January 22, 2026
The J.E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation recently awarded East Texas Baptist University a challenge grant of $850,000 toward the University's Restoring Feagin Hall initiative, launched last fall. To receive the challenge grant funds from the Mabee Foundation, the University must raise a total of $1,280,000 for the project by January 2027.
Feagin Hall, built in 1950, was the home to men called to study at ETBC and ETBU for 64 years. The building was taken off-line in 2014, when the University opened Steve and Penny Carlile Hall (then Centennial Hall). Feagin Hall stands as a vital piece of institutional history, holding within its walls and in the hearts of its former residents, wonderful memories for many East Texas Baptist Tigers over the years.
“We are grateful to the Mabee Foundation for investing in the lives of students at ETBU,” ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn said. “Feagin Hall stands as a testament to the impact of shared faith and community in the lives of Tigers. Renewing this space ensures it remains a place where young men grow not only academically, but spiritually and personally.”
The building has a unique history with the architect who designed ETBU’s Marshall Grand, Robert E. Craig Hall, and Harvey Daniel Bruce Hall. With the expertise in Classical architectural design by the famed Wyatt C. Hedrick and the structural integrity and quality of Post War construction, Feagin Hall is a well-constructed residential facility that reflects the majestic beauty and excellence of ETBU’s campus.
The Restoring Feagin Hall project carries a total cost of $4,170,000, with $2,040,000 already secured through generous donor commitments. The renovation will be managed by ETBU’s in-house construction team in collaboration with trusted local partners, ensuring stewardship, sustainability, and excellence. With more than six decades of alumni connected to Feagin Hall, this restoration presents an opportunity to unite the ETBU Family around a shared vision to create modern residential spaces that foster spiritual formation, academic success, and lifelong friendships. As East Texas Baptist University continues to experience record enrollment growth, on-campus housing is approaching capacity, making the restoration of Feagin Hall a vital investment in meeting current and future student housing needs.
“I am grateful to God for the alumni and friends of the institution who have already made commitments to the Restoring Feagin Hall Campaign, and I thank God for the faithful backing of the J. E. & L. E. Mabee Foundation,” Vice President for Executive Affairs Dr. Scott Bryant said. “The Mabee Foundation has partnered with ETBU on a number of important projects in recent years, and their continued support of ETBU’s growth and expansion is indeed a blessing.”
To learn more about the Restoring Feagin Hall initiative, visit www.ETBU.edu/restoringfeagin.