News

ETBU's School of Christian Studies and Humanities hosted the second annual academic conference on Monday, February 23, sponsored by Phi Alpha Theta, Sigma Tau Delta and Theta Alpha Kappa. The idea for this conference was first conceived as an opportunity for students to gain experience presenting academic work in an environment that is encouraging and familiar. Although the conference is on a smaller scale, it is designed to introduce students to the structure and format they might encounter at a larger conference.

In November, East Texas Baptist University was awarded a $5,000 Shutdown Relief Grant from the Texas Hunger Offering, through the Texas Baptists Christian Life Commission, to support community members experiencing financial hardship. ETBU designated the full grant award to Mission Marshall, a local nonprofit ministry dedicated to addressing food insecurity and meeting essential needs in the Marshall community. Mission Marshall serves thousands of individuals each year through its food pantry, mobile outreach, and community assistance programs.

East Texas Baptist University will present the Good Samaritan Award to Marshall Economic Development (MED) and Executive Director Rush Harris during the Good Samaritan Award & ETBU Scholarship Dinner on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Great Commission Center.

ETBU invites community members to join in celebrating Marshall Economic Development, its Board of Directors, and Executive Director Rush Harris at this special evening of recognition and scholarship support.

For Faith Harris, theatre has always been a place of belonging, creativity, and growth. Now a senior theatre arts education major at East Texas Baptist University, Harris is stepping into a new role this semester as a student director.

Harris will complete her coursework this spring before beginning student teaching in the fall. As part of her preparation for teaching theatre in the classroom, she is directing a student production, an experience that has invited her to see both the art form and her own leadership in a new way.

East Texas Baptist University is celebrating record-breaking enrollment for Spring 2026, marking the highest Spring enrollment in the University’s history.

With a total enrollment of 1,709 students, ETBU experienced a 6% increase over Spring 2025, surpassing the previous Spring record of 1,657 students set in Spring 2024. This milestone represents the first time the University has exceeded 1,700 students during a Spring semester and highlights continued growth across multiple student populations, including the integration of students from B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary.