Welcome

On October 22, 2012 we will celebrate East Texas Baptist University’s Centennial. The 100 years since our founding are a testament to God’s faithfulness and to the dedication of His servants as the institution has grown from humble beginnings as a little college atop Van Zandt Hill to a thriving university with worldwide impact. It has been a remarkable journey.

The vision to establish an institution of higher education in Marshall was first cast by William Thomas Tardy, Pastor of First Baptist Church. His inspiring idea was supported by many local citizens, and several prominent leaders offered funding to begin the College of Marshall. The founders’ primary purpose was to establish a school of such high Christian standards and ideals as would appeal to the very best people of the State. The motto of the College of Marshall stated simply, “We solicit only young people of character and ambition.”

I can only imagine how proud W. T. Tardy and others who initially supported his vision would be of the University 100 years later. During the Centennial we will look back with grateful hearts and we will also celebrate all that is yet to be as we look with hope and anticipation to the bright future of ETBU.

The Centennial promises to be a great celebration here in Marshall and at a number of events held throughout the year wherever our alumni will gather. I hope you will join us for the biggest and best Homecoming celebration ever October 19-21, 2012, but you don’t have to wait until then to start celebrating!

Explore the Centennial Celebration website to learn more about all that is going on during this year, and make plans to be a part. Enjoy the stories of ETBU through the years, and share your own stories of your time and experiences on the Hill.

East Texas Baptist University, at the conclusion of its first century of service and at the beginning of a new century of faithfulness, is well positioned to increase excellence in all its endeavors. In doing so, the University will, by God’s grace, become an even brighter light on the hill to a world that is desperately in need.

May the Light on the Hill never die!

Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver, Ph.D.
President 

Centennial Council Report