About East Texas Baptist ONLINE

East Texas Baptist University is a four-year, liberal arts institution located in Marshall, Texas. It is one of eight historically Southern Baptist-related institutions affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Since 1912, East Texas Baptist University has provided a quality, liberal arts curriculum to students. Over the years, the university has established a reputation as a school with an environment where the spiritual dimension is a priority. Accordingly, East Texas Baptist employs Christian faculty who are dedicated to teaching, scholarship, advising and service as they model the principles of the Christian faith. East Texas Baptist University continually strives for success and provides a unique atmosphere that is extremely conducive to student achievement.

Why Choose East Texas Baptist ONLINE?

• Flexible Schedules: At East Texas Baptist, the coursework is conveniently designed to accommodate busy, nontraditional students. Online courses are formatted in eight -week terms which can be completed from anywhere.
  
  
• Commitment to Excellence: East Texas Baptist is fully committed to Christian stewardship and to providing an online environment that is conducive to learning, leadership development and academic excellence.
  
  
• Accreditation: East Texas Baptist University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate degrees.
  
  
• High-Quality Instruction: At East Texas Baptist, more than 80% of full-time faculty members have earned doctorates or terminal degrees who oversee the teaching and development of courses and curriculum.
  
  
• Affordability: U.S. News & World Report ranked East Texas Baptist 8th in the category "Best Values" among baccalaureate colleges in the West.
  
  
• Institution Standards: East Texas Baptist's main goal is to offer high-quality academic online programs, while affirming that the liberal arts form a solid foundation for online education.
  
  
• Esteemed Reputation: U.S. News & World Report has continuously recognized East Texas Baptist University as one of the "Best Baccalaureate Colleges" in the West.

The East Texas Baptist Experience

East Texas Baptist University knows that your future is approaching and wants to help you prepare for it.  As an online student, you will be challenged and perhaps even changed, but you will take away what you need to reach your lifelong goals. At East Texas Baptist, you will receive a high-quality online Christian educational experience.

Vision

Our vision is to provide "A World of Opportunity in a Community of Faith."

History

Academic instruction at East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) began in 1917 with the inaugural session of a two-year institution known as College of Marshall. The campaign to launch the college had begun in 1911 and was led by William Thomas Tardy, pastor of Marshall's First Baptist Church.

Tardy negotiated the purchase of 100 acres of the original K. M. Van Zandt family plantation for $25,000. Keeping 50 of the 100 acres on Van Zandt Hill in northwest Marshall, the college subdivided and sold the remaining property. Marshall citizens subscribed another $70,000, and the Baptist General Convention of Texas assumed control of the college, appropriating $40,000 for buildings and furnishings. The trustees applied for and received a charter from the State of Texas in 1912, and Thurman C. Gardner, an early day Baptist Training Union Leader, became the first president in 1913.

In 1944, the trustees asked the Baptist General Convention of Texas to elevate the college to four-year status and change its name to East Texas Baptist College. In 1984, the University Charter revision changed the institutional name to East Texas Baptist University.

The first freshman class in 1917 included 374 students. The Fall 2008 enrollment was 1,210 students. The College of Marshall offered 16 majors, while ETBU currently offers 37 majors and 38 minors. Two new majors, Criminal Justice and Political Science, will be added with the beginning of the Fall 2009 semester.

For the past 16 years, the university has been under the leadership of President Dr. Bob E. Riley, who will retire in July 2009. His successor, Dr. Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver, will join ETBU as its 12th president effective June 1, 2009.