About
The Center for Excellence in Christian Scholarship hosts three Scholars Forums each semester as we seek to encourage and strengthen each other by promoting thoughtful dialogue on the intersection of faith and learning.
Scholars Forums are held on the first Thursday of the month during the Fall and Spring Semesters.
To learn more about Scholars Forum, contact cecs@etbu.edu.
Previous Presentations
Brittany Murley
Assistant Professor of Nursing - '15
R.N., B.S.N., East Texas Baptist University, M.S.N., University of Texas at Tyler
October 2017
Dr. Kristy Duckworth
Assistant Professor of Teacher Education - '14
B.S.E., East Texas Baptist University; M.Ed., University of Texas at Tyler; Ed.D., Stephen F. Austin State University
September 2017
Dr. Blake Johnson
Assistant Professor of Biology - '16-'17
B.S., Ouachita Baptist University, M.S., University of Aberdeen, Ph.D., University of Texas
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
April 2017
Dr. Israel Nandamudi
Professor of Political Science - '00
B.A., M.A., Andhra University; Ph.D., Washington State University
March 2017
Dr. LaShondra P. Manning, MA, LPC-S, NCC
Assistant Professor of Counseling - '15
B.S., M.A., Stephen F. Austin State University, Ph.D., Texas A&M University-Commerce
November 2016
Dr. Joseph David Brown
Dean, Frank S. Groner School of Professional Studies & Professor of Kinesiology - '12
B.S., Florida Southern College; M.S., Louisiana Tech University; Ph.D., Texas A&M University
October 2016
Dr. Kathleen Mays
Associate Professor of Management - '09
A.B.A., East Texas Baptist College; B.B.A., University of Texas at Tyler; M.B.A., Troy State University; D.B.A., Anderson University
September 2016
Ms. Traci Ledford - The Changing Color of Casting in American Theatre: A Very Brief History
Associate Professor of Theatre & Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts - '09
B.F.A., M.F.A., Baylor University
March 2016
Dr. Jeremy Greer - Introduction to the Conclusion: Matthew 1:21, Narrative & Theological Key to Matthew's Gospel
Assistant Professor of Religion - '15
B.A., Ouachita Baptist University; M.Div., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D.,
B.H. Carroll Theological Institute
November 2015
Dr. David Splawn - Cinema of Salvation: Christ figures, Conventions, & the Christian-Spectator
Assistant Professor of English, '14
October 2015
Dr. Cole Franklin - The Changing Nature of Intercollegiate Debate
Department Chair & Professor of Communication Studies, ETBU Debate Coach, '06
B.A., Louisiana College; M.A., Stephen F. Austin State University; Ph.D., The University of Southern Mississippi
September 2015
LIGHTNING TALK -- "Intersection of Innovation & Student Engagement"
Dr. Sandy Hoover
Department Chair & Associate Professor of History, '06
B.A., Southeastern Oklahoma State University; M.A., Oklahoma State University; Ph.D., Texas Tech University
Dr. Warren Johnson
Professor of Religion, '05
B.S., University of Southwestern Louisiana; M.Div., Ph.D., New Orleans Baptist Theological
Seminary; additional graduate study at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Dr. Robin Rudd
Assistant Professor of Mathematics, ‘12
B.S.E., East Texas Baptist University; M.S., University of Texas at Tyler; Ph.D., University of Kentucky
Dr. Marty Warren
Professor of Mathematics and Chair of Department of Mathematics, ’92
B. A., M.S., Ph.D., Baylor University
Dr. Troy White
Assistant Professor of English, ‘13
B.A., Mississippi College; M.A., University of Mississippi; Ph.D., Warwick University
March 2015
Dr. Emily Prevost -- "Quality of Life for Baptist Pastors"
Director & Assistant Professor of Leadership Development ‘12
B.A., M.A. Hardin-Simmons University; Ph.D., Dallas Baptist University
February 2015
Dr. Jennifer Bashaw - Jesus, Girard, & Dystopian Literature
Assistant Professor of Religion, '13
B.A., Baylor University; M.Div., George W. Truett Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary
November 2014
Dr. Gerald Nissley - The Use of Christian Devotional Meditation for Treating Anxiety Disorders
Associate Professor of Psychology, '11
B.A., Messiah College; M.S., Millersville University; Psy.D., Capella University
October 2014
Dr. Catherine Crawford - A Case Study of Female College Presidents in Texas: Paths, Challenges, & Accomplishments
Vice President for University Advancement
Ed.D., Texas A&M University-Commerce
September 2014
Dr. Darrell Roe -- "The Death Grip of HIV/AIDS Stigma: Media Must do More to Break the Silence"
Associate Professor of Communication Studies, ‘05
B.A., M.A., Baylor University; Ph.D., University of Georgia
April 2014
Dr. Robin Rudd -- "Investigating the Impact of Interactive Applets on Students' Understanding in Mathematics of Parameter Changes to Parent Functions: An Explanatory Mixed Methods Study"
Assistant Professor of Mathematics, ‘12
B.S.E., East Texas Baptist University; M.S., University of Texas at Tyler; Ph.D., University of Kentucky
March 2014
Panel Discussion: The Intersection of Faith & Reflection
Panelists: Dr. Catherine Cone, Dr. Laci McRee, Dr. Stan Coppinger, Dr. Jennifer Bashaw, & Dr. Mark Miller
Dr. Catherine Cone
Professor of Biology, ’95
B.S., Wayland Baptist University; M.A., Medical College of Wisconsin; M.S., Baylor University; Ph.D., Texas A&M University
Dr. Laci McRee
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, ‘11
B.S., East Texas Baptist University; M.S., University of North Texas; Ph.D., Texas Woman’s University
Dr. Stan Coppinger
Professor of English, ‘10
B.A. Biola University, M.A. Tarleton State University, Ph.D. Baylor University
Dr. Jennifer Bashaw
Assistant Professor of Religion, ‘12
B.A., Baylor University; M.Div., George W. Truett Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary
Dr. Mark Miller
Associate Professor of Sociology ,‘05
B.A., Dallas Baptist College; M.Div., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D., University of North Texas
February 2014
Mr. Mark Crim -- "Conducting Class"
Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands, ‘08
B.M., University of Texas at Tyler; M.M., Stephen F. Austin State University; additional graduate study at Boston University
November 2013
Dr. Tommy Sanders -- "Such as These: Exploring the Conversion and Baptism Experiences of Baptist Children"
Assistant Provost and Associate Professor of Religion, ‘13
B.A., Baylor University, M.A.R.E., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Dallas Baptist University
September 2013
Dr. Troy Ladine -- "Changing the Perception that Scientific Findings Should Not be Accepted Through an Understanding of Biblical Directives Toward Environment Stewardship"
Professor of Biology, ’01
B.S., Bartlesville Wesleyan College; M.A., University of South Dakota; Ph.D., University of Memphis
April 9, 2013
Dr. Cassandra M. Falke -- "Love & Reading"
Former Associate Professor of English, ’06-'14
B.A., University of Georgia; M.L.A., St. John’s College; Ph.D., University of York
March 5, 2013
Dr. Ellen Fineout-Overholt -- "Preparing Nurses Who are Excellent Clinicians: Inside and Out"
Former Professor of Nursing and Dean of Frank S. Groner School of Professional Studies, ‘11-'14
B.S.N., University of Texas, Galveston, M.S.N., University of Alabama, Birmingham, Ph.D., University of Rochester
March 5, 2013
Dr. Bob Benefield -- "An Introduction to Restorative Practices and Peace Studies: Training based on Biblical mandates delivered using experiential learning strategies, and designed for community applications via service learning projects and internships"
Professor of Psychology and Criminal Justice, ’01
B.A., Louisiana Tech University; M.A., New Mexico State University; Ph.D., Southern Illinois University
February 2013
Dr. Bob Benefield -- "Stand Back Awareness"
Professor of Psychology and Criminal Justice, ’01
B.A., Louisiana Tech University; M.A., New Mexico State University; Ph.D., Southern Illinois University
November 2012
Dr. Jeph Holloway -- "Evangelical Christian Ethics and the Witness of Galatians"
Professor of Religion, ’01
B.A., Georgia State University; M.Div., Ph.D., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; additional graduate study at Duke University and Columbia Theological Seminary
October 2, 2012
Click here to listen to Part 1
Click here to listen to Part 2
Dr. Israel Nandamudi -- "A Two-state Solution to Israeli-Palestinian Conflict"
Professor of Political Science, ’00
B.A., M.A., Andhra University; Ph.D., Washington State University
September 4, 2012
Dr. Laci McRee -- "Research Methods in Social Media"
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
B.A., East Texas Baptist University
M.S., University of North Texas
Ph.D., Texas Women’s University
April 1, 2012
Recording unavailable
Dr. Mary Thompson Price
Former Assistant Professor of Teacher Education
B.A., Baylor University
Ed.D., University of Houston
March 6, 2012
Dr. Scott Bryant -- "An Early English Baptist Response to the Baptist Manifesto"
University Chaplain and Vice President for Spiritual Development
B.A., M.Div, Ph.D., Baylor University
S.T.M., Boston University's School of Theology
February 7, 2012