[Perspective] Seven years of faithful progress: celebrating God’s goodness at WBU

On April 2, 2025, I marked my seventh anniversary as president of Williams Baptist University. When Joy and I arrived on this campus in 2018, we could not have anticipated the journey God had prepared—for us, for this community, and for this extraordinary university. Over the past seven years, we have seen the unmistakable hand of God—guiding, providing, and transforming every area of WBU. What has unfolded is nothing short of a testimony to His faithfulness. 

From the beginning, I was inspired by the words of our founder, Dr. H.E. Williams, who described this institution as “a Campus of Christian Purpose.” That phrase has been our compass, pointing us toward the high calling God has placed on this university. It is both our heritage and our mission—to be distinctly Christ-centered in all we do. 

A Renewed Mission for a New Era 

A major milestone came in 2024 when the university adopted a renewed mission statement: Williams Baptist University exists to cultivate Christ-centered leaders who make a difference through their life work. This mission serves as the lens through which we shape strategies, develop programs, and guide students. This statement not only embodies an affirmation of our historical commitment to this mission, but it also reflects a deepening of our theological identity and a sharpening of our institutional purpose. 

We also introduced The Williams Way, a leadership formation model that defines five distinct traits we seek to instill in our students: 

• Christ-centered purpose 

• Unwavering tenacity 

• Courageous faith 

• Selfless sacrifice 

• Work as mission 

These biblical, historically rooted traits now direct our culture, curricula, and student development strategies. 

Williams Works: A Model for Christian Higher Education 

Perhaps the most transformative initiative in these seven years has been the launch of Williams Works, a bold and biblically grounded approach to Christian higher education. In response to the rising costs of college, WBU stepped out in faith to offer students an alternative: the opportunity to work their way through school, earn their education, and potentially graduate debt-free. 

But the heart of Williams Works goes far beyond affordability. Rooted in a biblical theology of work, the program helps students understand work as both worship and mission. Our students gain real-world experience and learn a Christian work ethic while being discipled in what it means to glorify God through their work. 

Student employment options now include: 

• University-owned enterprises like Eagle Farms, the meat processing facility, the Hotel Rhea, the egg production facilities, Williams Corner, and Eagle Landscaping & Lawn Service. 

• Community partners such as WatersEdge bookkeeping, Bosch Manufacturing, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Rotorcraft Fabrication, and Fresh Ideas Food Service. 

• Campus positions in academics, student services, athletics, maintenance, and more. 

In recognition of this pioneering model, WBU received a $1.9 million HIRED Grant from the State of Arkansas to expand our workforce and academic programs. We are now considered a national leader among faith-based work-colleges. 

Academic Growth and Innovation 

Over the past seven years, we have strategically expanded academic offerings to meet emerging needs while remaining rooted in rigorous, Christ-centered instruction. Our newest program, a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, integrates business, sustainability, and precision agriculture with biblical worldview education—making it one of the first of its kind among Baptist universities in our region. 

Our top academic programs—biology/pre-med, education, business, psychology, Christian ministry, and sports management—continue to thrive. We’ve added two graduate degrees in education and significantly expanded music and performing arts, including a university concert band, a jazz ensemble, a praise/worship band, and an Americana group—worthy additions to complement our historic Williams Singers. 

In addition to Bible survey courses, every WBU student is required to take a Christian worldview course. Our faculty are committed to integrating faith into every discipline, ensuring that intellectual formation is always grounded in biblical truth. 

Financial Strength and Campus Development 

God has graciously provided for WBU through the generosity of our donors and partners. We’ve seen record-breaking fundraising, growth in our endowment, and significant capital improvements. 

Major support from the Mabee Foundation, Tekla Research, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Governor Sanders’ HIRED Workforce initiative, as well as gifts from foundations, donors, and alumni, have helped fund: 

• Renovation of Startup Chapel, Sulcer Cafeteria, and the Eagle Grill & Student Lounge 

• Creation of the Bob G. Magee Music Suite and a student picnic pavilion 

• Workforce infrastructure, including two state-of-the-art greenhouses, two egg-production facilities, a retail storefront, a meat processing plant, and commercial-grade landscaping and farm equipment 

• Renovation of the science and computer labs, improved technology infrastructure, and education technology equipment for every student 

We are now in a capital campaign to raise funds to build the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation Wellness Center—a state-of-the-art student recreation and wellness facility. The soon-to-be-built Kevin Wilcutt Memorial Garden will add a “Pick-Your-Own” component to Eagle Farms, honoring the legacy of a beloved Marine veteran and Williams Works supporter. 

Student Formation and Spiritual Vitality 

Despite national declines in higher education enrollment, WBU continues to grow—both in numbers and in depth. Our students excel academically, compete at high levels in athletics, and live lives marked by faith, integrity, and service. 

We’ve celebrated national and conference titles, All-American athletes, Academic All-American honors, and NAIA Champions of Character recognitions. Our alumni serve in education, healthcare, ministry, agriculture, business, public service, law enforcement, and more—across Arkansas and beyond. 

Most importantly, our students are growing in Christ. Chapel has become a treasured rhythm of weekly worship. Mission trips, discipleship groups, and service opportunities abound. Through initiatives like the LifeWork Podcast, we are equipping pastors and followers of Christ to understand how faith intersects with vocation. 

The Journey Continues 

Seven years is a milestone—but not a conclusion. The challenges facing Christian higher education are great, but our calling is greater. We are expanding articulation agreements with high schools and building new partnerships with workforce leaders and church communities across Arkansas. 

We remain steadfast in our mission: to raise up Christ-centered leaders who will make a difference through their life work. 

A Child of Providence 

Williams Baptist University has always been a child of providence. Founded in a time of war and economic hardship, it has endured fires, trials, and countless challenges. And yet, again and again, God has sustained us through faithful men and women—faculty, staff, trustees, students, alumni, and friends. 

As I look back over these seven years, I am filled with gratitude—for God’s goodness, for the people who labor so faithfully, and for the privilege of leading this great university. 

May the Lord continue to bless Williams Baptist University. May we remain, as we have always been, a Campus of Christian Purpose. And may we never cease to raise up transformational leaders who live and lead in the Williams Way. 

That is our calling. That is our story. That is the Williams Way.