February 22, 2016
MARSHALL NEWS MESSENGER: (2/20/16) - The light on the hill was shining brightly on Friday as East Texas Baptist University in Marshall officially welcomed its 13th president.
The inauguration ceremony Friday made it official for President J. Blair Blackburn who was unanimously hired by the university's trustees in April.
"We know we have found the best person, the best prepared, the best qualified and the person sanctioned by God to lead ETBU," ETBU Trustee Hal Cornish said Friday.
"Dr. Blackburn is hard working, understanding, a visionary and a leader. He is all about excellence in everything, he is all improvement, he is all about spirituality and he is all about growth. ETBU's future under Dr. Blackburn could not be brighter."
Blackburn succeeds Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver who left the university in May 2014.
Blackburn formerly served as the executive vice president at Dallas Baptist University where he worked for 20 years.
Blackburn brings his wife of 25 years, Michelle, as well as their three children, Parker, 16, Elizabeth Blair, 18, and Taylor, 23.
State Rep. Chris Paddie said he looks forward to working with Blackburn in the future to make improvements in this area.
"As soon as I met Blair, I knew he was going to do great things," Paddie said Friday. "His enthusiasm is contagious. I don't think the man sleeps."
Marshall councilman and ETBU alum Ladarius Carter praised Blackburn's initiative and willingness to reach out to the community around the university.
"In his time here, Dr. Blackburn has shown himself to be a man of God... he has partnered with local schools, spoke at local churches and invested in the lives of local residents."
Marshall attorney Sam Baxter said he too is looking forward to working with Blackburn for the betterment of ETBU and the Marshall community.
"Dr. Blackburn came with a tsunami of ideas, not only for ETBU but for Marshall," Baxter said. "From Maverick University, Hotel Marshall to a new baseball complex, we welcome your ideas Dr. Blackburn."
Blackburn has also said he has a vision for improving the housing and educational opportunities for not only the city of Marshall but all of Harrison County.
"This vision is about building educational opportunities and offering affordable, quality housing in our community," Blackburn said Friday. "I believe the key to breaking the cycle of poverty is to offer quality education and housing in our city that supports learning and student success. We believe in Marshall and we want to draw more families to this great city and bring more diverse families into our community."
Blackburn said he has loved the city of Marshall for many years and having grown up in East Texas, was eager to return to the area.
"I've always had a fond admiration for East Texas Baptist University for many, many years," Blackburn said in August. "Knowing its rich history and the commitment to Christ and education and being at a sister Baptist institution and knowing about ETBU and respecting the great work that's been done here for generations - I felt God's calling to be a part of this institution."
Blackburn said he was touched by the warm welcome he has received from the university and the city of Marshall.
"We have a calling to never let the light of Christ die or even fade," Blackburn said Friday. "Thank you for welcoming me, for walking with me and for getting ready to run with me."
(Used by permission www.marshallnewsmessenger.com, story by MNM Education Reporter Bridget Ortigo.)