News

East Texas Baptist University has received a transformational $12 million legacy gift from the estate of longtime supporters Lee and Willie Feagin.

The bequest of $12,000,000 is a gift to the University’s endowment and will provide ongoing support for the institution for generations to come. Lee and Willie Feagin were Baptist philanthropists from Tyler County, Texas, who prior to their deaths, established a trust to support the endowment of East Texas Baptist University. The testamentary gift is the largest in the institution's history.

After 13 years of faithful leadership, Dr. Gene Wilkes will retire as Dean of B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary at East Texas Baptist University, passing the torch to Dr. David Ritsema, who will step into a key leadership role as the seminary continues to grow and serve future ministry leaders.

During spring break, East Texas Baptist University’s Baptist Student Ministry sent a team of 28 students to participate in Beach Reach, a ministry outreach in South Padre Island. The ETBU students joined hundreds of fellow Christian college students to share the Gospel with those they encountered as they sought to meet their physical needs for food and transportation.

East Texas Baptist University welcomed students, prospective students, and ministry leaders from across the region for its annual Calling Conference on Monday, March 2. The event provided a meaningful opportunity for those exploring or pursuing a call to vocational ministry to learn, connect, and grow alongside experienced leaders actively serving in the field.

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.