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Jermaca Brown & Caleb Dorsey Receive Riley Servant Leadership Awards from ETBU

November 7, 2015

MARSHALL, Texas (11/04/15) - Two deserving East Texas Baptist University students received the 7th Annual Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award. Jermaca Brown and Caleb Dorsey were presented their awards from Dr. Riley, president emeritus, and his wife Gayle, during Chapel on Wednesday, November 4, 2015.

Brown is a senior kinesiology major from Fairfield who is an active member of Crossroads Baptist Church. She is daughter of Greg and Sonya Gibson. During her time at ETBU, she has been involved in intramurals, the Compass newspaper, and the kinesiology professional club. She has also served as the Lady Tiger basketball manager, in the residence hall association, and Student Government Association. Her servant attitude has also been seen while serving on the Baptist Student Ministry leadership team for the weekly "Release" worship service and as a BSM Coordinator. 

Dorsey is a senior religion major from Palestine. He is an active member of Mobberly Baptist Church - Marshall Campus. He is the son of Carl and Barbara Dorsey.  While at ETBU, he has participated with Charge ministries through the BSM, and as a chaplain in Centennial Hall. He has also served as a Resident Assistant for three years and in a leadership role with the BSM Community Ministry Team. 

The Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award is given annually to two students who exhibit exceptional servant leadership. Students are nominated by their peers, faculty and staff and then are invited to apply for the award.

Dr. Emily Prevost, ETBU Director of Ministry Guidance and Assistant Professor of Leadership, introduced the two recipients to the Chapel audience.  She shared about what others had said about Brown and Dorsey during the nominating process for the Riley Servant Leadership Award. 

ETBU Professor of Kinesiology Dr. Joseph Brown said of Jermaca, "She is always faithful even in times of trial. When a door is closed on her she seeks another door to get her where she needs to be." Mark Yates, BSM Director added, "Jermaca works to serve the entire campus and displays her leadership in both formal and informal situations." 

In her application, she shares, "I live by the phrase 'for such a time as this' and always looking for that moment."  She writes that for her this means that The Lord doesn't need her to do his work, but that she is privileged and honored that the Lord of all creation would give her such a great opportunity to serve his people and she gets to choose to be a part of something bigger and better than herself.  

"Caleb Dorsey is one of the most intentional, purposeful and genuine young men you will meet," shared Larissa Leifer, ETBU Director of Residence Life. "This young man has served in Residence Life for three years and year after year, his name is the common thread as to why so many of our younger students apply to be student leaders."

Dorsey wrote in his application, "I have continued a legacy that has been passed down to me through the works of upperclassmen, faculty, and friends. The people I have had the privilege of serving have picked up similar characteristics that my mentors have brushed off on me. It is exciting to see others pursue bigger dreams for the university, community, and world." 

The Rileys presented each winner with a miniature replica of Max Greiner's sculpture of Jesus washing the feet of Simon Peter named the "Divine Servant" and a scholarship award.     

As a gift of appreciation to the Rileys for their example of servant leadership, ETBU President Dr. Blair Blackburn, and his wife, Michelle, presented them with a replica of the "Divine Servant" sculpture. The replica sits on a base which holds a Bible, given as well to the Rileys by the President and First Lady

"We appreciate the Rileys commitment to servant leadership. They have been so kind and generous to the institution through the years of service and after, during his retirement," said Dr. Blackburn. "Bob and Gayle, thank you for teaching, Michelle and me, how to serve as president and first lady of ETBU."     

Greiner's "Divine Servant" sculpture is located at the north entrance of the Ornelas Spiritual Life Center and was donated by the Rileys to the University. Dr. Riley served as ETBU's 11th president from 1992 until his retirement in 2009.