News

East Texas Baptist University’s December 2020 graduates were recognized on Saturday, December 5, during two commencement ceremonies at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn presided over the socially-distanced ceremonies as 104 students received undergraduate degrees and 26 earned graduate degrees, for a total of 130 graduates. Students were allowed to choose their participation style, either “in-person” or “virtual” at the celebratory worship services.

East Texas Baptist University participated in its fifth annual Operation Christmas Child, an outreach program organized by Samaritan’s Purse. Although the event looked a little different this year, the heart behind it remained the same. The ministry involves filling shoeboxes with small toys, school supplies, and other items that are sent to children all over the world as a Christmas gift and a tangible reminder of God’s love for them.

East Texas Baptist University’s School of Communication and Performing Arts transported audiences to a nineteenth-century cemetery last weekend during their latest production, Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology. The play, based on Masters’ collection of poetry by the same name, was adapted and directed by ETBU senior theatre arts majors Kelley Malin and Karli Hubbert.

East Texas Baptist University honored 72 graduating seniors with the presentation of their official ETBU Class Ring. The Ring Blessing was held Monday, November 9, for the December graduates of 2020. Inspired by Deuteronomy 6, the Class Ring allows ETBU Alumni to carry and display the love of Christ.

East Texas Baptist University hosted its sixth annual Calling Conference on Wednesday, November 4, for ETBU students who are drawn to vocational ministry. The conference provided students with a deeper understanding of how to identify and pursue their callings with opportunities to learn from experienced ministry professionals and special guest speakers Dr. Jonathan Grenz, Dean of the School of Ministry at Palm Beach Academy, and Phil Miller, acting Director of the Great Commission Team for Texas Baptists (BGCT).