Mr. Jeremy Collins (’03) earned his bachelor's degree in business management with a minor in communications here on the Hill, while being very involved in campus life. Today, Jeremy serves as the head softball coach and teaches business at Magnolia West High School. Jeremy is married to another former Tiger, Candice (’03), and they have two children, Carris and Caslyn.
I initially came to ETBU because I really enjoyed the small-school, small-town feel, and I grew up in a Christian home. Being at ETBU allowed me to immerse myself in my Christian faith and get a quality education. During this time, my wife and I both played sports at ETBU, and it was the time of our lives.
All of the faculty made my educational journey feel so personal, and I really enjoyed working with them all, from my coaches to my professors and the support staff. I always felt that I could come to them for guidance and help.
ETBU offers a unique experience for its students. Being in a smaller environment makes it so much easier for students and faculty to connect. I will always be close to my Baseball teammates, but I also made lasting relationships with many of the classmates that I studied with.
Being an athlete, my wife and I were matched up with an “adopted” family that helped us while we were away from our families and at school. This is just another way that the ETBU community came together to make us feel so welcome. The Hales were a vital part of our journey at ETBU and made Marshall feel like home.
God put me at ETBU for a reason! I got a quality education, served as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Vice President of the Business Club, the ML Dubach Scholarship recipient, grew as an athlete, and most importantly, grew spiritually.
As I reflect on my time on the Hill, I think back to my senior year. I ended up being awarded the Baseball Conference MVP, 1st Team All-Conference, and 1st Team All-Region, but that is not what I remember most. I remember the excitement from my professors as I was battling for the school record in batting average. Every time I walked into class, every professor was asking for updates on the battle. It meant so much that everyone was so invested in my journey at ETBU.
Another thing that comes to mind when I think about ETBU is playing in the national championship tournament two times and in the national championship game once. I will always remember the countless hours my teammates and I spent together on and off the baseball field that helped us reach our goals. We had a group of guys that loved the grind and were willing to do whatever it took to get better for our team. Finding the right group of friends around you is one of the most important things you can do, and I found a great group of guys and roommates that pushed me to be better as a person and a player. We held each other accountable on the field and had bible studies together in our apartment to hold each other accountable in our spiritual walk. I am truly grateful that God put these people in my path to help lead me and make me the man I am today.
I learned valuable leadership skills and made a lot of connections that I still have today. These things, combined with a great education at ETBU, are why I am the person I am today.
If I had a few minutes with current students, I would share this with them: Your education is important and should be a high priority, but the best way to maximize your time at ETBU is to get involved in as many things on campus as possible. You will gain connections and leadership skills that will stay with you forever.