East Texas Baptist University

Nestled atop the highest altitude in Harrison County, East Texas Baptist University stands as a proud private institution, guided by its enduring motto: "May the Light on the Hill Never Die." Since its founding, ETBU has cultivated a vibrant learning environment rooted in faith, committed to academic excellence, and dedicated to shaping students who are prepared to make a meaningful impact on the world. Its rich heritage and forward-looking vision continue to define its unique educational journey.

The university's story began in 1912 as the "College of Marshall," born from a concerted effort to establish a Southern Baptist college in East Texas. The completion of Marshall Hall in 1916 marked a significant milestone, providing the foundational infrastructure for the institution, which officially opened its doors in 1917 as a junior college and academy. A period of substantial growth and expansion followed, notably under the leadership of President Frank Shelby Groner from 1928 to 1942, before the institution was officially renamed "East Texas Baptist College" in 1944.

Under the leadership of President J. Blair Blackburn, inaugurated in 2015, ETBU continues to evolve, reinforcing its commitment to comprehensive education. A landmark development in June 2024 saw ETBU merge with B.H. Carroll Theological Institute, a strategic expansion that elevated the institution to a prestigious Level VI institution of higher learning. This significant advancement underscores ETBU's dedication to broadening its academic offerings and preparing students for advanced professional and theological pursuits within a deeply faith-integrated academic setting. The university's foundational religious principles also guide its community standards and policies, ensuring an environment aligned with its Baptist heritage.