Great Commission Center

Marshall, Texas

Firm

BMA Architects

Client

East Texas Baptist University

Area

23,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$8,500,000

Completion Date

04/2023

Alyssa Rummel, Will Edwards

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Design team
Andrew Booher, AIA (Principal in Charge); Dr. J. Blair Blackburn (Project Executive); Cameron Burger (Construction Manager); Kendall Westbrook (Project Coordinator/Interior Designer); Robert Erickson (Landscape Designer)

With the completion of the Great Commission Center, East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) melds modern design with Classical Georgian collegiate architecture. The interior finishes reflect traditional elegance combined with a contemporary layout that invites student engagement. The striking and attractive color palette, complemented by appointed artwork, encourages creativity, innovation and collaboration. Inspired by Baker Library at Harvard University, the Great Commission Center housing the Fred Hale School of Business stands at the forefront of the ETBU campus. The academic facility has become a symbol for quality Christian education, servant leadership, ethics, and excellence in business leadership throughout the East Texas region. This beautiful, iconic building accommodates the growing student body of ETBU with a large lecture hall, medium-sized classrooms, conference meeting rooms, collaborative lab, and dedicated space for individual and group study.

The Great Commission Center houses the university’s Office of Career Development, bridging students from academic study to career preparation to vocational placement. The Great Commission Center Program serves as a catalyst for teaching students by promoting missions and ministries, preparing individuals for serving, and providing opportunities for service and ministry locally and globally. The Great Hall, on the top floor of the center, is the centerpiece for Christian scholarship, business leadership programming, performing arts, worship activities and community life enrichment. It fulfills the university’s need for expanded, multipurpose event space.

The Great Hall features shaker-style wainscoting and crystal chandeliers, providing a transitional design that complements the building’s traditional architectural exterior.