GIVE DAY | FEATURE | Dominick Williams (FB)

Dominick Williams is an All-ASC first-team and D3football.com All-Region defensive end starting for two years on the ETBU football team. He has 10.5 career sacks and helped ETBU to a 6-4 season in 2024. 

For Dominick Williams, East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) is more than just a school; it's a community that feels like home and one that he is incredibly grateful for and proud to represent.

"It feels like I'm at home, and everyone knows each other. I love the campus. The campus is beautiful, and the people are very generous. We have great teachers and classes, and the atmosphere is amazing. ETBU is a great place to be," Williams said. 

Williams, an ETBU Tigers football team member, is one of many student-athletes who have benefited from donors' generosity. With Give Day just around the corner, Williams shared why he thinks ETBU is unique and why people should consider donating to the university.

A PLACE OF GROWTH AND FAITH

Williams, a native of Dallas, Texas, chose ETBU for its scenic campus and genuine and sincere community. The university's emphasis on faith and servant leadership has profoundly impacted Williams' life, both on and off the field.

"I think God has impacted me in a way at ETBU that I don't truly know yet, but I do know that God has kept me at ETBU for several reasons, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else and have chosen to go anywhere else because I would have missed out on so many great opportunities just from being here," Williams said.

Williams credits ETBU for helping him grow in his faith and stepping into the role of a leader, especially on the football field. The university's supportive environment has allowed him to come out of his shell and lead by example, showing younger players what it means to be a Tiger.

"I have stepped into the light of being a leader, especially on the football field and within football, just being around all the younger guys and just showing them what I know and just being able to lead by example is just really what I like to do," Williams said.

A COMMUNITY OF HELP AND SUPPORT

Academics have also played a significant role in Williams' journey at ETBU. The university provides access to help for classes, ensuring student-athletes can maintain a good GPA while balancing their sports commitments.

"One of the huge things that ETBU has given me during my time here is access to help for classes. There's just so many opportunities and ways that I can get help if I need it," Williams said.

Williams also appreciates the mindset of the ETBU community, where everyone is willing to help others, even if they don't know them personally. This emphasis on helping others has been a guiding principle in Williams' life at ETBU.

"There's a lot of help in this. Everyone has a mindset of helping and helping everyone around you," Williams said. He added, "ETBU has helped me grow and evolve as a great football player and a great man. I'm grateful for the coaches, teammates, and everyone in the ETBU community who has been there for me through everything.

A CALL TO ACTION

ETBU's commitment to its students is evident in its facilities, which Williams describes as some of the best at the NCAA Division III level. The university's facilities, including the HealthPlex, allow student-athletes to get the work they need to succeed in their respective sports.

"Having excellent facilities as an athlete is one of the best things we have access to at ETBU because it allows us to get quality workouts wherever and whenever we can. Having those facilities is key to our success in everything we do," Williams said.

With Give Day approaching, Williams encourages others to consider donating to ETBU. He believes any donation would go to a great cause and help the university continue providing for its students.

"I would say anyone thinking of giving to ETBU, I highly encourage it because your donation would be beneficial," Williams said. "ETBU does an amazing job at giving back to the students, whether for scholarships, new facilities, or new buildings. ETBU is a great place, and I wouldn't want to be elsewhere."

For Williams, ETBU is more than just a school; it's where he has grown in his faith, become a servant-leader, and received the support he needed to succeed. He proudly calls it home and hopes others will consider supporting it on Give Day.