February 27, 2026
East Texas Baptist University presented the Good Samaritan Award to Marshall Economic Development (MED) and Executive Director Rush Harris during the Good Samaritan Award & Scholarship Dinner on Tuesday, February 24.
Community members, alumni, students, faculty, and friends of the University recognized MED, its Board of Directors, and Executive Director Rush Harris during the annual event designed to spotlight community leaders and celebrate scholarship support.
“We are thankful for the alumni, donors, and community partners who joined us to honor Marshall Economic Development and Executive Director Rush Harris while also raising funds for student scholarships,” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. “Your contributions that come tonight enable these students to receive a Christ-centered education, an education through the integration of faith and learning.”
Inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25–37, the Good Samaritan Award recognizes individuals and organizations who exemplify Christ’s commandment to “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:27).
ETBU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Sanders shared reflections on the Good Samaritan. “I want you to see how Jesus shifts the whole conversation from what to who. ‘Who is my neighbor?’ Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. Love God, love your neighbor as yourself. Two criteria. Not what, but who. Love God, love people. That really is the hard part for us: deciding who we're going to be a neighbor to—for whom we're going to set aside our prejudices and political views. Grace comes in surprising ways. It comes from sources that we seldom expect, like Samaritans. Everybody is capable of loving God and loving others.”
Established in 1991 by Marshall citizens and City Commission members, Marshall Economic Development has faithfully served the City of Marshall and Harrison County through strategic initiatives to attract new business, strengthen existing industries, and invest in long-term economic growth. Through impactful partnerships, grant programs, and development efforts, MED has played a vital role in elevating the region’s economic standing across East Texas while investing deeply in workforce development, education, and entrepreneurship.
Under the leadership of Marshall native Rush Harris, MED has expanded its commitment to the community through innovative, forward-thinking programs designed to ensure a strong, sustainable economic future for the region. Harris leads with a deep passion for Marshall and East Texas, demonstrating excellence and servant leadership in economic and workforce development.
“I am truly humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” Rush Harris said. “Economic development, at its core, is about creating opportunities and bringing others toward them. It’s about collaboration, with our board, city leaders, community partners, and staff, so that together we can address challenges, design sustainable programs, and make a lasting difference in Marshall. Serving this community is a privilege, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to contribute alongside so many who care for our city.”
The impact of Marshall Economic Development under the leadership of Harris is felt throughout the community, from students in Marshall ISD and participants in TSTC vocational programs to manufacturing professionals, small business owners, university interns from Wiley University and ETBU, and entrepreneurs across the region.
During the event, guests heard from stakeholders across the community who shared how Marshall EDC has shaped the region.
“What makes the Good Samaritan special is not that he noticed there was a problem—all the characters noticed—but that he let his awareness turn into compassion that compelled action,” Associate Vice President for Enrollment & Administrative Affairs Scott McCurdy said. “That same spirit drives Marshall Economic Development. From investing in our schools and colleges to revitalizing infrastructure, they have turned concern into transformative action, improving healthcare, workforce development, and opportunities across our community. We thank Rush and his team for being neighbors who lead with compassion and a desire to serve, uplifting all of Marshall.”