Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

ETBU’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs was recently quoted in the Baptist Standard’s article, “Panel Finds Defining ‘Baptist University’ No Simple Task.”

During the annual meeting of the Baptist and Heritage Society at Dallas Baptist University, a panel of educators form universities and colleges including Baylor University, Arkansas Baptist College, ETBU, Samford University, Mercer University, Howard Payne University,  and Georgetown College, discussed the definition.

Four key factors define a Baptist university, said Dr. Sherilyn Emberton. “We hope to continue to be the torchbearers, not being afraid to say, ‘Jesus saves,’” she reported. “Scholarship and academic excellence endeavors must be placed on a seamless integration of faith and learning.

“A Baptist university must serve as a beacon … for training the next generation of leaders and workers. And a contemporary Baptist university must celebrate missional experience—service learning and missions involvement.”

While the panel found the answer to be quite “complex and nuanced,” at ETBU we realize the importance of integrating faith and learning and to providing A World of Opportunity in a Community of Faith.

We’re very proud to have Dr. Emberton represent ETBU and its mission so well.  Way to go!  GO BLUE!

Read remarks from other panel members as well here on the Baptist Standard site.

The East Texas Baptist University department of Chemistry is very involved in the East Texas Section of the American Chemical Society (ASC). ETBU Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Justin Briggle is serving as the chair of the East Texas Section of the ACS for the year 2010.
The ETBU student chapter of the ASC was formed during the 2006-2007 academic year. The local chapter is comprised of students who are either chemistry majors or minors.
“The student chapter has been involved in the community by helping to judge local science fairs,” said Dr. Briggle. “The students have given many chemical demonstrations to local school children as a means of exposing younger children to the excitement and possibility of chemistry.”
ETBU students who also seek membership in the East Texas Section of the ACS are typically pursing a field related to chemistry, chemistry professionals, and/or chemical educators. “The local section promotes chemistry by hosting six technical talks per year at various chemical industry companies, local universities, colleges and community colleges,” explained Dr. Briggle.
The local meetings provide opportunities in which attendees get a glimpse into the many aspects a career in chemistry can offer. “The past topics that have been presented are ethics in science, verification of works of art through chemistry, chemistry of food and beverage, chemistry of astronomy, and chemical demonstrations,” said Dr. Briggle. “These talks are well attended by students and faculty of local universities, colleges, and community colleges as well as professional chemists in the area.”

Way to go Dr. Briggle and Go Blue!

For information about the next meeting of the East Texas Section of the American Chemical Society contact Dr. Briggle at jbriggle@etbu.edu.

Story:  Mike Midkiff