February 27, 2016
MARSHALL, Texas (2/27/16) – Students from Louisiana are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship to attend East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas. ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn announced the creation of the Louisiana Educational Advantage Program (LEAP). The program offers students from Louisiana a $1,000 scholarship to attend the Christian university for the 2016-2017 academic year. The LEAP program will provide $4,000 over four years to help a student from Louisiana to attend ETBU. Eligible Louisiana students may also qualify for scholarships up to $15,000 annually through ETBU's Academic Excellence Scholarship and Christian Leadership Scholarship programs.
ETBU President Dr. Blackburn stated, “I’m a proud native of Minden, Louisiana, and I love my home state! I am thrilled to announce the creation of the Louisiana Educational Advantage Program. We are located just across the border and we welcome students from Louisiana to enroll at East Texas Baptist University in order to prepare for the calling and career God has for their lives. We believe God calls each of us to serve our local community and we would love for students from Louisiana to step across the border for their education so that they can graduate and be prepared and trained to give back to and serve the residents of their home state.”
LEAP is partially funded by donations of Louisiana residents who are ETBU Tiger alumni and friends of the university.
Dr. B.L. "Buddy" Shaw, former Louisiana State Senator and State Representative and respected state educator endorsed ETBU's Louisiana Educational Advantage Program. The former C.E. Byrd High School Principal and past Louisiana State School Board President stated, "East Texas Baptist is an exceptional Christian university. This special scholarship along with other financial assistance will provide families support to an affordable, quality education." Dr. Shaw continued, "As a member of the ETBU Board of Trustees, I have been able to get to know this remarkable University. I would be delighted to assist students in visiting the beautiful hilltop campus and meeting the committed and personable faculty and staff."
"As families and students of Louisiana consider their choices for higher education, I commend this initiative. We are excited that ETBU desires to help Louisiana students pursue their college education," said David Evans of Shreveport and member of Broadmoor Baptist Church. “East Texas Baptist University in Marshall is an outstanding institution with a bright future. Our family is happy to support the Louisiana Educational Advantage Program at ETBU."
For more information on the Louisiana Educational Advantage Program, contact ETBU Undergraduate Admissions at 903.923.2000 or toll free 1.800.804.ETBU, or via email admissions@etbu.edu.