News - 2025

B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary at East Texas Baptist University is honored to announce the establishment of its first endowed scholarship, made possible through a generous estate gift from longtime Texas Baptist pastor, educator, and friend of the seminary, Dr. Jimmie Nelson. The Dr. Jimmie Nelson Endowed Scholarship will support students enrolled in Carroll’s Ph.D. program, continuing Dr. Nelson’s lifelong investment in ministerial education.

East Texas Baptist University celebrated Commencement on December 6, featuring The Honorable John Cornyn, United States Senator for Texas, as the keynote speaker. The ceremony, held in Baker Chapel of the Rogers Spiritual Life Center, honored the achievements of ETBU's graduating class and inspired attendees with Senator Cornyn’s message, encouraging graduates to embrace their faith, trust God’s guidance, and remain committed to a life of service.

On Saturday, December 6, East Texas Baptist University celebrated the achievements of 177 graduates at its commencement ceremonies in 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 113 undergraduates, 62 master’s graduates, and two doctoral graduates. The event was filled with Scripture readings, songs of praise and worship, heartfelt prayers, and blessings bestowed upon the graduates.

East Texas Baptist University participated in its tenth annual Operation Christmas Child, an outreach program organized by Samaritan’s Purse. This ministry involves filling festive shoeboxes with small toys, school supplies, hygiene products, and other items sent to children worldwide as Christmas gifts and tangible reminders of God’s love for them. This year, ETBU also served as a designated drop-off location, inviting the community surrounding the University to join in sharing joy and hope with the world.

East Texas Baptist University has been awarded a $5,000 Shutdown Relief Grant from the Texas Hunger Offering, through the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission, to support community members experiencing financial hardship. ETBU designated the full grant award to Mission Marshall, a local nonprofit ministry dedicated to addressing food insecurity and meeting essential needs in the Marshall community.