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ETBU To Hold Fall Commencement on Dec. 19th

December 17, 2015

MARSHALL, Texas (12/16/15) - East Texas Baptist University will hold Fall Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in Baker Auditorium of the Ornelas Spiritual Life Center on campus. Presiding will be ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn with 64 students receiving undergraduate degrees and 18 students receiving master's degrees for a total of 82.

Dr. Thomas Sanders, ETBU Vice President for Academic and Graduate Programs, will give the charge to the graduates. Whether it is serving as a minister on a church staff, as a member of the executive management for LifeWay Christian Resources, as a director of graduate programs, or in his current role, Dr. Sanders sees his calling as one to teach and support Christian education.  In addition to his primary administrative role, he is an instructor for family and discipleship courses in the University's School of Christian Studies; he also serves as an academic mentor to a group of 8 to 12 students and student athletes, meeting with each one of them every Sunday night of the semester.

Dr. Sanders earned bachelor and graduate degrees from Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as well as his Ph.D. from Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Sanders serves on the Baptist World Alliance Commission on Theological Education and as Children's and Family Editor for Christian Education Journal. He has authored or co-authored five books, several of which are textbooks in the field, as well as contributing to the field of spiritual formation and Christian education through academic articles and presentations.  

ETBU Provost Dr. Lawrence Ressler, assisted by academic deans, will present the graduating class.

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.