May 2, 2015
MARSHALL, Texas (5/01/15) - The East Texas Baptist University Board of Trustees met in regular session Friday and approved a $38.7 million operating budget for the 2015-2016 academic year. This represents a 3.7% increase over the current years' budget. The 2015-2016, which takes effect, June 1, includes over $10.2 million for student scholarships, an increase of 3.1% over the current budget.
"The increase in student scholarship funds allows the University to continue recruiting the best students," said ETBU Board Chair Hal Cornish. "The ETBU faculty and staff are committed to the integration of faith and learning which prepares graduates to be the next generation of Christian leaders who impact the Kingdom of God for His good."
The board meeting was the last one Dr. Lawrence Ressler will attend in his role as Interim President. "It has been a privilege to serve in the role of president for the past year," said Dr. Ressler, "but the time is here to turn the reins over to Dr. Blair Blackburn, the president-elect, who is the right leader for ETBU. I am confident that, with God's help and the support of faculty, staff, students, and the community, he will lead the institution to greater and greater heights in the years to come."
In other Board action, Trustees approved two new majors which include health sciences and rehabilitative sciences. The new majors will allow ETBU to reach students seeking graduate education and jobs in health related field. The health sciences degree will also provide other alternatives to a nursing degree.
Trustees also heard a report concerning Evelyn Linebery Hall. The two-story residential hall has not been in use this past academic year because of the opening Centennial Hall, a 362 bed, 123,500 square foot student living-learning community. Linebery Hall is undergoing a facelift and will re-open because of anticipated enrollment growth for the upcoming fall semester. The renovation of the front section of Linebery will provide housing for 47 female students.
The Board has regularly scheduled meeting three times a year. The next meeting is September 4, 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.