News - 2023

East Texas Baptist University has renamed the largest student residence hall on campus in honor of Steve and Penny Carlile. Originally dubbed Centennial Hall to mark the institution’s 100-year anniversary in 2012, the modern student residential facility will now be called Steve and Penny Carlile Hall in recognition of the Carliles’ Christian servant leadership and recent major gift to the University.

On Saturday, December 9, East Texas Baptist University celebrated the achievements of 158 graduates at its commencement ceremony in the Baker Chapel of the Rogers Spiritual Life Center. Guided by the University's President, Dr. J. Blair Blackburn, the ceremony marked the conferral of degrees to 108 undergraduate and 50 graduate students. The event was infused with Scripture readings, songs of praise and worship, heartfelt prayers, and blessings bestowed upon the graduates.

East Texas Baptist University participated in its eighth annual Operation Christmas Child, an outreach program organized by Samaritan’s Purse. The ministry involves filling shoeboxes with small toys, school supplies, and other items that are sent to children all over the world as a Christmas gift and a tangible reminder of God’s love for them.

East Texas Baptist University honored 91 graduating seniors with the presentation of their official ETBU Class Ring. The Ring Blessing was held Wednesday, November 15, for the December graduates of 2023. Inspired by Deuteronomy 6, the class ring allows ETBU Alumni to carry and display the love of Christ.

On Wednesday, November 8, East Texas Baptist University welcomed an assembly of ETBU retirees, Legacy of 1912 Society Members, and Endowed Scholarship Donors to the campus for the annual Legacy of 1912 Society Luncheon.