September 30, 2025
East Texas Baptist University hosted the 69th annual Miss ETBU Pageant on Saturday, September 27, in Baker Chapel at the Rogers Spiritual Life Center. Mackenzie Lawrence, a senior nursing major, was crowned 2025 Miss ETBU. One of the University’s oldest and most cherished traditions, the Miss ETBU Pageant highlights students who exemplify Christian character, poise, and scholarship. The winner serves as an ambassador for ETBU, representing the University both on campus and in the community.
Claire Sherwood, a junior elementary education major from Hallsville, Texas, was named First Runner-Up and Miss Congeniality, while Kaylee Rabb, a sophomore nursing major from Bossier City, Louisiana, was selected as Audience Favorite.
“I am truly so honored to represent ETBU as Miss ETBU,” Lawrence said. “I’m excited to give back to the University that has given me so much throughout these four years, and I can’t wait to get started. Competing was such a great experience—the girls were lovely, and I had the best time learning new things, even dancing, and building bonds with people I may have never met otherwise.”
Lawrence is a Sour Lake, Texas native, and a member of Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview. During her time at ETBU, she has served as a small group Bible study leader and Resident Assistant in Steve and Penny Carlile Hall. She is also active in Student Foundation, Sisterhood Women’s Ministry, and the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. At Tiger Camp, ETBU’s freshman and transfer student welcome week, Lawrence has served as a group leader and in 2025 she was the co-coordinator. She has also represented the University at the Christian Association of Student Leaders Conference
Her ministry and service extend beyond campus. Mackenzie has led junior high girls on Wednesday nights at Mobberly Baptist, participated in the GENERATE mission trip, and volunteered in the Marshall community. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career as a pediatric cardiac nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital while continuing her passion for ministry by investing in the lives of junior high students.
On the evening of the pageant, Miss ETBU contestants participated in a choreographed dance that began the ceremony, demonstrated individual special talents for the audience, walked the stage in formal wear for contestant introductions, and participated in a question-and-answer segment with the panel of judges. Later, the top five finalists delivered meaningful speeches, providing insight into their personal stories, as well as current and future aspirations.
In the final moments of the Miss ETBU Pageant, reigning Miss ETBU and senior Christian ministry major Molly Segrest reflected on her experience with the contestants before crowning the new Miss ETBU.
Following the event, Dean of Student Engagement Dr. Daniele Brock offered a reminder of the vision of the Miss ETBU Pageant. “Miss ETBU represents more than a title,” Brock said. “She embodies Christ-centered faith and servant leadership that define our university, serving as an ambassador who inspires our community by example.”