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Alumni Spotlight Morgan (Crittendon) Davis (’11)

Alumni Spotlight Morgan (Crittendon) Davis (’11)

3 people sitting in a chair in a grassy field for a photoshoot

Mrs. Morgan (Crittendon) Davis (’11) currently serves as the Lead Surgical Technologist at Christus Good Shepherd in Marshall, where she says, “I have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ in the surgical field, caring for patients during some of their most vulnerable moments.” Morgan and her husband, Mitch, have been blessed and gifted by the Lord with two beautiful children, Olivia and Cole.

ETBU truly called to me. My maternal grandparents attended, met, and married while at ETBU when it was still East Texas Baptist College, along with my maternal great-uncle. My mother, Lanette, later graduated from ETBU, Class of 1983, and I was honored to continue that family tradition by joining the Tiger family, along with my older sister Ashley, Class of 2012, and my younger sister Rachel, Class of 2019. I loved that ETBU offered a place where I could grow both academically and spiritually, with Christ poured into my life as I entered adulthood and carried that foundation into my career. A fun fact: my grandmother’s dorm room on Two North in Merle Bruce was my suite mate’s room. It was fascinating to know my family had history there.

Dr. Benefield, who was a psychology professor at the time, truly opened my eyes to what my heart was passionate about. He gave me an understanding of—and appreciation for—an entirely different world through the science behind psychology. Through his teaching, I learned not only about others and their behaviors, but also about myself. I will forever remember Dr. Benefield for how he unknowingly instilled confidence, understanding, and a deeper sense of purpose that has stayed with me well beyond the classroom.

I am forever grateful for ETBU, as it is where I met my lifelong friend, Ashley (Ayers) Thacker, Class of 2010. We have remained extremely close over the years and have raised our families together. Little did I know how much the Lord had His hand in our friendship. We have both experienced life’s ups and downs and would be lost without her guidance, friendship, and the comfort of prayer. I also stay in touch with several other ETBU alumni, including former roommates Lori Gould, Lindsey Hill, and Constance Massey, as well as former cheer teammates through social media. When I reflect on my time at ETBU, what comes to mind most is growth—academically, spiritually, and personally. The Hill was more than a place of learning; it was a community that shaped who I was becoming. Through meaningful relationships with professors, friendships that have lasted a lifetime, and an education grounded in Christ, I gained a foundation that continues to guide my life and career. ETBU will always hold a special place in my heart as the place where my faith was strengthened, my calling was clarified, and lifelong connections were formed.

My time at The Hill prepared me for my career by equipping me with both a strong academic foundation and a Christ-centered perspective on service. The rigorous coursework taught me critical thinking, discipline, and compassion—skills that are essential in the medical field. ETBU also emphasized integrity, empathy, and servant leadership, which have guided the way I care for patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. The confidence and sense of calling I developed at ETBU continue to shape how I approach my work and serve others through my profession. To current Tigers, take it all in. These truly are some of the most formative days of your life. College is going to be most students' last stop before “the real world”. Adulthood can be challenging, but don’t lose sight of what keeps you grounded. Hold tight to your faith, your community, and the lessons you’re

learning here. Christ will be with you through the best moments and the hardest seasons, guiding you every step of the way. Love life to its fullest and Go Tigers!