News - 2026

East Texas Baptist University celebrated Homecoming 2026 by welcoming alumni and friends to on-campus festivities Friday, October 30, through Saturday, October 31. Leading up to Homecoming Weekend, ETBU Student Life held a variety of events for students, including Pumpkin Painting, Spooky Silent Disco, and Powder Puff Games. Homecoming Weekend commenced on Friday with the annual Homecoming Chapel service in Rogers Spiritual Life Center.

East Texas Baptist University hosted Grammy Award-winning Christian worship artist Chris Tomlin and pastor and author Dr. Mark Batterson for IGNITE: Lighting the Way with Song and Truth on Tuesday, October 27. More than 1,500 people packed the Rogers Spiritual Life Center for the event, which featured worship led by Dr. Tomlin and a message from Dr. Batterson.

East Texas Baptist University and B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary mourn the passing of William A. “Budd” Smith, a founding faculty member of B. H. Carroll whose work in theological education helped establish the seminary in 2004.

Dr. Smith was among four educators who helped establish B. H. Carroll with a vision for making graduate theological education accessible to pastors and ministry leaders. The seminary was founded to equip men and women for Christian ministry while allowing them to continue serving in their local churches and communities.

East Texas Baptist University recognized the Christ-centered service of two students during a special chapel service on Wednesday, September 30. Seniors Diana Canenquez and Nick Giagnoni received the Dr. Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award in honor of their exemplary commitment to servant leadership within the ETBU community and beyond.

East Texas Baptist University hosted the 70th annual Miss ETBU Pageant on Saturday, September 26, in Baker Chapel at the Rogers Spiritual Life Center. Junior nursing major Kaylee Rabb was crowned 2026 Miss ETBU as well as Audience Favorite. One of the University’s oldest and most cherished traditions, the Miss ETBU Pageant highlights students who exemplify Christian character, poise, and scholarship. The winner serves as an ambassador for ETBU, representing the University both on campus and in the community.