Mr. Jace Duke (’02) completed a degree in athletic training from ETBU and later obtained an MBA from the University of Texas at Tyler. He has dedicated more than 20 years to a career in Athletic Training. Currently, he serves as the Director of Athletic Training for the Houston Methodist Hospital System, which happens to be the largest employer of athletic trainers in the state of Texas. Jace has been married to his wife, Diedre, since 2006, they are proud parents to their daughter and spend most of their time following her journey.
Below are some of Jace’s favorite memories and reflections on his journey at ETBU.
I attribute who I am today to all the people I come into contact with. These people were/are a huge part of my life today.
My sister, Michelle went to ETBU the year before me. We were both student athletic trainers in high school, and she was in the ETBU program. I had spent time visiting with her and decided that it was a great fit for me. Coming from Ore City, Marshall was a "big town," and the campus wasn't too daunting. I also had an aunt and a cousin who graduated from ETBC. I hadn't originally thought it was where I wanted to go because I wanted a bigger school out of the area. However, looking back, I wouldn't have changed it.
There are a ton of people at ETBU that made a lasting impression on me. Spending a lot of time in the athletic department, I had many mentors including:
Dawn Johnston, our head athletic trainer, who gave me a better understanding of the profession and laid the foundation for the program today. Mr. Kent Reeves showed me the definition of a servant leader. He led the athletic program through transition but did it with grace and hard work. There was no job that was too small for him. Coach Michael Landers and Coach Mike Reed showed me how to lead and get the most out of their teams. At times, we often played teams that had more talent, but they coached in a way that their players played for each other and were a true team. To this day, I am still close with both of them, and we know that if we need anything, each will be there for the other. Dr. Jim Webb provided us with the desire to be better, never accept the status quo, and take pride in everything we do. Dr. John Harris showed me a way to bring others closer to Jesus in a way that made everyone feel welcome no matter where they were in their walk with Him.
The beauty of ETBU, in my opinion, is that we were a small enough campus that I knew a lot of people while there. I am still very close with many individuals from my time in school. At Houston Methodist, we have several ETBU athletic training alumni on our staff. They are quality people and athletic trainers but being a Tiger gives them a leg up.
My time at ETBU was very special. I felt very close to all of the people. Lifelong friendships were made during my four years there. I remember the year we had an ice storm that canceled schools and finals. I didn't want to go home. I felt that my time with my ETBU family was being cut short, and since campus was closed, I found a couch to stay on for a few days. My parents called and asked, "Are you ever coming home"?
ETBU provided me with an opportunity to be on my own but with every bit of support you could ask for. The faculty and staff were always welcoming and supportive. I always felt they viewed me more as a peer than a student which sounds weird but true. The student life fostered a community and taught us how to lean on one another.
I don't get back to campus very often, but even though it has changed, I hope that each person who is on The Hill understands that it is more than just a place with buildings. At the end of the day, my time at ETBU made me a better person. I am by no means a perfect person, but I know, without a shadow of a doubt, I am a better person because of my time on The Hill.