May 10, 2025
East Texas Baptist University presented 218 graduates with degrees during its commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 10, in Baker Chapel of the Rogers Spiritual Life Center. During the ceremonies, 189 students received undergraduate degrees, and 29 received graduate degrees. The worship ceremony featured Scripture readings, praise and worship through song, prayers, and blessings over the graduates.
“I’ve grown tremendously during my time here,” Accounting and Finance major Emily Geisen said. “I’ve met so many incredible people, and my faith has completely transformed. I’ve grown so much closer to the Lord, and I know it’s all because of my time at ETBU. Graduation represents that growth. It symbolizes how much I’ve changed. I came in from high school as a completely different person. The Lord has given me peace and equipped me for what’s ahead. Today is really a celebration of who I’ve become in Christ.”
During the first ceremony, Dr. Warren Johnson, Professor of Christian Ministry, delivered the keynote address. He has served at ETBU since 2005 and received the ETBU's Professor with Distinction Award in 2020. Dr. Johnson earned his M.Div. (1994) and Ph.D. (1998) from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, with doctoral research on the Epistle to the Hebrews. Before ETBU, he taught at Charleston Southern University and served as a pastor. His scholarly work includes the book Going Outside the Camp, essays on Revelation, Bible dictionary articles, and presentations at academic conferences. He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the Evangelical Theological Society, and the Institute for Biblical Research. His teaching focuses on New Testament studies and Koine Greek, with current research on early church life and ancient biblical manuscripts.
Dr. Johnson charged students to take what they have learned at ETBU and use it to make a Kingdom impact. “Consider the Core Commitments that we have made to one another,” Dr. Johnson said. “By embracing faith, you have been equipped to fulfill the moral, ethical, and spiritual demands of your calling. With engaged minds, you have been provided with the extensive knowledge required to function as a professional. As empowered leaders, you are primed to address the needs of those whom you will serve. You will enhance community as you serve the significant human needs that will arise along your path. You are ready to become a professional who is concerned genuinely with the multitude of interests of family, community, clients, patients, friends, colleagues, and all of the other categories of people whom you will encounter.”
Each semester, ETBU presents the President's Award to a graduate who represents a Christian leader, scholar, and servant within the campus and the local community. Mary Frances Ellis, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance, was named the recipient of the Spring 2025 President's Award. She is a senior from Elysian Fields, Texas, and has exemplified servant leadership at ETBU since arriving in 2021. A standout on and off the field, Mary Frances helped lead ETBU Softball to the 2024 NCAA Division III National Championship and was named the Super Regional Most Outstanding Player. A two-time College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-American, Ellis has maintained a 4.0 GPA as a finance and accounting major and is a member of multiple academic honor societies. She has served in leadership roles within the softball program and in the community, volunteering with Mission Marshall, Hallsville ISD, Operation Christmas Child, ETBU Softball Pen Pal Program, and her local church. She also participated in a mission trip to Australia through ETBU's Tiger Athletic Mission Experience. On the field, Ellis is a four-year starter, an All-ASC selection, and an NFCA All-Region honoree. She has contributed to three undefeated home regular seasons and played over 170 games with over 100 hits and steals. Ellis is a presidential scholar with the highest GPA in the School of Business and a four-time ASC All-Academic honoree. Her commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, and service reflects the very best of ETBU's mission and values.
"Mary Frances is the embodiment of what it means to be a student-athlete at ETBU," Senior Vice President for Campus Life Ryan Erwin said. "Her relentless pursuit of excellence in the classroom, on the field, and in service to others, sets her apart as a true Christian servant leader. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and the Christ-centered character she displays daily. This award is a well-deserved recognition of her dedication and impact."
During Friday's faculty and staff luncheon, President Blackburn announced that the University's Professor with Distinction award will now be named the Dr. Roy Darville Professor with Distinction, in honor of longtime faculty member Dr. Roy Darville. Dr. Darville has served ETBU since 1983, teaching biology and currently serving as Associate Dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Biology from Lamar University and holds a Ph.D. in Zoology from Oklahoma State University. Named a University Professor of Distinction in 2014, Dr. Darville is deeply committed to the integration of Christian faith and academic excellence. He believes that Christ-centered higher education equips students not only for successful careers in science but also to serve God and His Kingdom with purpose and passion.
In the second service, Dr. Robin Rudd, Professor of Mathematics, was recognized as the 2025 Dr. Roy Darville Professor with Distinction for her excellence in service, scholarship, teaching, and integration of faith and learning. Dr. Rudd has served at ETBU since 2004 and became a full-time faculty member in 2012. She is the Chair of the Department of Mathematics and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from East Texas Baptist University, a Master of Science from the University of Texas at Tyler, and a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky.
When discussing Dr. Rudd's impact, one student said, "Dr. Rudd is a phenomenal professor who truly cares about her students. She works diligently to make sure students understand the material covered in the course. Dr. Rudd is very hands-on with her classes and helps individuals as needed. Dr. Rudd is personal and truly wants to know her students, which makes it very enjoyable to be in her class."
ETBU alumnus Peter Muriungi (' 98) returned to the Hill to deliver the charge to graduates during the second commencement ceremony. Peter is the Chief Executive Officer of Chase Connected Commerce and a Consumer & Community Banking Leadership Team member at JPMorgan Chase. Since joining the firm in 2013, he has led major business units including Chase Auto and Home Lending, managing multibillion-dollar portfolios and earning top customer satisfaction rankings. Peter also serves as South Regional Chair of the Market Leadership Team and is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion, holding leadership roles in JPMorgan Chase's Black Executive Forum and The Fellowship Initiative in Dallas. He serves on the board of Big Thought, a nonprofit supporting underserved youth. Peter holds an MBA from East Texas Baptist University and a bachelor's degree in international business from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya.
“The Christian values you’ve honed at this remarkable institution will serve you well. I vividly remember the lessons I learned here, not just in academics, but in integrity and purpose,” Muriungi said. “It’s been 25 years since I graduated. I remember how, as an international student in a new country, I was treated with kindness. The classes were more than just technical training, they shaped my values. When you are clear about who you are and what you stand for, even in your darkest days, you will carry a strength that many people lack.”
Surrounded by faculty, family, and friends, the students were honored for their academic achievement and commitment to Christian servant leadership, prepared to pursue their callings.
"When I think of the individual students who are graduating today, I am reminded not only of his or her hard work, I also reflect on those faculty, staff, and family members who sacrificed along the way to support them in this milestone accomplishment," Dr. Thomas Sanders, ETBU Provost and Vice President for Academics said.