January 26, 2015
MARSHALL, Texas (1/23/15) - The 36-member East Texas Baptist University Board of Trustees met today for its first meeting of 2015. The first order of business was the annual reorganization, which includes the seating of Trustees for service and the official beginning of Board Activities for the year.
Trustee officers for the year include Board Chair Hal Cornish, a retired business executive from Marshall, who presided over the meeting; Vice Chair Dr. Ben Raimer of Galveston, Senior Vice President for Health Policy and Legislative Affairs for The University of Texas Medical Branch; and Board Secretary Susan Bush of Athens, business owner.
"As the search continues for the 13th president, I want to commend the administration, faculty and staff for the great work they are doing in carrying out the mission of the University," remarked Cornish, Board Chair and Chair of the Presidential Search Committee. "The search committee and the trustees covet the prayers of those who love this University as the process of finding God's choice for the next president of ETBU is continuing."
Trustee approved the 2015-2016 tuition and fee schedule. The tuition increase of 4% is the second lowest in five years.
"We continue to work to provide an excellent education experience at an affordable price. I am thankful for the life-changing, forward-leaning education that is taking place here in East Texas," remarked Interim President Dr. Lawrence Ressler. "My hat is off to the dedicated faculty, staff, board members, and friends of ETBU that make it possible. I look forward to exciting things that will be taking place in the next few years."
In other action, faculty promotions were granted to Dr. Gerald Nissley to Associate Professor of Behavioral Sciences and Dr. Scott Ray to Professor of Business. The 2015-2016 University Calendar was also approved.
The Board of Trustees seated seven new members at this meeting. The new members are Rev. Billy Foote, Sr. of Longview, Evangelist and Preacher; Dr. David Higgs of Henderson, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Henderson; Keith Hill of Marshall, Vice President Creative Services, Celebrating Home; Phillip Meyer of Houston, Vice President Oilfield Precision Products, Inc.; Sam R. Moseley of Marshall, Attorney; Jana E. Sims of Marshall, former Fitness Supervisor and Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator, Good Shepherd Medical Center Marshall; and Rev. James E. Webb of Longview, Senior Pastor Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, Marshall.
The next scheduled board meeting is May 1, 2015.
East Texas Baptist University offers graduate programs in business, counseling, religion and education, as well as 40 undergraduate degree programs. ETBU provides a Christ centered education that emphasizes the integration of faith and learning. The ETBU experience is known for "Embracing Faith, Engaging Minds, and Empowering Leaders." For information, visit www.etbu.edu.