Spiritual Development Staff
Dr. Scott Bryant, University Chaplain & Vice President for Spiritual Development
Scott Bryant was born in Ohio but was raised in Texas. He is a graduate of Baylor University (B.A., M.Div, Ph.D.) and Boston University's School of Theology (S.T.M). He is a licensed and ordained Baptist Minister and has served churches in both Massachusetts and Texas. Prior to his arrival at ETBU he taught in the Religion Department and Honors College at Baylor University.
Scott is husband to Natalie and father to Anna, Luke, and Reid. Scott enjoys coaching his kids sports teams, playing basketball, and watching Tom Brady, Dirk Nowitzki, and the Texas Rangers.
Dr. Melody Maxwell, Director of the Great Commission Center
Melody Maxwell holds degrees from Union University (BA), Beeson Divinity School (MDiv), and International Baptist Theological Seminary (PhD), where she studied twentieth-century Baptist women’s writings. A native of Tennessee, Melody spent eleven years in Alabama before coming to ETBU. She previously served with national Woman’s Missionary Union and Samford University. At ETBU, she is looking forward to learning more about all things Texan.
Melody loves to travel and has visited more than thirty countries. She enjoys introducing others to missions and ministry opportunities at home and around the world. In her spare time Melody enjoys reading, music, and outdoor activities.
Mark Yates, Director for Baptist Student Ministries
Alternating between two States through most of his childhood and adult life, Mark claims both California and Texas as "home." He and his wife Stacy have four children: Courtney, Shelby, Ethan, and Amanda. The entire family enjoys sports and outdoor activities. They are active members of Central Baptist Church in Marshall
Mark is a graduate of East Texas Baptist University (B.A.) and Louisiana State University-Shreveport (M.Ed.) and has additional hours from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. He has spent more than 25 years in various avenues of student ministry serving Baptist Churches and Agencies. His passion for student ministry revolves around his life verse, 2 Timothy 2:1-2. "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." His continued desire is to "grow strong" in his personal spiritual walk and to use those things which the Lord has afforded him to reach and disciple others to do the same.
Shelby Thomas, Administrative Assistant for Spiritual Development
Growing up in East Texas, Shelby is happy to be back after graduating from Texas A&M University. She graduated with a degree in Agriculture Communications and Journalism and is working on her master’s degree here at ETBU in counseling.
Shelby’s favorite verse is Romans 8:14-16. “Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba Father.’ “
Shelby enjoys watching the Fightin’ Texas Aggies and ETBU Tigers sporting events, traveling, baking, the Texas Rangers and spending lots of time with family and friends.
Billy Baker, BSM Intern