Homecoming Awards | 2026

Josiah Jones (’06) has dedicated nearly two decades to ministry, with a passion for discipling men to become faithful husbands, fathers, and leaders. He currently serves with BetterMan, a national ministry equipping churches and leaders to develop biblical manhood and discipleship. Josiah also speaks at churches, conferences, camps, and events nationwide and hosts the Life on Life Discipleship podcast. A former ETBU Baseball player, Josiah credits his time on the Hill with transforming his faith and redirecting his life toward Christ-centered ministry. He and his wife, Cathy, are raising their three children in the Dallas area, where they remain active in their church and community.

Jessica (Delgado) Jakubowski (’15) has built an impressive career in the United States Air Force, advancing to Technical Sergeant in just five and a half years. Her achievements include the John Chapman Award, recognizing outstanding leadership during basic military training, and the John L. Levitow Award, the highest honor awarded to an enlisted member in Air Force professional military education. She also received the Meritorious Service Medal, recognizing outstanding meritorious service and significant contributions to the Air Force. Most recently, she was selected for the highly competitive Officer Training School program for the United States Space Force. A former ETBU softball student-athlete and coach, Jessica credits her time on the Hill with strengthening her faith and developing the leadership, discipline, and commitment to service that guide her military career. She and her husband, Scott, are both active duty service members and are raising their two sons, Luka and Aidan, while continuing to serve their country.

Janae (Schlabs) Shirley (‘05, ‘16) is in her 20th season as head softball coach at East Texas Baptist University, where she has dedicated her career to investing in the lives of student athletes on and off the field. Since taking over the program at just 22 years old, the former ETBU Softball player and alumna has led the Tigers to two NCAA Division III National Championships, 16 NCAA Tournament appearances, 9 ASC Championships, and has had 29 NFCA All-Americans, while compiling a 680–172 career record. Alongside her husband, Guy (‘04), also an ETBU alumnus and assistant coach, she is raising their two sons, Carter and Major. Janae credits the people and opportunities God placed in her life at ETBU for shaping her journey and remains passionate about developing student athletes in their faith, character, and purpose.

Bonita Gail (Skelton) Graham (’68) dedicated 30 years to teaching elementary students in public and private schools. Since 2011, she has continued her passion for education by writing curriculum and teaching adult English as a Second Language (ESL) classes through First Baptist Church Conroe, Texas’s Literacy Ministry. A published author, Gail uses her gifts in English and Bible teaching to serve individuals from around the world. A proud mother of two and grandmother of three, she treasures lifelong friendships formed during her years at ETBC and remains grateful for the spiritual foundation and lasting impact of her time on the Hill.

Jason Warren Bell is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Symmetry Sports, a Mount Pleasant-based company that builds high-quality sports facilities for school districts, universities, municipalities, and other institutions across Texas, including NCAA and NFL facilities. He and his family also operate Bell Ranch Cattle Co., an East Texas Angus genetics operation. Although not an ETBU alumnus, Jason has made a lasting impact on the university through his service as a board member and his work supporting athletic facilities, enrollment, academics, and ETBU’s Christ-centered mission. His relationships with university leadership, faculty, staff, and students have strengthened his commitment to serving others and honoring God through business and leadership. Jason and his wife, Becca, have been married since 2004 and are raising their three children, Carson, Chaney, and Cesiley.

Charles Ray Freeman (’66) and Martha Ann (Sanders) Freeman (attended 1965–1967) met while attending East Texas Baptist College and married in 1967. Ray attended ETBC on an athletic scholarship awarded by Coach R.C. Kennedy, playing basketball and baseball while earning his business degree. After serving in the U.S. Army, he became a small business owner specializing in industrial chemical sales in Central Arkansas. Martha was crowned Miss ETBC and Homecoming Queen. She participated in the a cappella choir and campus theatre, including playing Snookie in the spring 1966 production of 110 in the Shade. She devoted many years to raising their three children and now works part-time in computer billing for their son's internet business. Ray and Martha have three children and two grandsons and remain active in their local church and community. They treasure their lifelong friendships, continued connections with fellow alumni, and the Christian foundation and lasting memories formed during their time on the Hill.

Don S. Preston (’76) enjoyed a 41-year career in banking in Jefferson, Texas, including 21 years with VeraBank, where he served as a lender, branch manager, and consumer loan approval officer. Since retiring, Don has continued serving his community through numerous volunteer and leadership roles. He is an active member of his church, serving as a Bible study leader, treasurer, and trustee, and has been a member of the Lions Club for 45 years, where he currently serves as treasurer. He also serves on the boards of the Moseley Foundation and the Hebrew Cemetery Association and previously spent 29 years as treasurer of the Jefferson Service Unit of the Salvation Army. A history major at ETBU, Don credits the university’s strong Christian atmosphere and his professors' influence with shaping his faith, understanding of people, and approach to service.