February 6, 2018
East Texas Baptist University has exceeded the School of Nursing Campaign goal of $1.8 million with the support of over 180 donors for a total of more than $2.3 million. The University intends to commence construction this summer in anticipation of relocating the School of Nursing to the Marshall Grand in the spring semester of 2019.
"ETBU looks forward to seeing scores of students, staff, and faculty using the Marshall Grand," ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. "With the University's presence in Downtown Marshall, our local businesses will benefit from the impact on economic development."
In December of 2017, the Moody Foundation in Galveston awarded a grant of $109,000 that enabled the University to reach the Mabee challenge grant amount. The Meadows Foundation recently donated $50,000 toward the vision for the Marshall Grand. Therefore, the University will receive an additional $400,000 grant from the J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation. The School of Nursing Campaign has garnered support from foundations across the state including the Rosa May Griffin Foundation in Kilgore, the T. J. and LaVerne Plunkett Foundation in Henderson, and the Wece and Martha Johnson Foundation in Longview.
"To invest in an endeavor that provides for the education of those who will provide care and healing in name of Jesus is truly a treasure stored up in heaven by those who gave so sacrificially," Vice President for Academic affairs Thomas Sanders commented.
In addition to the generous support from foundations, the School of Nursing Campaign has benefited from ETBU alumni, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees members, as well as local businesses and friends of the University. As others partner with ETBU, the University will be able to develop additional floors within the historic building for institutional needs.
"We are thrilled with the response that we have received from the extended ETBU family, foundations, and community members to our School of Nursing campaign," ETBU Vice President for Advancement Scott Bryant shared. "Relocating the School of Nursing to the Marshall Grand will provide us the additional space needed to train more nurses and help meet the growing need for medical personnel in our state and region."
To contribute to the project or learn more about the campaign, visit www.etbu.edu/schoolofnursing or contact the Office of Advancement at 903.923.2071.