East Texas Baptist University President is Resigning

MARSHALL — The president of East Texas Baptist University in Marshall is resigning. Dr. Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver has announced he is stepping down to become president of Union University located in Jackson, Tennessee effective June 1. The Board of Trustees has called a special meeting for today to select a Presidential Search Committee that will immediately begin a search for Oliver’s Successor.

“East Texas Baptist University is a special place and it’s not easy to contemplate leaving the good work Susie and I have here. However, we desire to exercise the utmost responsiveness to God’s call, and to be willing to follow Him wherever He leads,” remarked Dr. Oliver in an e-mail to the campus community. “We have been blessed beyond measure by the many relationships we have formed during our time at ETBU and in Marshall. We remain confident that God will continue the many good things happening at ETBU.”

A native of San Antonio, Oliver has been the ETBU president since 2009. During Dr. Oliver’s time at ETBU, major campus additions and improvements have included the construction of the new 32,000 square foot Ornelas Student Center as well as the complete remodeling of the former student center into the Bennett Student Commons. Currently under construction is Centennial Hall, a new 362 bed living learning center, that will be ready for occupancy this fall. Also, the construction of a new tennis complex is being evaluated. In addition to building projects, the University has also added four new graduate programs in Education, Religion, Counseling, and Business which help further the mission and vision of ETBU.