June 10, 2019
East Texas Baptist University broadened its reach through a Christian Education Partnership Agreement with Hawaii Baptist Academy (HBA). This agreement, signed at the HBA Stan Sagert High School campus in Honolulu, Hawaii on Thursday, May 30 by ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn and HBA President Ron Shiira, ensures a smooth transition for HBA students to pursue a quality, Christian education at ETBU.
“I am grateful for the presidential leadership of Ron Shiira in developing this Christian education partnership between ETBU and HBA,” Dr. Blackburn said. “With such commitment, HBA students will receive an accessible and affordable pathway to earn a Christ-centered higher education from East Texas Baptist following their college preparatory studies at HBA. Together, our institutions are able to better train and equip students, who will substantially contribute to our communities, humanity, and the Kingdom of God.”
Hawaii Baptist Academy is a private, Christian, college-preparatory school located in Honolulu. Established in 1949 by Southern Baptist missionaries, HBA now has over 1,000 students enrolled in grades kindergarten through 12 and more than 100 students make a decision to follow Jesus each year.
“We are very grateful to ETBU for providing an affordable avenue and opportunity for our students who wish to continue their Christian education at an institution of higher learning which has the same values we hold so dearly at HBA,” HBA High School Director of Counseling Danford Chang commented. “Many of our students dream of attending a school outside of Hawaii, but are prohibited by the costs. This agreement allows that dream to become a reality.”
A graduate of HBA, President Shiira accepted Christ in high school and learned how to have a growing relationship with Jesus through his HBA teachers. Shiira continues to lead HBA in the pursuit of academic excellence and remains rooted in faith at Hawaii Baptist Academy.
“An education with a biblical foundation is the best gift a child can receive,” Shiira shared. “Through this partnership with ETBU, we are pleased that our students will continue to have their values and world views shaped by Christian educators, which will ultimately impact the next generation of leaders of His Kingdom.”
Given the commonality in the missions of ETBU and HBA to integrate Christ-centered faith with learning in order to produce servant leaders, the institutions agree to develop a seamless matriculation process for HBA students. Eligible graduates will receive priority for admission and scholarships at ETBU.
“HBA and ETBU share a common heritage of educating young people,” ETBU Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Sanders said. “This partnership is a natural and logical extension of our shared missions.”
East Texas Baptist will continue to further academic opportunities and foster spiritual growth for students through additional partnerships with organizations and institutions. To learn more about the University’s programs, visit www.etbu.edu/academics.