August 22, 2024
After a summer filled with work, travel, and service, students eagerly returned to the Hill at East Texas Baptist University for the August Mini-Term, Move-In Day, Tiger Camp, and the official start of the 2024-2025 academic year on August 19.
"It is always exciting to welcome new and returning Tiger students to the campus," said ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn. "As we start a new academic year, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for what God has in store for our University. I am deeply grateful for our ETBU Family's efforts to nurture our students' intellectual growth and spiritual formation. My prayer is that our campus community remains steadfast in faith, standing firmly for the Lord, and that we all experience the presence of Jesus as we seek to fulfill His purposes for our lives and ETBU."
Continuing with tradition, the entire ETBU community, including faculty, staff, and students, gathered outside campus residence halls on move-in day to lend a hand to incoming freshmen and new transfer students. Their servant spirit and enthusiastic assistance in transporting moving boxes, mini-fridges, and dorm essentials ensured a smooth and welcoming transition for new students and their families.
ETBU Associate Professor of History Jenny Hoover shared about the unique experience of moving her daughter in as a student at the University for the fall semester. "We were so excited to move our daughter into Carlile Hall for the start of her freshman year,” Dr. Hoover said. “Pulling up and seeing our colleagues’ smiling faces was such an encouragement. We are so thankful that she chose to make her ‘Home on the Hill’, and we know she is going to grow academically and spiritually, and she is going to make lifelong friends over the next four years."
Once first-year Tigers settled into their new campus homes, they were introduced to the vibrant life at ETBU during Tiger Camp, the University's annual welcome week tradition. This three-day event, filled with outdoor games, fellowship, and informative sessions, helps students connect with their new living and learning community, making the transition to college life fun and engaging.
"At Tiger Camp, new ETBU students have the opportunity to dive into a range of activities, from the Coffeehouse Concert and Glow Dodgeball to academic sessions with Learning and Leading instructors, and corporate worship during the Lampsato Lighting ceremony," Senior Vice President for Campus Life Ryan Erwin said. "This immersive experience allows new Tigers to build connections with the ETBU community before classes begin, offering them the chance to interact with faculty, staff, and fellow students before stepping into the classroom. Our faculty members also had the opportunity to pray with students ahead of the new academic year on Friday morning. On Saturday, the Tiger Camp students made a difference in the Marshall community by volunteering at various local organizations during the Tigers Serve event."
The campus community gathered Sunday evening for fellowship and ice cream in the quad at the annual tradition, “Chill on the Hill.” On Monday morning, ETBU alumnus and Pastor of First Baptist Church in Haughton, Louisiana, Dr. Gevan Spinney (’98) challenge the campus community at the first chapel service of the semester. “Let go of your past, because of God’s grace, we can all have a seat at the King’s table.”