April 1, 2025
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.
A native of East Texas, Dr. Philley was raised in Overton. She returned to the region in 2012, serving as Assistant Professor of Medicine at the UT Health Science Center at Tyler, where she continued research efforts in nontuberculous mycobacterial disease and bronchiectasis. An accomplished researcher, Dr. Philley has led numerous studies and published book chapters and articles. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas Woman’s University and her MD at UT Health Houston’s McGovern Medical School, completing an internal medicine residency program at Johns Hopkins University/Sinai Hospital and a fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas.
Dr. Philley shared from 2 Thessalonians during her address, highlighting the parallels between Paul's encouragement to persevere through confusion and trials and her own unexpected twists in her career and personal faith journey. Just as Paul reassures the church at Thessalonica that God's plan will unfold in His perfect timing, Dr. Philley reflected on how deviations from her original plans, though challenging, ultimately led her to fulfilling experiences aligned with God's purpose.
“Sometimes many of us are uncertain about what our future is going to hold, or feel anxious about the past, or about what we will or will not be,” Dr. Philley said. “As we reflect on 2 Thessalonians, I hope we remember that our lives are not meant to be lived passively, waiting for ideal circumstances. We are called to actively serve, work, and trust in the Lord for peace no matter what comes our way.”
Following chapel, Dr. Philley joined students, faculty, and staff for a special luncheon in the Great Commission Center. Students interested in healthcare professions had the opportunity to ask questions and gain deeper insight into her career path and the broader work UT Tyler’s School of Medicine is doing to equip future healthcare professionals in the East Texas region.
“Being in a hospital is such a different situation when you put on the white coat – as a nurse, or physician’s assistant, or physical therapist, or occupational therapist – when you put on the responsibility to care for human life, it is one of the profound experiences in the world,” Dr. Philley said. “You are the difference between something being okay and something absolutely not being okay. I encourage you to stay the course and enjoy every aspect of the ride. You’re going to do great things.”
Dr. Philley’s visit also highlighted the collaborative efforts between ETBU and UT Tyler. In August 2023, ETBU partnered with the UT Tyler School of Medicine's Early Assurance Program, known as "Pathways to Medicine." The initiative prepares 40 students annually from regional colleges and universities for medical careers by providing clinical exposure and developing essential study skills. Up to 15 participants are admitted into the School of Medicine, fostering a pipeline of skilled physicians dedicated to serving East Texas communities.
"Dr. Philley's testimony demonstrates the beauty of trusting in God's plan, even when it differs from our own expectations,” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. “Her story is a testament to the incredible impact we can have as servants of Jesus Christ when we surrender to divine guidance. Dr. Philley is a valued partner in higher education, and we are grateful for her contributions to the academic community and the future of healthcare in East Texas. It was a privilege and an honor to have her on ETBU’s campus."