Marshall EDC presented with Good Samaritan Award / Texas EDC

East Texas Baptist University recently presented the Good Samaritan Award to Marshall Economic Development and its executive director, Rush Harris, during the Good Samaritan Award & Scholarship Dinner.

Community members, alumni, students, faculty, and friends of the university gathered to honor MED, its board of directors and Harris during the annual event designed to spotlight community leaders and celebrate scholarship support.

“We are thankful for the alumni, donors, and community partners who joined us to honor Marshall Economic Development and Executive Director Rush Harris while also raising funds for student scholarships,” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. “Your contributions that come tonight enable these students to receive a Christ-centered education, an education through the integration of faith and learning.”

Inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25–37, the Good Samaritan Award recognizes residents and organizations who exemplify Christ’s commandment to “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:27).

Established in 1991 by Marshall residents and City Commission members, MED has served the city and Harrison County through initiatives to attract new business, strengthen existing industries and invest in long-term economic growth, ETBU said in a statement.

“Through impactful partnerships, grant programs, and development efforts, MED has played a vital role in elevating the region’s economic standing across East Texas while investing deeply in workforce development, education, and entrepreneurship,” ETBU said. “Under the leadership of Marshall native Rush Harris, MED has expanded its commitment to the community through innovative, forward-thinking programs designed to ensure a strong, sustainable economic future for the region. Harris leads with a deep passion for Marshall and East Texas, demonstrating excellence and servant leadership in economic and workforce development.”