College plans for 16 high school graduates from New London, Texas, are in flux after a promise of a free-ride at East Texas Baptist University has not happened. West Rusk High School seniors were told in May that a Houston area man would pay their way to the school if they chose to enroll.
The private, Christian university in Marshall, Texas, did not know of the offer by filmmaker Nicholas Sturghill until a media report surfaced. Spokesman Mike Midkiff said Friday that ETBU’s president met with the families late last week to encourage them to get their financial aid in order.
“We are hopeful that this scholarship will be funded. Of course, we understand with this amount of money, it takes awhile for someone to get their financial package in order for a great gift like this. So we’re hopeful that this process will continue, and it will be funded," Midkiff said.
Midkiff said the contribution would need to be around $500,000 in order to pay for the students to attend ETBU in their first year. He said they have until July 31 to make a payment toward their fall tuition. The semester begins Aug. 19.
