Betty Etier had an unwavering commitment to college athletics and student-athletes. As an associate professor and faculty athletic representative during a 38-year tenure at Huston-Tillotson University (Texas), she was a leader at the national, regional and local levels. She served as president of the NAIA Faculty Athletics Representative Association, President and Charter Member of NAIA Alumni, and as a leader for the NAIA's National Eligibility Committee, Gender Equity Committee, Council of FARs and Constitutional Bylaw Committee. Etier helped shape many aspects of the NAIA and RRAC, and she was always eager to help and mentor others.

​Etier was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame – not once, but twice – for Administration (1998) and Meritorious Service (2001). In 2001, she became the first recipient of the Wally Schwartz Award, given to the NAIA FAR of the Year then and every year since. Etier contributed her time as both the NAIA Region VI and RRAC Eligibility Chair.

Etier was instrumental in the establishment of the RRAC and the structuring of its constitution and bylaws at the conference's inception in 1998. She played a key role in conference decisions throughout the early years of the RRAC and the time leading up to her passing in 2016.

Posthumously, the RRAC Character Athlete of the Year award was renamed the Etier Award in her honor. 

"She was an outstanding individual who loved the NAIA, the Red River Athletic Conference, and all students involved in those organizations," RRAC Commissioner Tony Stigliano shared. "She is deeply missed by everyone."

In 1978, Etier began her career as an adjunct professor at HT, and she was subsequently hired as an instructor of business in 1979. She progressed to serving as Associate Professor of Kinesiology. She was twice recognized for exemplary teaching at a United Methodist-related institution of higher education, and she was a two-time recipient of the President's Faculty Achievement Award. She was the author of two textbooks and served as a U.S. Ambassador and delegate for the Women in Sports Delegation conference in Cuba.

Etier earned a Master and Bachelor of Science, Health, Physical Education and Recreation degree from the University of North Texas.

NAIA Hall of Fame (Administration) - 1998

NAIA Hall of Fame (Meritorious Service) - 2001

NAIA Wally Schwartz Award (nation's top FAR)

RRAC Eligibility Chair (1998-2016)