Tiger Pride - January 2026

East Texas Baptist University Sets Spring Enrollment Record

East Texas Baptist University is celebrating record-breaking enrollment for Spring 2026, marking the highest Spring enrollment in the University’s history. With a total enrollment of 1,709 students, ETBU experienced a 6% increase over Spring 2025, surpassing the previous Spring record of 1,657 students set in Spring 2024. This milestone represents the �rst time the University has exceeded 1,700 students during a Spring semester and highlights continued growth across multiple student populations, including the integration of students from B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary.

ALUMNI | GIVE | ARCHIVES

B. H. Carroll Receives First Endowed Scholarship

B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary at East Texas Baptist University is honored to announce the establishment of its �rst endowed scholarship, made possible through a generous estate gift from longtime Texas Baptist pastor, educator, and friend of the seminary, Dr. Jimmie Nelson. The Dr. Jimmie Nelson Endowed Scholarship will support students enrolled in Carroll’s Ph.D. program, continuing Dr. Nelson’s lifelong investment in ministerial education.

Good Samaritan Award & ETBU Scholarship Dinner

Please join East Texas Baptist University on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in ETBU's Great Commission Center for an evening of recognition and celebration honoring Marshall Economic Development and Executive Director Rush Harris.

Inspired by the parable in Luke 10:25-37, East Texas Baptist University presents the Good Samaritan Award to individuals and organizations that have embodied the second greatest commandment of “loving your neighbor as yourself.”

Created by Marshall citizens and City Commission members in 1991, Marshall Economic Development (MED) has faithfully supported the City of Marshall and Harrison County through strategic efforts designed to attract new businesses and investments while enhancing local industries and employers. The MED has been instrumental in elevating Marshall’s and Harrison County’s economic standing in East Texas.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Rush Harris, Marshall Economic Development has strengthened its commitment to serving Marshall through innovative and creative programs established to ensure Marshall’s economic future remains bright. The impact of Mr. Harris’ dedication to sel�essly serving Marshall can be felt across the city, county, and region— from students in Marshall ISD to TSTC vocational programs, from manufacturing professionals to small business owners, from Wiley University and ETBU student interns to successful entrepreneurs, and all areas in between. The MED has invested signi�cantly in the local workforce, educational institutions, and businesses through vital partnerships, grant programs, and development initiatives.

For more information about available sponsorships, call the Of�ce of University Advancement at 903.923.2071 or email advancement@ETBU.edu.

Tickets and Sponsorships

2026 Dates for Preview Day

Preview Day is a special opportunity for prospective students and their families to experience life on the Hill at ETBU. You’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and inspiring chapel service, then enjoy campus tours, a departmental fair, and lunch on the Quad. Along the way, you’ll connect with our Christ-centered community, learn about academic programs, and start envisioning your future as part of the ETBU family.

• February 16, 2026

• March 2, 2026

Go to www.ETBU.edu/visit to learn about opportunities to tour campus and get acquainted with life as a Tiger.

Register for Preview Day

Registration Open

Hilltop University is a spiritual retreat for Adults 55+ hosted in May at East Texas Baptist University. Conference events include corporate worship, Bible studies, lunch, a matinee concert, breakout sessions, and fellowship. We are excited to welcome special guests Dr. David Hardage, Director of Church Engagement for Texans on Mission, and playwright and actress Shellie O'Neal. More details will follow, but make plans to join us on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. We'll see you then!

Register Here

Alumni Spotlight

Dr. Ashley (Gonzalez) Shetter

Dr. Ashley (Gonzalez) Shetter (’14) earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology here at ETBU, and would also go on to complete a doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She now serves as a Physical Therapist while currently working as an Assistant Professor at William Carey University. Ashley lives in Ridgeland, MS, with her husband Alex, ETBU class of ’15, and their son Kendal.

Shetter shared, "I think the thing I remember most is being surrounded by people of faith. Getting out in the real world made me realize how fortunate I was to be in an environment that creates Christian servant leaders and learn what a church family really looks like."

ETBU in the News

Tigers Making Headlines

ETBU Celebrates Steady, LongTerm Growth in 4 Year Graduation Rate

The four-year graduation rate at East Texas Baptist University has grown by 28 percentage points – a 147% improvement – during the past 15 years. Read more.

ETBU Awarded $850,000 Challenge Grant from Mabee Foundation

The J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation has awarded East Texas Baptist University a challenge grant of $850,000 toward the university's Restoring Feagin Hall initiative. Read more.

Stay in touch and share your news with your ETBU Family. Send your career accomplishments and family updates to alumni@ETBU.edu or click here to update your information.

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