October 8, 2025
East Texas Baptist University recognized the dedication and Christ-centered service of two outstanding students during a special chapel service on October 8. Seniors Jamie Scott and Charles Guillot received the Dr. Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award in honor of their exemplary commitment to servant leadership and faithful impact within the ETBU community.
The award was presented by ETBU President Emeritus Bob Riley and his wife, Gayle. Each recipient received a replica of the renowned "Divine Servant" statue by Max Greiner, which symbolizes Christ washing His disciples' feet. A full-sized version of the statue, gifted to the university by Dr. and Mrs. Riley in 2009, is displayed at ETBU's Rogers Spiritual Life Center. The Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award is an annual recognition bestowed upon two upperclassmen who exemplify the principles of servant leadership modeled by Jesus Christ. Award recipients are nominated by their peers, faculty, and staff for their commitment to living out their faith in service to others.
“We are thankful for Dr. and Mrs. Riley and their lasting impact on the ETBU community” President J. Blair Blackburn said. “Their vision for a culture of servant leadership continues to shape campus life today, and their gift of the ‘Divine Servant Statue’ stands as a daily reminder of our call to servanthood as Christ modeled.”
Jamie Scott is an active and engaged student at ETBU, where she has demonstrated strong leadership and a heart for service throughout her time on campus. She has served in Women’s Ministry as a small group leader for two years, following one year of participation as an attendee, and has been a Resident Assistant for two years. Jamie spent two years as a Tiger Twirler and currently works as a student worker in the Office of Student Engagement. She serves as a Thrive Mentor and was a Tiger Camp Leader this fall, welcoming new students to the ETBU community. Beyond campus, Jamie volunteers with the Thrive! Kids Program at Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview.
“The Lord has grown in me a deeper heart for all people, especially those who are not like me,” Scott said. “I have come to realize that serving others is one of the greatest gifts—not because of recognition or reward, but because every act of service is ultimately done for the Lord. My heart is truly full when I get to serve other people and serve with other people. There have been many times where I am in a setting of worship and I get to look around at everyone worshiping in awe of what
God has done and is still doing.”
Charles Guillot has been an influential member of the ETBU community, serving in numerous roles across academics, student life, ministry, and the arts. A talented musician and athlete, Charles was a member of the Tiger Band for three years and performed with the Woodwind Ensemble for two years. He also competed as part of the ETBU Track team. His leadership on campus includes serving as a Resident Assistant for three years, Intramural student coordinator, Student Engagement and Student Life student worker, and member of both the Student Government Association and Student Foundation. He has played key roles in campus traditions, serving as a Tiger Camp Leader for two years and Co-Coordinator for one, a member of the Chapel Worship Team, and FCA. He has led worship at a local church for two years, volunteered as a Night to Shine buddy for three years, participated in Operation Christmas Child and Tiger Serve Days.
“It's not about me, it is all for Christ,” Guillot said. “Knowing that my offerings of time, service, devotion, skills, and blessings are my attempt to honor God is my reminder to keep myself in the back seat instead of the driver's. Refining and learning all that I can about what I have been given to grow is my duty, and giving it all back to the efforts of furthering the Kingdom of God. Service is a gift, and I am excited to see all of the ways God will use me.”