Educational & Civic
Higher education events and activities abound in Marshall. Home to a number of post-secondary institutions including East Texas Baptist University, Wiley College, Panola College and Texas State Technical College, there is always something going on for visitors of all ages.
East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) traces its origins to the two-year College of Marshall, which held its first classes in the summer of 1917. In 1944, the school was re-organized as a four-year institution and the name was changed. University status was achieved later. ETBU currently awards ten different degrees with 30 majors and 34 minors offered through its seven schools of study. Athletic programs include football, basketball for men and women, soccer, cross-country running, men's baseball and women's volleyball and softball. The university is affiliated with NCAA Division III of the American Southwest Conference.
The University has a student enrollment of 1,350. A multi-million dollar capital expansion includes the restoration of Scarborough Memorial Chapel, built circa 1947. ETBU was ranked eighth in the Western region for best value among comprehensive baccalaureate colleges in 2003 by U.S. News and World Report's America's Best Colleges. ETBU may be contacted by calling (800) 804-ETBU, (903) 935-7963 or www.etbu.edu.
Wiley College has the distinction of being the oldest accredited historically black institution of higher learning west of the Mississippi River. The Methodist Episcopal Church founded it in 1873. The four-year institution continues to serve students primarily from the eastern region of Texas, southwestern Oklahoma, western Louisiana and southwestern Arkansas, as well as consistently attracting students from throughout the United States and several foreign countries.
The college is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Wiley is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division I, and the Red River Conference. Wiley may be contacted at (903) 927-3300 or www.wileyc.edu.
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) operates from two campuses on Highway 59 South. Classrooms and administration are located primarily at the northern campus, while apartment-style student housing and technical laboratories are located in newer structures further south. TSTC opened the doors to education in new and emerging technologies in 1992.
With more than 600 students currently enrolled in 26 certificate and degree programs, the college has a reputation for providing industry-standard instruction and customized workforce training. TSTC offers continuing education courses via the Internet and in the classroom. Day and evening classes are conducted in state-of-the-art facilities, while dual college credit courses are available free of charge to high school students. The college is currently involved in a $2.1 million expansion that will add a 10,826-square-foot library and a 15,651-square-foot enrollment, management and administration building. Through its reasonable tuition structure and financial aid services, TSTC ensures that technical education opportunities are available to those who wish to obtain two-year, associate degrees. TSTC may be contacted at (903) 935-1010, (888) 382-8782 or www.marshall.tstc.edu.