Tiger sports teams celebrated their school’s new university status with several seasons of athletic successes. Coach Shelley Richards led the 1985-1986 tennis teams to state, and the men’s basketball team would make the playoffs three times. The baseball team enjoyed back-to-back winning seasons, but most impressive was the Lady Tigers’ Big State Conference win in 1986-87. This same decade also saw the completion of the Fred M. Hale School of Business, the Jenna Guest Music Building and the Mabee Performance Hall.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. ~ Psalm 100:5
CENTENNIAL SPONSORS
Platinum Sponsors
Patterson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Jerry (’83) & Ginger Hamilton
Gold Sponsors
KYTX Channel 19
Hudson Printing and Graphic Design
Sodexo Frost Bank Mr. D.M. Edwards and Mr. and Mrs. Welby C. Edwards
Silver Sponsors
Bancorp South
All Access Coach Leasing, LLC
Buckner International