May 1, 2018
East Texas Baptist University held the inaugural Good Samaritan Luncheon on Tuesday, May 1 to recognize Mission Marshall Director Misty Scott and City of Marshall Public Works Director J.C. Hughes for their servant leadership in Marshall. Scott, introduced by Central Baptist Church-Marshall Retired Senior Pastor Wallace Watkins, and Hughes, introduced by City of Marshall Interim City Manager Jack Redmon, were selected by ETBU as the first recipients of the Good Samaritan Award, inspired by the parable in Luke 10:25-37.
"As an alumna, I could not be more grateful for ETBU," Scott shared. "This was the first place that I was taught to practice servant leadership. I was surrounded by a family who encouraged me to give back in ways that would honor the Lord. I am thankful that the institution is still here for other generations to have a safe place to learn how to go out into the world and represent Christ."
Scott graduated from East Texas Baptist University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Liberal Studies. Prior to her position with Mission Marshall, she worked as the Administrative Assistant for Park Hills Baptist Church. Since 2012, Scott has served as the Director of Mission Marshall to promote the organization's core values of ministering to the whole person, empowering people to break the cycle of poverty, and partnering with the church and community to transform the hearts and lives of people.
"Misty is someone who has a confident sense of God's call, developed the gifts she has been given, and found every opportunity to utilize those gifts," Watkins said. "She is an extraordinary person because, within her heart, there is a calling to work with the least of these. Viewing all people as the children of God, she serves the community wholeheartedly. ETBU could not have selected two persons more deserving for these awards."
A native of Marshall, Hughes has consistently been active in civic organizations. He attended Kilgore College and East Texas Baptist University before beginning a career in the oil and gas industry. He began his public career in 1981 by serving as Marshall's assistant city manager for the next 18 years. Since 2010, he has served as the Director of Public Works and Water Utilities.
"The Good Samaritan Luncheon is a celebration of our community, which is made up of people who are willing and eager to step up and help," Hughes commented. "My wife and I choose to stay in Marshall, and many make the same decision, because of the collaborative culture of our city."
In honor of the Christian principle of being a Good Samaritan, the award acknowledges those that embody the greatest commandment of loving your neighbor as yourself. Nominations, submitted by ETBU faculty and staff, were reviewed by University leadership. The recipients were selected for their humble service to the community.
"The vision that began the College of Marshall in 1912 to provide Christian education in East Texas still stands today with an unwavering commitment to be a Christ-centered institution," ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. "Our mission is for students to leave here with an understanding that God has called them to be servant leaders, regardless of their field of study. It is an honor to celebrate the servanthood of J.C. Hughes and Misty Scott, who have modeled what it looks like to fully engage in the community with hearts of care and compassion. These two individuals go above and beyond on a daily basis, that others may be loved and served."