Mrs. Amanda (Kaunitz) Rucker (’05) earned a degree in Human Relations during her time on the Hill. She is the cofounder and Executive Director of Graciously Broken Ministries, Inc. located in Longview, Tx. Graciously Broken is a 12-month residential recovery program for women who are breaking free from unhealthy life circumstances such as addiction, mental health issues, sex trafficking, prostitution, abuse, etc.
Amanda is married to her husband, Andrew. She has two wonderful step-children, Jude and Grace. Together, they have four handsome boys, Ethan, Titus, Asher, and Isaiah.
After graduating from high school in 1998, I was not sure what I wanted to do. So, I worked for a year. At the time, my brother, Todd Kaunitz, was attending ETBU. I watched how he began to change and strengthen in his relationship with Jesus, and I wanted that. So, I followed him to ETBU in 1999.
Dr. Carolyn Snow made a lasting impact on my life that I will always remember. I attend New Beginnings Baptist Church, where Todd is the pastor. Through the years, I have gotten to see and hear people like Nathan Lorick (’03). I continue to talk to one of my closest college friends, Rhonda Hinote (’03). My job allows me to meet many people, and every once in a while, I meet another ETBU alumnus.
I look back on my time at ETBU with gratitude for the experiences, friendships, and spiritual growth that made those years so meaningful. I was not the best student and made a lot of mistakes, but God has redeemed every moment, and He is using my story to help women and their families find hope and healing.
My degree in Human Relations helped give me a foundation in the work I do now. More than that, the experiences and relationships formed helped me develop life skills that have carried me and shaped me into who I am today.
For the current and future students of ETBU - Don’t be afraid. Walk confidently in who you are and Whose you are. You don't have to have it all figured out, and you don't have to be someone you're not. Try that thing. Talk to that person. Study hard. Have fun. Find 3 people whom you want to model after, who "call you out" on your mess, and who walk with integrity. You'll be better for it.