Senator Joe Manchin speaks at ETBU’s largest fall commencement ceremony

MARSHALL — United States Senator for West Virginia, Joe Manchin, delivered a commencement address for East Texas Baptist University’s largest ever fall class of graduates on Saturday.According to our news partner KETK, 202 graduates walked across the stage throughout the day’s ceremonies, including 140 undergraduate and 62 graduate students. It was ETBU’s largest fall class in university history.

“This milestone commencement is a result of the combined efforts of faculty and staff focusing on ETBU’s mission of graduating Christian servant leaders so they can follow their calling to God and humanity,” provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Thomas Sanders said.

Hannah Hobson, a Bachelor of Arts graduate in Worship Studies at ETBU, was awarded ETBU’s President’s Award for the Fall of 2024. Hobson, who’s from Shreveport, maintained a perfect 4.0 throughout her time at ETBU and she’s also done practicum hours at the First Methodist Church in Marshall.

“The quality of Hannah’s academic work is superior,” said Dr. Nathan Phillips, director of bands and chair of the ETBU Department of Music and Theatre Arts. “She completes assignments thoroughly and often goes beyond the requirements in order to do her best work. As a musician, Hannah is one of the finest instrumentalists I’ve ever taught. She has superior technique and musicianship and elected to give two recitals that were not required for her degree. She treats everyone she meets with compassion and fairness. She goes out of her way to serve and encourage and gives of her time and energy.”

Dr. J. Blair Blackburn, president of ETBU, lead the ceremonies on Saturday and introduced one of only four current independent members of the United States Senate, Joe Manchin, who gave the morning commencement address.

“It is an honor to have Joe Manchin, United States Senator for West Virginia, here with us today,” president Blackburn said. “Thank you for serving your home state of West Virginia and our nation. Senator Manchin is respectfully regarded as an esteemed statesman among both political parties. Americans across our country and those of us in Texas, are grateful for Senator Manchin and his leadership.”

“There’s no way in the world you can make it by yourself,” Senator Manchin said. “I’ve never had anybody who worked for me; they worked with me. We all have to work together to make something happen. Success depends on the team moving in the same direction. Whether you’re leading a team or contributing to one, always remember that it’s not about tearing people down but building them up so they can rise and grow. That’s how we create lasting impact.”

Later, for the afternoon ceremony, Dr. Karen O’Dell Bullock gave the keynote address after being awarded an honorary doctorate. Bullock taught for over 30 years at Southwestern University, Dallas Baptist University and B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary, where she retired at recently.

“We are what we read,” Bullock said. “We are shaped and influenced by the books we read. They prepare us not only for interesting conversations but also for facing the real challenges of life. As graduates of East Texas Baptist University, an institution grounded in Christian values, you’ve been immersed in God’s Word. Its teachings are woven into the fabric of this campus, from the halls to the classrooms. These divine messages inspire us to grow in character, to deepen our faith, and to prioritize being over mere knowing or doing. You’ve been challenged to follow Christ while pursuing your academic goals. As you step into the world, remember that life won’t always be easy. You may face hardships, trials, and setbacks. But God promises to strengthen you and sustain you.”

Blackburn addressed all of Saturday’s attendees to remind them of ETBU’s mission.

“Today, we celebrate your academic achievements, spiritual growth, and answered callings to serve,” Blackburn said. “As a Christ-centered university, ETBU has equipped you to become Christian servant leaders, ready to impact the world with the hope, love, and light of Jesus Christ. From this Hill and ETBU, we are sending you out as Kingdom leaders—educated, empowered, and emboldened to influence and impact people. May you carry the torch of faith and transform lives, for the glory of God.”