October 4, 2023
East Texas Baptist University celebrated the dedication and service of two students during a special chapel service on October 4. Seniors Avery Abshier and Abraham Contreras were awarded the Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award. This honor, presented by ETBU President Emeritus Bob Riley and his wife, Gayle, includes a replica of the renowned "Divine Servant" statue by Max Greiner, which was given to ETBU by Dr. and Mrs. Riley in 2009 and is displayed at ETBU's Rogers Spiritual Life Center.
"During the early years of our administration, we observed so many of our students that gave of themselves to help other students,” Dr. Riley said. “We wanted to find a way to recognize these students and implement a campus-wide effort of servant leadership. It was our desire to have the concept of Christian servant leadership become part of the present and future fabric of ETBU. God blessed us with a faculty and staff that lived out this concept and served as examples of Christian servant leadership that continues today. We are pleased that the university dedicates a chapel each year to recognize two students who exemplify the traits of a Christian servant leader."
The Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award is a yearly recognition bestowed upon two upperclassman students who embody the principles of the servant leadership of Jesus Christ. These exceptional individuals are nominated by their peers, faculty, and staff in honor of their commitment to the Christ-centered model of servanthood.
Avery Abshier was named the 2023 female Riley Servant Leadership Award recipient. A dedicated Christian ministry major, Abshier has left a mark on the ETBU campus through her multifaceted service roles, including resident assistant, Tiger Camp leader, Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) Kid's Club Leadership Team member, Christian Association of Student Leaders (CASL) planning committee participant, and Sunday School leader at Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview.
“Avery fits the quintessential definition of Christian servant leadership,” BSM Director David Griffin said. “She selflessly serves others for the sake of Christ and leads her peers to do the same. During Avery’s time at ETBU, she has consistently served with the BSM Kid’s Club ministry with a heart to bless the children and a vision to consistently improve students’ service to them.”
Abraham Contreras, a Christian ministry and mental health major, was recognized as the 2023 male Riley Servant Leadership Award recipient. Known for his active involvement on the ETBU campus, Contreras contributes to various organizations, including BSM Leader, resident assistant, Tiger Camp co-leader, and CASL co-leader. His leadership extends beyond the university as he serves as the Youth Apprentice for Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview and as a Behavioral Analyst Intern at Community Healthcore.
“Abraham cares about the well-being of his peers and has dedicated his time here at ETBU serving to that end,” Assistant Vice President of Student Engagement and Dean of Students Holly Edwards said. “His peers respect him because of his humility and listening ear.”
For more information, visit www.etbu.edu/riley.