November 13, 2018
East Texas Baptist University hosted almost 300 guests on campus for Tiger Day on Saturday, November 10. The event enabled prospective students to learn what it means to be an ETBU Tiger through an academic showcase, student life exposition, campus tour, Tiger Family tailgate, and Tiger Football game.
“Tiger Day is a day of discovery for both students and their families,” ETBU Freshman Admissions Counselor Michael Lawson explained. “The college selection process can be overwhelming for families, and we hope to alleviate as much stress as possible. I hope that parents and students left campus with a sense that they were sincerely welcomed, that their questions were answered, and that they have a clearer direction from God on their path forward.”
The event opened in Baker Chapel of the Ornelas Spiritual Life Center with worship, a welcome from Vice President for Student Affairs Heather Hadlock, and a presentation by ETBU Assistant Provost Emily Prevost entitled, Engaging Minds. Following this general session, the Academic Showcase provided students the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with professors and learn more about the 42 undergraduate programs ETBU offers.
“I hope students learned about the Fred Hale School of Business experience and our focus on preparing students for careers in whatever God has called them to,” ETBU Dean of the School of Business Barry Evans said. “Our program is unique in that business is taught from a Christian worldview and that we have many internships and are consistently developing more.”
Prospective students were invited to a student life exposition, where they learned about the 46 organizations and ministries available to students and what campus life looks like at ETBU. During a campus tour, students were able to visit residence halls and academic facilities, enabling them to experience life on the Hill.
“To be a Tiger means to be cared for,” ETBU Freshman Admissions Counselor Colton Whitefield said. “Faculty and staff strive to ensure that every student feels loved throughout and beyond their time at ETBU. I would advise students to not be afraid of experiencing something new and out of their comfort zone. It may be hard to move away from family, but ETBU can become a very special home away from home.”
The ETBU Office of Admissions held a tailgate for prospective students and their families. In addition to lunch and a Tiger Talk informational session, current Tigers Gwendolyn Torres, Jamarcia Banks, Madison Moore, and Melissa Barron facilitated a Student Life Panel to allow visiting students and their families to ask questions about their Christ-centered educational experience at ETBU.
“I enjoyed participating in the Student Panel and representing ETBU because it allowed me to show future students how amazing this University and the people here are,” ETBU sophomore Wendy Torres said. “I hope students and their families learned about the love and support that are given on campus. They will truly be cared for and guided along their path. I love ETBU and would share that with anyone. My advice for prospective students is to look thoroughly into the schools they are considering and be confident in who will be pouring into them.”
The event concluded with a football game, in which the Tiger Day attendees were joined by current students to cheer on the ETBU Football team against the UMHB Crusaders. By connecting them to necessary resources such as professors, counselors, coaches, and current students, the event provided an opportunity for prospective students to be an ETBU Tiger for a day, and hopefully during their college years and throughout their lifetime.
Visiting students Justin Combs, DaKarai White, Jaeden Russell, Richard Gardner, and Levert Davis heard about Tiger Day from their high school coaches. In a collective interview, they shared, “Our favorite part of Tiger Day has been enjoying the campus and experiencing something new. Everyone here has been really nice. We’re all looking for a career in business and it seems that ETBU has a great program.”
The spring Preview Days at ETBU are scheduled for January 28, February 18, and March 4. The next Tiger Day will be held on Saturday, April 6. The University will also host Campus Visit Saturday on March 23 for each student to take a tour and meet with their Admissions Counselor. If Spring 2019 and Fall 2019 entering students apply during any campus visit, the application fee will be waived. To learn more about visiting campus or applying to ETBU, visit www.etbu.edu/visit.