November 9, 2026
David and Tracy Chisum have established the Dr. Gene Wilkes Endowed Scholarship at East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) in honor of Dr. Gene Wilkes, former president of B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary and the first dean of B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary at ETBU.
The scholarship will provide financial assistance to ministry students enrolled at B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary at ETBU, helping equip future Christian leaders as they serve the Church and answer God's call to ministry.
David Chisum has long supported the mission of B. H. Carroll, having previously served on its Board of Governors. He currently serves on East Texas Baptist University's Board of Trustees.
“Dr. Gene Wilkes has the leadership style, track record, and character that garner sincere devotion,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Thomas Sanders said. “Gifts like this reflect deep appreciation for the lives that have been changed because of his leadership. We are grateful to David and Tracy Chisum for their generosity and for choosing to recognize Dr. Gene Wilkes in such a meaningful way. Their support is a reminder that the work of preparing future ministry leaders is strengthened not only by those who teach and serve, but also by those who give generously to make that work possible. We are honored to steward this gift and thankful for the Chisums' confidence in the mission of B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary at ETBU.”
Dr. Wilkes' involvement with B. H. Carroll began long before he became its president. While serving as a pastor, he partnered with the seminary by offering his church as a teaching location. He later served as a Resident Fellow in New Testament and as a member of the seminary's Board of Governors.
In 2013, Dr. Wilkes became the second president of B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary, continuing the vision established by the institution's founding senior fellows. During his presidency, he led the purchase of an office building in Las Colinas, Texas, to serve as the seminary's headquarters.
With the approval of both governing boards, Dr. Wilkes guided B. H. Carroll's transition into East Texas Baptist University, culminating in the institution's merger with ETBU in 2024. He subsequently served as the first dean of B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary at ETBU during the 2025-2026 academic year before retiring in 2026.
Dr. David Ritsema, Dean of B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary at ETBU, expressed gratitude for the Chisums' generosity and the opportunity to celebrate Dr. Wilkes' legacy through future generations of ministry leaders.
“Some gifts do more than provide resources; they tell a story of gratitude, friendship, and lives forever changed,” Dr. Ritsema said. “David and Tracy Chisum's extraordinary generosity is a beautiful testament to their love for Dr. Gene Wilkes and the profound influence of his life and ministry. In honoring a man who has devoted his life to serving others, they are themselves embodying the servant leadership he so faithfully taught. Their gift does more than celebrate Gene's legacy; it extends it. In years to come, men and women answering God's call to ministry will be equipped to serve because of their generosity. We are deeply grateful for the Chisums' remarkable investment in the future of Christ's Church.”
Throughout his life, Dr. Wilkes has influenced Christian leaders through his pastoral service, teaching, mentoring, and writing. His book, Jesus on Leadership, has helped churches and Christian leaders around the world consider the biblical foundation of servant leadership.
“As the second president of B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary, Gene helped guide the institution through defining milestones, including accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools and its historic integration with East Texas Baptist University,” Dr. Ritsema said. “Yet his greatest legacy cannot be measured by institutional achievements alone. For more than a quarter century, he shepherded a congregation as a faithful pastor. Through his teaching, mentoring, and influential writings, including Jesus on Leadership, he has carried the biblical vision of servant leadership to churches and Christian leaders around the world. His enduring legacy is found in the lives he has shaped, the churches he has strengthened, and the leaders he has equipped.”
As an endowed scholarship, the fund is designed to provide lasting support for generations of ministry students. The principal is invested, generating income that provides ongoing scholarship support, while a portion of the earnings is reinvested to allow the endowment to grow over time.
Through their generosity, David and Tracy Chisum have established a lasting tribute to Dr. Wilkes' leadership and service to B. H. Carroll. The scholarship will ensure his name remains connected to the seminary while helping prepare future Christian leaders to serve the Church.
“B. H. Carroll's place at ETBU strengthens our ability to prepare students for careers, and, more importantly, lives of faithful Christian service,” ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn said. “We are committed to building on that mission and ensuring future generations have opportunities to pursue the calling God has placed before them. The Dr. Gene Wilkes Endowed Scholarship will make a meaningful difference in the lives of students preparing for ministry and, ultimately, the countless lives the Lord will touch through their service.”