October 10, 2018
East Texas Baptist University hosted more than 105 guests on campus for Preview Day on Monday, October 8. Prospective students and their families received a comprehensive overview of life at ETBU through informational sessions, an academic showcase, a campus tour, student panel, and chapel. During the service, ETBU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Sanders emphasized that God calls all of His people to service.
“Jesus calls all to service, regardless of vocation,” Dr. Sanders said, teaching from Exodus 3. “From your education and co-curricular activities to residence life and community involvement, your college experience is the Holy Ground of your call. Part of the process is for you to be equipped to carry out your call. If you want to get a sense of your calling, you have to humble yourself and be willing to listen to God as He speaks, even in statistics class. Pay attention to the environment around you because God uses all of it. Whatever God is speaking into your life, these years at ETBU are an opportunity for you to hear and respond to His call.”
Preview Day enabled students and their families to interact with current students, faculty and staff, admissions counselors, and financial aid and academic advisors.
“In high school, I hadn’t recognized a call to ministry yet. Initially, I was interested in ETBU for Physical Therapy,” ETBU junior Religion major Nathanael Whisman shared during the student panel. “When I arrived at Preview Day as a prospective student, I saw my name in the parking spot. I turned to my mom and said, ‘This where is where I’m going. I just know.’ I felt immediate comfort from the Holy Spirit, and knew He was guiding my steps.” Whisman continued, “Through the personal relationships I have had with professors at ETBU, I have learned and developed in what I am called to do.”
According to the ETBU community, East Texas Baptist is integral in their development. From academic programs to spiritual formation, guests heard stories of how the Lord used ETBU in the lives of alumni.
“My wife and I met here and both graduated from the University,” Keith Cole (’91) explained. “We are excited to see our son, Andrew, express interest in coming because we know how impactful our experience was here on the Hill. The close-knit community is like family. ETBU helps you earn an education, grow, and mature.”
East Texas Baptist will host Campus Visit Saturday on October 27 for students to take a tour and meet with the Admissions staff. Tiger Day is scheduled for Saturday, November 10. Students are also invited to join ETBU’s Amazing Race on Saturday, December 1 to fellowship with fellow future Tigers and experience the campus through engaging activities. If Spring 2019 and Fall 2019 entering students apply during any campus visit, the application fee will be waived. To learn more about visiting campus or applying to ETBU, visit www.etbu.edu/admissions.
“My Admissions Counselor consistently communicated with me, sincerely encouraging and nudging me to attend Preview Day,” Alyson Cortez from Mount Pleasant, Texas commented. “I am looking forward to the Theatre Arts program because I have heard great things about it. I am motivated to attend because of the connections I already have. I want to branch out, learn more, and experience more here.”