April 29, 2025
East Texas Baptist University celebrated the academic achievements of its students during the annual Honors Chapel awards ceremony held on Wednesday, April 23. The event recognized students for their dedication to scholarship, servant leadership, Christian character, and campus involvement. Students were honored for their induction into prestigious academic honor societies and received departmental Academic Excellence Awards selected by faculty members.
The Honors Chapel presentation began with the introduction of ETBU’s newest academic honor, the 2 Timothy 4:7 Perseverance Award, designed to recognize students who have overcome significant setbacks during their college experience but have pressed on, persevered, and attained the goal of their college degree. This year’s 2 Timothy 4:7 Perseverance Award was presented to Jeremy Lewis, a dedicated staff member in the ETBU Physical Operations Department. Lewis’s journey to graduation, nearly 20 years after beginning his college coursework, is a testament to his commitment and determination. Throughout his time at ETBU, Lewis has been known for his positive spirit, servant leadership, and humble dedication to the University community. His story reflects the heart of ETBU’s mission to develop Christian servant leaders who pursue excellence with purpose and perseverance. The University proudly recognized Jeremy Lewis for his inspiring example of faithfulness and endurance to earn his bachelor’s degree.
2025 Academic Excellence Award Recipients:
Behavioral Sciences Department Academic Excellence Award | Landon Kelley
Biology Department Academic Excellence Award | Sydney Green
Business Department Academic Excellence Award | Cayden Adamson
Chemistry Department Academic Excellence Award | Graycee Mosley
Christian Ministry Department Academic Excellence Award | Joshua Sewell
Communication Department Academic Excellence Award |Ruby Jane Luce
History and Political Science Department Academic Excellence Award | Nikolas Roudkovski
Kinesiology Department Academic Excellence Award | Hannah Perry
Languages and Literature Department Academic Excellence Award | Faith Pratt
Mathematics Department Academic Excellence Award | Thomas Witt
Music and Theatre Arts Department Academic Excellence Award | Heather Auvil
Nursing Department Academic Excellence Award | Jessica Kuhlmann
Teacher Education Department Academic Excellence Award | Hannah Jones
2 Timothy 4:7 Award – Jeremy Lewis
Priscilla and Aquila Thrive Awards – Diana Canenquez and De’Leon Jones
In addition to academic department awards, the University recognized outstanding student-athletes for their performance in the classroom.
ETBU Athletics Most Improved Team GPA Award – Men’s Cross Country
ETBU Athletics Highest Team GPA Award – Beach Volleyball
2024 ASC Scholar-Athlete Medal of Honor
Mary Frances Ellis, Softball
Bruno Palmieri, Men’s Soccer
“We praise God for His empowering all of our students and our honorees to pursue excellence for His purposes,” Dr. J. Blair Blackburn, ETBU President said. “At ETBU, we challenge our students to pursue excellence in all things, with purpose and perseverance, for the glory of God. The pursuit of God is the exceedingly great reward of His presence in your life.”