Mr. Daniel Packer (’03) graduated from ETBU with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a minor in History. He has built a successful career in business-to-business sales, and currently serves as an Enterprise Sales Executive for the company FM: Systems, where he focuses on selling strategic software solutions for Enterprise Facilities Management. He and his wife Courtney (Walker) (’04), have been happily married for 20 years and have two daughters, Presley and Gracie.
Here are Daniel’s reflections on his journey to the Hill and beyond.
My father, Steve Packer, was a Baptist pastor at FBC Pittsburg in Pittsburg, TX, and had recommended ETBU because his Music Minister Bryan Price had attended back in the ETBC days. I had always wanted to attend a Baptist school, in particular, one close to home in East Texas. I chose ETBU to pursue a good education and grow my relationship with God. At that time, I also really enjoyed fishing the East Texas lakes, so ETBU was a great fit for education as well as fishing!”
Dr. Jim Webb (Coach Webb) had the biggest impact on me, and I was honored to have him as a professor and mentor. He did more than teach me how to study Physical Education and encouraged me to make good life choices in general. Dr. Essary, Dr. Summers, and Dr. Tankersley were also professors who made an impact on my education and life. I had many other great professors and teachers while I attended and I am thankful for all.
I met my wife, Courtney at ETBU, and we were married in 2004. If I had chosen to attend another college I would not have met her, and for that, I am very thankful to ETBU. I would not be who I am today without her. In addition, I still connect with a few of my former roommates weekly, and we chat about our college life and all the different stories we have.
During my time at ETBU, I was planning on being a High School coach. However, I never did pursue coaching after I graduated. I pursued Sales and Sales Management which I still do today. The education at ETBU equipped me to be a prepared and disciplined employee no matter where I worked or what career choice I made. ETBU also helped me grow in my walk with Jesus and helped me pursue different voluntary ministry opportunities throughout the years. From leading worship to leading a youth group, planting a church, and serving in Young Life for 15+ years.
In my four years at ETBU, I remember all the good people I met. It felt like Family. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the education, and growing in my faith.