East Texas Baptist University

East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) stands as a beacon of Christian higher education, nestled on the highest altitude in Harrison County, Texas. Founded in 1912 as the "College of Marshall," ETBU has a rich history rooted in a campaign to establish a Southern Baptist college in East Texas. Its journey from a junior college to East Texas Baptist College in 1944, and eventually to a university, reflects a deep commitment to academic and spiritual growth.

The university’s distinctive campus began with Marshall Hall in 1916, designed to house essential facilities like a gymnasium, library, and chapel. Under the leadership of figures like President Frank Shelby Groner, the institution saw significant expansion. Today, guided by President J. Blair Blackburn, ETBU continues its mission, famously encapsulated by its motto: 'May the Light on the Hill Never Die.'

Prospective students and families will find ETBU to be a dynamic environment, particularly with its recent expansion. In June 2024, ETBU announced a merger with B.H. Carroll Theological Institute, elevating its status to a Level VI institution of higher learning and broadening its academic offerings, especially in theological studies. This development signifies an enhanced scope for advanced learning and scholarship.

As a private Christian university, ETBU maintains its faith-based identity, which is reflected in its institutional policies, including a Title IX exception received in 2015 that allows it to operate based on religious principles concerning student conduct.