October 10, 2016
Two students were recognized for their service Monday at ETBU. They were awarded the Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award during a special chapel service focused on servant leadership. Seniors Zachary Ervin and Abby Weaver received their awards from Dr. Bob Riley, President Emeritus, and his wife, former First Lady Gayle Riley. Dr. Riley served as president of ETBU for 17 years before retiring in 2009.
In his speech prior to the award presentation on Monday, Dr. Riley stated, "I know that ETBU has and will continue to raise up men and women as servant leaders into the future. These leaders will make a difference as they serve in their organizations and as they serve God."
The Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award is given annually to two upperclassmen students who exhibit exceptional servant leadership. Peers, faculty, and staff nominate students in recognition of their commitment to Christ's model of servanthood.
During the Chapel presentation, Assistant Provost Emily Prevost shared about Ervin, "His opportunities to lead and serve at ETBU have helped him to understand Christian servant leadership as a call to act, believe, and walk in the footsteps of Jesus while serving others and sharing the love the Father has for them through words and actions. He has served as co-captain of the Tiger Baseball Team, leading team devotions and Bible Studies, and a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) leadership team, both planning and leading meetings as well."
Ervin is a senior Business Administration major. While at ETBU he has been a member of the Chapel Worship Team, the baseball team, and the newly created ETBU Bass Fishing Team. Zach has been active at Immanuel Baptist Church in Marshall and continues to serve in his home church, First Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant. In the classroom, ETBU Assistant Professor of Accounting Eddie Hamby describes Zach as being continually positive and a joy to teach because of his kind disposition.
ETBU Baseball Coach Jared Hood describes Zach's spiritual leadership on campus and in the community as "second to none. He has been an inspiration to his teammates, coaching staff, and the student community by spreading Christ's Kingdom in everything he does.'"
Weaver is a junior International Studies major. She has served as President of the ETBU FCA and a member of the ETBU Volleyball Team. She has also served at numerous camps and Disciple Now events during her time at ETBU and is active at New Beginnings Baptist Church in Longview.
"The opportunities that I have had to serve and lead at ETBU have helped me to continue to learn things about myself, the Lord, and God's constant faithfulness," Weaver said. "I have come to believe that Christian servant leadership means putting Christ first and to put others in front of your own needs and wants." Abby also said that she strives to set an example to others in her words and actions.
During the ceremony, ETBU Dean of Humanities Jerry Summers described Abby as "an energetic, determined, goal-driven and God-honoring student and servant. Through her energy and intelligence as a student she has brightened and led in every class that I've seen her in, and I am beyond thankful for her enthusiastic presence, contributions, and leadership."