News

East Texas Baptist University hosted the 2025 East Texas Regional Phi Alpha Theta Conference on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Ornelas Student Center. This annual gathering of student historians provided an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students from across the region to present their research and engage in scholarly discussions.

The conference featured research presentations on a variety of historical topics, ranging from civil rights activism and political movements to wartime history and cultural analysis.

East Texas Baptist University held a special 10th Anniversary Chapel on Monday, April 7, to celebrate a decade of faithful leadership by Dr. J. Blair Blackburn as President of ETBU. The service, which took place in Rogers Spiritual Life Center’s Baker Chapel, brought together students, alumni, faculty, and staff for a morning of worship and reflection on God’s faithfulness to the University during Dr. Blackburn’s administration.

East Texas Baptist University hosted the 10th Anniversary Presidential Gala, a special event celebrating a decade of faithful leadership by Dr. J. Blair Blackburn as President of ETBU. Held on Friday, April 5, at the Rogers Spiritual Life Center, the Gala brought together university leaders, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and community members to honor God’s work through Dr. Blackburn’s transformative leadership on the University.

On Saturday, more than 300 students from East Texas Baptist University spread out across Harrison County to serve their neighbors during ETBU's annual Serve Day, a campus-wide initiative focused on living out the University's Christ-centered mission through acts of service.

East Texas Baptist University welcomed Dr. Julie V. Philley, President of The University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler), as the distinguished speaker for the ETBU Monday morning chapel service. Dr. Philley shared about her personal life and experiences in numerous roles as a healthcare professional, researcher, and educator. Dr. Philley emphasized how her path diverged from her initial plans and stressed the importance of embracing God's guidance and being grateful for each moment and season in life.