December 6, 2025
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.
“To our graduates, the Class of 2025, congratulations on earning your bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees,” Dr. Blackburn said. “We praise God for your remarkable achievements throughout this journey of discovery, growth, and learning. Today is a celebration of academic accomplishment, spiritual formation, and the pursuit of God’s calling, today and for all the days ahead.”
This fall’s Commencement marks a historic milestone for East Texas Baptist University as the institution confers its first doctoral degrees in partnership with B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary. ETBU also celebrates the inaugural graduates of the MavPATH Program, an innovative collaboration with Marshall Independent School District designed to help address the growing need for qualified teachers. Established in 2023, the program provides selected MISD paraprofessionals the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
“The degrees conferred today to our two MavPATH students will not just transform individual lives,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Thomas Sanders said. “They will transform classrooms, schools, and entire communities. We are so blessed to be a part of this program.”
U.S. Senator for Texas John Cornyn delivered the commencement address during both ceremonies. Senator Cornyn was first elected in 2002 and most recently re-elected in 2020. A native of San Antonio, he has served in public office for nearly four decades, including as a district judge, a justice of the Texas Supreme Court, and the Texas Attorney General.
In the U.S. Senate, Senator Cornyn serves on the Finance, Judiciary, Intelligence, Foreign Relations, and Budget Committees, contributing to legislation on national defense, immigration, economic policy, and other key issues. From 2013 to 2018, he served as the Senate Republican Whip. He is also involved in efforts related to military personnel, veterans, and their families, as well as matters affecting the state’s economic and policy interests.
Highlighting the significance of Senator Cornyn’s presence, ETBU Board of Trustees Member Dr. E. Leon Carter (’80) introduced him by saying, “Senator Cornyn is a man of deep faith, conviction, and courage. He is a leader of honor, duty, and integrity. He puts God first, family second, and his state and constituents third—exactly how it should be.”
In his Commencement Address to the Class of 2025, U.S. Senator John Cornyn encouraged graduates to embrace their faith, trust God’s guidance, and remain committed to a life of service. Drawing from personal stories, national history, and Scripture, Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of resilience, gratitude, and courage in a world that often feels uncertain. He reminded students that God’s plans may lead in unexpected directions but always provide purpose and peace for those willing to follow.
“Prepare to be surprised by what God has in store for you,” Senator Cornyn said. It’s a little unnerving at first to realize you are not the master of your own destiny. But Scripture says: there is a peace that passes understanding in prayer, trust, and knowing you can rely on Him.”
Each semester, ETBU President Blackburn presents an award to a graduate who represents a Christian leader, scholar, and servant within the campus and local community.
Baylie Colston, a Bachelor of Science graduate in Nursing, was honored with the President’s Award for the Fall 2025 graduating class at East Texas Baptist University. A lifelong Hallsville resident, Baylie excelled in the rigorous nursing program while also being highly involved at ETBU and in the community. She was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta and Sigma Theta Tau honor societies during her time at ETBU. Baylie played the clarinet in the band and was a twirler, performing choreographed baton twirling at football games and pep rallies. She has served as a BSM leader at ETBU and went on a 6-week mission to Poland with GoNow missions as a BSM student. Bailey has served on mission trips to Colorado, Houston, Mission Arlington, San Antonio, and Paris.
“Baylie is one of the most caring and compassionate people that I have ever met,” Senior Assistant Professor of Nursing and Robert Craig Chair of Nursing Martha Dudley said. “She truly lives to serve the Lord, and she does that so effortlessly. As a young adult, she is an inspiration to everyone around her. I have seen her listen to the troubles of her classmates, and she always offers a positive way to overcome the problem or have encouraging words to help change a perspective. In the patient care setting, I have seen her care for patients and really enjoy the work that she does. You can see that she loves the Lord beyond any earthly measure.”
ETBU offers 10 graduate and 70 undergraduate degree programs to develop Christian servant leaders. ETBU’s mission of providing a transformational, Christ-centered education and commitment to helping students succeed is realized in these graduates.
“During my time at ETBU, I’ve seen the Lord stretch me, guide me, and surround me with people who helped shape my faith and character,” graduate Sofia Vovk said. “My biggest takeaway is that God is always working behind the scenes, even when I don’t see it at first, and He always places me exactly where I need to be. ETBU has been a reminder that His timing is perfect and His plans are better than anything I could have written for myself.”