May 9, 2026
East Texas Baptist University presented 207 graduates with degrees during its commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 10, in Baker Chapel of the Rogers Spiritual Life Center. During the ceremonies, 167 students received undergraduate degrees, 36 received master’s degrees, and four earned doctoral degrees. The worship ceremony featured Scripture readings, praise and worship through song, prayers, and blessings over the graduates.
“Throughout my time on campus, the Lord’s provision and goodness have been consistently revealed to me,” speech pathology major Avery Holland said. “Reflecting over the last couple of years, it’s evident that God knew His plan for me long before I knew. My path to ETBU and my journey while on The Hill is the work of the Lord. The opportunities I have been given, the faculty and staff who pour into me, the joy, and the growth within myself are a constant reminder of God’s love for me.”
During the first ceremony, Dr. Scott Byrant, Vice President for Executive Affairs, delivered the keynote address. He has served at ETBU since 2011 and oversees Advancement, Alumni Relations, and Admissions, previously serving as Vice President for Advancement and Administrative Affairs, University Chaplain, and Vice President for Spiritual Development. Prior to joining ETBU, he taught in the Department of Religion and the Honors College at Baylor University and has served on church staffs in Texas and Massachusetts. An ordained Baptist minister, Dr. Bryant holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, a Master of Divinity from Truett Seminary, a Master of Sacred Theology from the Boston University School of Theology, and a Ph.D. in Religion from Baylor University. He is the author of The Awakening of the Free Will Baptists: Benjamin Randall and the Founding of an American Religious Tradition and has contributed to multiple books and academic journals on Baptist history.
Dr. Bryant charged students to take the light of Christ wherever they go. “Don’t tell people you went to ETBU, show them. Show them in how you minister to others, how you serve, how you care, and how you follow the example of Christ by putting the needs of others before your own. Who in your life will be better because of your investment in them?”
Each semester, ETBU presents the President’s Award to a graduate who exemplifies a Christian leader, scholar, and servant on campus and in the local community. Max Karseno, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, was named the recipient of the Spring 2026 President’s Award.
“Max is the model student and student-athlete,” Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Faculty Athletic Representative Steve Braun said. “He seeks knowledge, whether that is in the classroom, on the court, or in life in general. No matter where I see Max, in the classroom, at church, walking across campus, or at a campus activity, he has a smile and a warm hello. Max will be an incredible ambassador for East Texas Baptist University as he moves into the next chapter of his life,, showcasing the Christian servant leadership that was strengthened during his time on The Hill, and the principles he learned in the classroom that will make him successful in anything he faces throughout life. I am excited to see what Max is able to accomplish in his future as a Christian leader.”
Max is a Carrollton, Texas, native who has been a dedicated student leader at ETBU since arriving on campus. A standout both on and off the court, he has served as a team captain for the ETBU men’s tennis team and helped lead the Tigers to back-to-back American Southwest Conference Championships, earning tournament MVP honors in 2025. He has also received All-ASC First Team recognition in 2026 and second-team recognition in 2024, while garnering All-ASC Academic honors in 2023 and 2024. Beyond athletics, Karseno is deeply involved in campus life and leadership. He served on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) leadership team, played a key role in launching the Marsh Pit (ETBU’s athletics student section), and contributed to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He was also part of the intramural staff, served as a Tiger Camp leader, and mentored fellow students as a Thrive Peer Mentor. In the classroom, Max has demonstrated exceptional academic excellence, earning a 3.97 GPA. He is an active member of Mobberly Baptist Church in Marshall and also attends Bent Tree Bible Fellowship in Dallas. His commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, and service reflects the very best of ETBU’s mission and values.
“My life as a whole and relationship with the Lord have grown more than I could have ever imagined during my four years as a student at ETBU,” Karseno said. “I initially chose to attend ETBU so that I could play college tennis, but as I graduate, this University means way more to me than tennis ever could. Engaging in a Christ-like community has introduced me to what it truly looks like to be loved like Christ loves, and I have met people during my time here who will stay with me for the rest of my life. Words cannot express my gratitude for this campus and the work that the Lord has done in my life here on The Hill.”
In the first ceremony, Dr. Thomas Sanders, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, was recognized as the 2026 Dr. Roy Darville Professor with Distinction for his excellence in service, scholarship, teaching, and integration of faith and learning. Dr. Sanders has served as the chief academic officer at ETBU since 2013, overseeing seven academic schools and 13 departments while providing leadership for student success initiatives across the University. Dr. Sanders has led academic accountability study halls with the Tiger Football team for more than 10 years and helped develop programs supporting at-risk students, including the University’s testing accommodations process, testing center, and Thrive Mentoring initiative. He also led the development of a logistic regression model designed to identify and support struggling students and contributed to the University’s Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant efforts. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Sanders teaches undergraduate courses, advises students, and remains actively involved in strategic planning, student engagement, and athletics.
When discussing Dr. Sanders’ impact, one student said, “I deeply appreciate everything Dr. Sanders has done for me. He has been there every step of the way throughout my journey to completing my degree. He has supported me like no one else, and I want to thank him for that. This accomplishment means everything to my parents and me because of the hard work and investment he made in helping me succeed. I know I started to struggle toward the end, but Dr. Tommy Sanders was the person who kept me going. I am incredibly thankful for him and for the opportunity to meet with him throughout my four years at ETBU.”
During the second ceremony, Dr. David S. Ritsema, Assistant Dean of B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary, delivered the charge to graduates. An alumnus of both ETBU and B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary, he earned a B.A. in Christian Ministry from ETBU, an M.Div. from George W. Truett Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in New Testament from Carroll Seminary. His research focuses on the Gospel of John, New Testament Christology, and biblical theology, with an emphasis on serving the church’s preaching and mission. Dr. Ritsema has presented at regional, national, and international conferences, including gatherings in Oxford, Scotland, and Berlin, and has authored more than 15 books and commentaries, as well as numerous scholarly articles. He has also served in pastoral ministry for more than 25 years, providing leadership to growing congregations in Texas. Dr. Ritsema has been appointed as the next Dean of B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary and will assume expanded leadership responsibilities on June 1.
Ritsema charged the graduates to go into the world on mission, using their education, gifts, and calling not for status or self-interest, but to love and serve others as Christ did. “‘As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ You graduates have finished a long ordeal, and you’ve come to the end of this moment, but it’s not just the end; it is the beginning. What are you to do with all that you’ve learned and all that you’ve experienced? There are those who seek knowledge in order to serve, and that is love.”
Surrounded by faculty, family, and friends, the students were honored for their academic achievement and commitment to Christian servant leadership, prepared to pursue their callings.
“Today marks a significant milestone in your life, Tiger alumni, the earning of your degree, whether it’s a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or a doctoral degree,” President Blackburn said. “It represents years of discipline, perseverance, growth, and most importantly, faith — faith in God and His faithfulness to you. Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His mercies, His compassions, they never fail us. They are new every morning. And when you face the stresses and strains of life and your career calling, God will be there, providing His mercies renewed to you every morning because they fail not. He will never fail you, and He’ll never forsake you, declaring His love for you, pouring His grace over you. Great is the faithfulness of our God.”