Mrs. Barbara Reynolds (‘00) graduated from East Texas Baptist University with a degree in Management. After her time on the hill, she served as a children’s minister for ten years. Upon retiring from ministry, she assisted her husband with his sporting goods business in Marshall. Following the sale of that business, they relocated to College Station. She now serves as a Territory Sales Rep for Vertical Raise and enjoys spending time with her two granddaughters. Barbara’s son, Nicholas (’07), is also an ETBU alum.
Read on to hear more of Barbara’s story and her reflections on ETBU.
I lived in Marshall and was familiar with East Texas Baptist University and its excellence. When I began my college career, I attended Panola College, and after earning my associate degree, I enrolled at ETBU. While working during the day, I had to take many of my classes at night. At the time, I was employed at Panola Electric Cooperative, but thankfully, Mr. Pinkston would kindly allow me to take my lunch break whenever my classes were scheduled during the day, and then complete others after hours or even before. Coach Webb didn’t go easy on me as an older student and even signed me up for 6:30 AM Tae Bo classes for two semesters. In return, I promised to bring him a milkshake when I graduated. It took me 13 years to complete my degree. I initially began when my son started kindergarten and graduated a semester before he finished high school.
I will always remember Dr. Sturrock, who was my main professor. He was consistently kind and caring. I also appreciated Dr. Tankersley; I loved his class, even though I wasn't a fan of all the tests. I learned a lot from him and all the Bible readings. Dr. Bob Utley made a lasting impression and had a unique way of bringing everything together in his teachings. Then there was Coach Webb, who was incredibly loving, even if he made me run laps in the gym and do Tae Bo. Overall, the faculty and staff genuinely cared about us. I think of the love and support I received. They were not there to just teach and leave—they were there to help in any way possible. I always remember having fun in all of my classes.
After graduating, I entered the Children's Ministry, not realizing that this was the path Christ had prepared for me. With a large staff and many families to care for, I felt that my experience on the Hill served me well. I learned how to love others, how to listen attentively, and how to give back. I am grateful for the invaluable lessons I learned. Today, we continue to guide others as they seek after Christ and pursue ETBU.