Alumni & Friends Publication of Williams Baptist University
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Alumni & Friends Publication of Williams Baptist University
PAGE 4
Dr. Stan Norman: 7th President of WBU
A veteran of Baptist higher education has taken the helm
as the seventh president of Williams Baptist University.
PAGE 2
It’s Official!
THE NAME CHANGE IS COMPLETE AND IT
IS OFFICIAL—WBC IS NOW WBU.
With continued advancements in the field of higher
education, updating the name to reflect the school’s
current status just made sense.
PAGE 6 PAGE 9 PAGE 4
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
06 Fraley Leads Williams Wrestling
07 Williams Expands Program Offerings
09 WBU Dedicates New Facilities
10 Around Campus
16 Letter from the President
SUMMER 2018
VOLUME 27 // ISSUE 1
DR. STAN NORMAN: 7TH PRESIDENT OF WBU
By Dr. Brett Cooper // Vice President for Institutional Advancement
A veteran of Baptist higher education
has taken the helm as the seventh
president of Williams Baptist University.
will help extend and expand the influence and
impact of Williams throughout the South.
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary,
Southwest Baptist University and Oklahoma
Baptist University assured us that he was
Dr. R. Stanton “Stan” Norman was elected “It will be a privilege to watch, cheer, and pray well qualified,” Magee commented.
for Stan and Joy Norman and the Williams
president in March by the Williams Board of
community in the days to come,” Dockery said. Norman earned his bachelor’s degree at
Trustees, and he took office in early April.
Criswell College in Dallas, and he holds
“Dr. Stan Norman is a stellar example of a rare both a Master of Divinity and a Ph.D. in
“I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know breed in academia. He is a brilliant scholar systematic theology from Southwestern
the people and the Williams campus, and I’m in his field of theology, and he is terrific in Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth.
learning the rich history of WBU,” Norman said. the classroom. While on the faculty at New
“What I am finding is a university with a distinctly Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, he He said he will strive to maintain and
Christian mission, which it takes very seriously. was one of our most popular professors. He build upon the Christian commitment
My wife, Joy, and I feel tremendously blessed by has outstanding administrative gifts and a at the heart of Williams.
God that we were called here, and I look forward close connection with Southern Baptists,
to helping Williams move boldly into the future.” knowing our churches very, very well. With ”In this regard, I will work to enhance the
Dr. Stan Norman at the helm, great days are vibrant, relevant mission of the university.
Norman has worked in Baptist higher education ahead for Williams Baptist University,” said I intend to develop strategic plans and
since 1996 as both a professor and administrator. Dr. Chuck Kelley, president of NOBTS. structures to ensure the ongoing viability
He comes to Williams from Oklahoma Baptist and growth of Williams. I will also work
University, where he has served for the past Dr. Sonny Tucker is executive director of to identify and implement initiatives and
nine years as provost and executive vice the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, programs that creatively and effectively expand
president. He also worked at several other which owns and operates Williams. He also the influence and impact of the university
Baptist institutions, and he served previously extended a warm welcome to Norman. regionally and globally,” he commented.
as a pastor at three churches in Texas.
“I hope to work with the WBU community to strengthen and grow the efforts of the university to transform the lives of students
to embrace their vocations as callings of excellence and who view their vocations as platforms for ministry and witness.”
J.R. Cox, chair of the WBU Board of Trustees, “I am incredibly excited about Stan Norman The new president said he is working to
said the presidential search committee realized joining Williams Baptist University and the learn the overall operations at Williams
quickly that Norman was the right choice to Arkansas Baptist family. Stan is a delightful as quickly as possible, and he wants to
lead Williams. “In our conversations with person who brings strong leadership skills and launch a collaborative effort to develop
Dr. Norman, our committee was struck with an impressive background to the helm of WBU. goals for the next three to five years.
the sense that he and his wife are simply a Stan’s wife, Joy, is a gracious, wonderful lady
great fit for Williams, and we are convinced the and will be well received by the university’s “I hope to work with the WBU community
Lord brought them to us,” Cox commented. family and this state. Stan will continue and build to strengthen and grow the efforts of the
upon the impressive work of WBU’s previous university to transform the lives of students
Norman’s hiring was heralded by leaders in presidents and lead the university to continued to embrace their vocations as callings of
the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. David significant Kingdom impact,” Tucker said. excellence and who view their vocations as
Dockery, former president of Union University, platforms for ministry and witness,” he noted.
nominated Norman for the presidency at The search committee was led by Dr. Bob Magee,
Williams and voiced excitement at his selection. music professor and chair of the Department of Norman is a Durant, Okla., native. He
Fine Arts at Williams. Magee said Norman was and Joy have three grown sons.
“Stan Norman is a gifted educator and faithful nominated for the presidency by Dockery, and
Christ follower who will serve Arkansas he then agreed to be considered for the position. He replaces Dr. Tom Jones, who served
Baptists and the Williams Baptist University as president for five and a half years
community well. He is committed to a vision “Our committee was looking for someone before leaving for a position with the
of a distinctively Christ-centered education with extensive leadership and administrative California Baptist Foundation last fall.
that will inspire faculty, staff, and students. I qualities, as well as experience in an academic
truly believe that Stan Norman will bring setting. Dr. Norman’s years at Criswell
quality leadership to the work at Williams that College, Charleston Southern University,
2 FORWARD // SUMMER 2018 FORWARD // SUMMER 2018 3
IT’S
OFFICIAL!
MIDKIFF & STARTUP
The name change is complete and it is official—
WBC is now WBU.
Receive Professor Emeritus Status
A fter making the announcement last
fall, Williams Baptist University has
spent the past several months updating
Makayla Marshall, who graduated in May with a
degree in Christian ministries. “For me, it means
that I can say I graduated from an amazing
communicates more accurately what Williams
truly is. The time was right to make this change,
and the response has been very exciting.”
“Dr. Williams was a lifelong learner, a world
traveler and a student of history and the
Bible. He envisioned Williams taking the
T wo beloved Williams Baptist University “Dr. Midkiff has taught for 43 years with
pillars, Dr. Sheri Midkiff and Dr. Kenneth genuine passion and presented the content
Startup, ended the 2017-2018 school of her courses in a dynamic fashion,” said
the campus, logo, signage, web address, college that will now be an amazing university. Gospel to the world, and he advocated that year by beginning their retirement. In Dr. Brad Baine, vice president for academic
We are at the end of something great, but it is Williams has three academic divisions, more training men and women in education, affairs at Williams. “During her years of
stationery, social media and everything else honor of their dedication to Williams, both
only the beginning of something greater.” than 25 bachelor’s degree majors, and will business, the sciences and the arts and service, she has put forth extraordinary
that might show the former college name. professors were given the title of professor
launch its Master of Science in Education humanities were all part of reaching the efforts in all her institutional responsibilities.
emeritus. Midkiff is retiring after 43 years
The decision to change the institution’s program this fall. The MSE is the university’s world for Christ. Moving from college to Dr. Midkiff has truly provided distinguished
of service to Williams, and Dr. Startup
“As Williams Baptist University, we have a name came after more than two years of second graduate degree, joining the Master of university will help us advance the Gospel.” and meritorious service to the university.”
spent more than 35 years at WBU.
bold new platform from which to launch planning, and was influenced by the belief Art in Teaching program, which is well into its
the next generation of leaders,” said WBU that becoming a university would more second year of existence. WBU also fields 19 Williams was founded as Southern Baptist Over the course of his time at Williams, Startup
President Dr. Stan Norman. “The new name accurately depict the institution Williams has varsity, and three junior varsity, athletic teams. College in 1941. While it operated as a Awarding the title professor emeritus enables served as a professor of history, chair of the
lets the world know that Williams is preparing become. With an added graduate program junior college in its early years, it moved Williams to acknowledge faculty who have history department, chair of the Division
students for all sorts of vocations, whether and continued advancements in the field of No matter the growth, however, Williams has to four-year status in 1984. Its name was provided meritorious and longstanding service of Arts and Sciences, and spent many years
it’s the classroom, the operating room, the higher education, updating the name to reflect held fast to devotion to the Lord, which has changed to Williams Baptist College, in to the university. Any member of the faculty as the vice president for academic affairs.
boardroom, or any other place of work. They’re the school’s current status just made sense. made it a pillar of Christian higher education honor of founder Dr. H.E. Williams, on the who retires after 20 years of full-time service He concluded his career as the interim
being equipped to work, to lead and to make for more than 76 years. In other words, WBU is college’s 50 th anniversary in 1991. The move to WBU, with a minimum rank of assistant president. WBU’s historic WWII era chapel
a difference in this world for Christ.” “We studied the idea of a name change decidedly committed to producing exceptional to Williams Baptist University is only the professor, and who has rendered “distinguished will now be named Startup Chapel, in honor
extensively, and we found that Williams had graduates prepared to engage local and global second name change in the school’s history. and meritorious services” to the university, of Startup’s leadership at Williams.
For the most part, Williams operated as actually been functioning like a university for cultures through a Christ-centered worldview. may be appointed professor emeritus.
Williams Baptist College throughout the 2017- a number of years,” said Dr. Brett Cooper, vice “Dr. Startup has been an exceptional faculty
2018 year. Commencement, which was held in president for institutional advancement. “Dr. Williams would be so enthusiastic about the Midkiff spent her time at Williams as a professor member and leader for Williams for the last 35
May, was the last event as a college, and the college becoming a university,” noted Professor of English. Along with professor emeritus, a new years,” added Baine. “He has earned the highest
name change became official this summer. “Williams has a wide range of academic Jerry Gibbens, who is chair of the department scholarship has been created in honor of Midkiff’s compliments from his students and colleagues,
offerings, a large and growing resident of English and communication arts and has legacy and service to the institution. WBU due to his teaching, leadership and commitment
“To be in the last graduating class as Williams student population and is adding its second just completed his 51st year at Williams. has established the Dr. Sheri Midkiff English to the university on and off campus. As attested
Baptist College is a surreal aspect to grasp,” said graduate program. The name change simply Scholarship, an endowed scholarship for select by the faculty and staff, Dr. Startup has devoted
English and English education majors at Williams. 35 years of superior service to Williams.”
“Williams has a wide range of academic offerings, a large and growing resident If you wish to contribute to the
student population and is adding its second graduate program. The name Midkiff Scholarship endowment,
change simply communicates more accurately what Williams truly is. The time visit williamsbaptistuniversity.com/
giving-online.
was right to make this change, and the response has been very exciting.”
Be sure to designate your gift to the
“Sheri Midkiff Scholarship.”
You can also mail gifts to the address
below or call (870) 759-4108 for
more information.
WBU Institutional Advancement
56 McClellan Dr, Box 3736
Walnut Ridge, AR 72476
LEFT: Dr. Kenneth Startup
RIGHT: Dr. Sheri Midkiff
4 FORWARD // SUMMER 2018 FORWARD // SUMMER 2018 5
FRALEY LEADS
WILLIAMS WRESTLING
to Third Place National Finish
WILLIAMS EXPANDS
By Shane Stolz (’09) // Assistant Athletic Director & SID
PROGRAM OFFERINGS
F or the second straight season, the
Williams Baptist University wrestling
program had an individual win an NAIA
The first period was back and forth with Fraley
gaining the edge early with a takedown. However,
after an escape Weber took Fraley down to gain
Demetrius Thomas wrestled his way to a
second place finish in the 285 lb. weight class.
The sophomore lost 8-4 in the final against
WBU continues to expand
its academic offerings.
The university is preparing to offer its
bachelor’s degree in education and wish to
further their education, according to Baine.
Marketing. The two additions bring the total
number of undergraduate majors at WBU to 27.
National Championship. This year’s a 3-2 advantage. Next, Fraley escaped, which left top seeded Dean Broghammer. Thomas second master’s degree, the Master “For nearly 30 years, WBU has offered Baine noted that the marketing degree will be one
the score tied at three after one period wrestled. finished the year with a record of 27-4. He a high quality undergraduate degree in of three majors offered in the field of business
competition was held in Des Moines, Iowa, of Science in Education (MSE), and
was named AMC Wrestler of the Year to go teacher education. Therefore, over the years, at Williams, along with business administration
where Tyler Fraley swept through the 141 lb. it is also adding bachelor’s degrees in
There was only one point scored in the second along with All-American honors this season. many graduates of the Williams Teacher and finance. “The BS in Marketing degree
weight class bracket to claim his first criminal justice and marketing. All the
period. Weber chose to start down, and came Education Program have been prepared to will provide students a solid preparation in
national championship, and the team’s degrees will be launched this year.
out with an early escape to garner a 4-3 lead The Eagles finished in third place as a team. be highly effective educators,” he said. advertising, sales and social media marketing,
second in as many years. His victory helped going to the third period. The final period of This is the highest they have ever finished providing them with the skills and knowledge for
lead the team to a third place national finish, regulation was a mirror of the second period after finishing in fourth a season ago. WBC “Since 1941, Williams has a longstanding Baine noted that the MSE program is for many meaningful career opportunities,” he said.
the highest in school history. with Fraley starting out down and escaping scored 86.5 points in the tournament. Fraley tradition of providing an excellent education educators who are looking to improve
to tie the score at four. Fraley came close to led the team with 22.5 points, followed for its students. Until recently, that quality their pedagogical practices, in order to Williams launched its online criminal justice
“I have been blessed to be a part of such a sealing the match in regulation as he was by Thomas (19.5), Nicholas Drendel (17.5), education has been primarily delivered through improve the learning of K-12 students. program for professionals already working in law
wonderful group of guys. Though there were 11 close to a take down in the final seconds of Joshua Chiles (17), Kyle Lee (4.0), Jaitlan on-campus courses and degree programs, and enforcement last year, and a strong interest for an
guys in this tournament, there were 37 guys at regulation, but a replay review ruled it was not Pitts (3.5), Ryan Whittle (1.0), Tanner Irwin there is considerable value in on-campus “With a rich history of producing exemplary on-campus degree plan for traditional students
home and in the stands that made this possible. two points, sending the match to overtime. (1.0), and Keion McVay with .5 points. teaching and learning practices,” noted Dr. Brad educators at the undergraduate level, Williams is prompted the development of the new program.
They have pushed each other past their limits Baine, vice president for academic affairs. now pleased to offer a top rate Master of Science
to get here. Third is an excellent finish and we In sudden victory overtime, the wrestlers Chiles and Drendel joined Fraley and in Education degree. The curriculum of the “Students with an interest in the field of criminal
are proud, but we will be back next season for start at neutral for a one minute period. Thomas as 2017-18 All-Americans. Chiles “However, the benefit and value of online MSE degree was developed by experienced and justice would benefit from the new BS in
another run at it,” said Head Coach Todd Allen. Whichever wrestler scores first, wins. Fraley finished in third place at the tournament, learning for today’s college student is accomplished Williams faculty,” Baine noted. Criminal Justice degree by being introduced
took Weber down, and there was a pause in while Drendel came in fourth. undeniable. Therefore, WBU has begun to to the many disciplines found throughout
The Eagles were competing for their last season the arena as the referees got together to ensure offer a variety of online courses and some Williams launched its first graduate degree, the field,” Baine said. “Students graduating
as WBC, with the school making the transition it was a two point move. They conferred and The wrestling program has proved to select online degrees for college students the Master of Arts in Teaching, last year. from the new program will be prepared to
to Williams Baptist University this summer. awarded Fraley with the points. The call be an NAIA force in its short history. In who are seeking a quality education that enter the field of criminal justice at any level
was confirmed with replay review moments four years, the program’s national honors is conducive to their learning needs.” Williams will also add two new bachelor’s degree of government, local, state or federal.”
Third seeded Fraley won his national later, sending Fraley, the fans and the WBC include 10 All-Americans, one Academic majors for its on-campus students. Starting this
championship match over Montana State- wrestling team into emotional celebrations. All-American and 34 national qualifiers. The MSE degree will be offered fully online fall, students can earn a Bachelor of Science
Northern University’s Matt Weber, who and will be available to those who have a in Criminal Justice or a Bachelor of Science in
was the fifth seed. The senior won with a This was the senior’s last match On the conference level, the Eagles have
takedown in sudden victory overtime after the dominated the American Midwest Conference
for the Eagles and his first NAIA
wrestlers were tied at four at the end of three awards. They have won three conference
National Championship. He
NEW DEGREES
periods. The final score of the match was a 6-4 championships to go along with receiving
decision in favor of the Freehold, N.J., native. graduated from Williams in May as these honors: Coach of the Year three Master of Science Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Science
a three-time All-American, three- times, AMC Wrestler of the Year three times, LAUNCHING THIS YEAR IN EDUCATION IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN MARKETING
“It feels good to finally get the job done. The time AMC Champion, AMC Wrestler one AMC Newcomer of the Year, and one
last two years I fell short of my goals, but AMC Freshman of the Year. They have also
of the Year (2017) and more. His
this year I finally made it. It was a hard produced 19 all-conference selections, as well
route, but I got it done,” said Fraley.
Williams career record is 65-6 for as 15 academic all-conference selections.
a win percentage of 91.5 percent.
The wrestling program has
proved to be an NAIA force in
its short history. In four years,
the program’s national honors
include 10 All-Americans, one
Academic All-American and
34 national qualifiers.
6 FORWARD // SUMMER 2018 FORWARD // SUMMER 2018 7
WBU DEDICATES
NEW FACILITIES
WBU
ADDS BAND!
W illiams Baptist University hosted
not one, but two campus facility
dedications last year. In November, the
relentless learner, formidable academician,
serious Christian, and his legacy is now
appropriately recognized in this gathering place
“The Butler family has been helping Williams
move forward for many decades, and it is
wonderful to see their ongoing commitment
Jerry D. Gibbens Atrium was dedicated as a for students, in this wonderful place for learning.” to WBU’s progress. This is a beautiful and
vital addition to the Williams campus. We
part of WBU’s homecoming festivities, and
Gibbens was joined by his wife, Barbara, and appreciate all the supporters who made
the newest campus residence, Belle Hall,
family members during the dedication ceremony. it possible,” said Dr. Brett Cooper, vice
had its official ribbon cutting in December.
president for institutional advancement.
W illiams Baptist University has a new worked for several years with the Delta Brigade Belle Hall is WBU’s newest residence hall, and
Drum & Bugle Corps. Gibbens Atrium, located in the Maddox Center, the 43-bed women’s facility began housing Members of the Butler family, local elected
band program, and the director to
is named in honor of Professor Jerry Gibbens, students last fall. The building was made possible officials, and Williams board members
go with it. Brady Massey, director of bands “Mr. Massey has proven success, due
A Little Rock native, he holds a bachelor’s who has completed more than 50 years of service in part by a $500,000 gift from the Jim Tom were present at the dedication.
at Pocahontas High School for the past to his tremendous ability to instruct to Williams. The Maddox Center and Gibbens Butler family of Harrisburg. Butler has been a
degree in music education from the University
two decades, will lead the Williams band and improve the skills of his band
of Central Arkansas and a master’s in music Atrium underwent major renovations last summer. member of the Williams Board of Trustees, and The $2.3 million project was completed
program as it launches this fall.
from Arkansas State University. In addition to members. Along with professional his family has supported the college for decades. debt-free. It was constructed by Clark
his lengthy tenure in Pocahontas, Massey has skills and abilities, he has a very Dr. Kenneth Startup, a longtime Gibbens The name for Belle Hall comes from his wife, General Contractors of Walnut Ridge, and
colleague, spoke at the dedication, saying, Connie Belle Butler, and her family, and has a Brackett-Krennerich & Associates Architects
“It’s exciting because it’s a new program for the worked with bands in Trumann, Hoxie and effective disposition, which will
university and a new adventure for me. The Jonesboro schools, as well as ASU. “Jerry Gibbens is a master teacher across rich history that extends many generations. of Jonesboro designed the building.
be invaluable for recruiting and generations, mentor to younger faculty,
university has really thought things through
and is committed to the success of the program,”
attaining quality band members
Massey said. “It’s a clean slate, and I’m excited for the Williams Baptist University
about what we can do with it.” band program.”
“It will begin as a concert band, and — DR. BRAD BAINE “Jerry Gibbens is a master teacher across generations, mentor to younger faculty, relentless learner, formidable
performances will be determined as we see the academician, serious Christian, and his legacy is now appropriately recognized in this gathering place for students,
program take shape. Until it’s a full-size band, in this wonderful place for learning.”
there will be performance opportunities for
chamber music and for small ensembles. The The Williams band has already signed multiple — DR. KENNETH STARTUP
plan is currently to utilize Manley Chapel as a musicians, and continues to recruit more. “With
venue,” he added. WBU offering such a top-notch education, and
with the establishment of band scholarships, I
Massey is experienced as a guest conductor, look forward to talking to people about joining
clinician and adjudicator for bands and me as a new part of the Williams family,”
competitions around the South and Southwest, Massey concluded.
and he is also a widely published composer and
arranger of band music. He is the director and
tour manager for the Arkansas Ambassadors of BRADY MASSEY
Music, a large touring ensemble, and he also WBU Band Director
8 FORWARD // SUMMER 2018 FORWARD // SUMMER 2018 9
AROUND CAMPUS ALUMNI NEWS Volume 27 // Issue 1
STAY UPDATED ON ALL THINGS WBU
AT williamsbaptistuniversity.com
MINORITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ESTABLISHED DEBBIE (LOCHRIDGE) SNOW (’87) and putters. Jeremy and Jamie live in Homer, KARI (BOOTHE) KINCADE (’08) ADAM ECKARD (’15) and NICOLE
and husband, Mike, have been married Ill., and are both volunteers at their local graduated ASU’s Diagnostic Medical (CORNES) ECKARD (’14) live in
Reggie Smith, a 1985 Williams alumnus, has launched the Reggie Smith Foundation for 19 years and have one daughter who is fire department and very active in the praise Sonography program with a BA in Paragould. Adam works at Annie Camp
Minority Scholarship for WBU students, and the foundation has announced its first 14 years old. Debbie teaches first grade. choir and day care ministries at their church. Radiological Sciences in 2010. She is Junior High School in Jonesboro. He
registered in abdomen and OB/GYN finished his M.Ed. in 2017 and is wrapping
class of recipients. Students who will receive the scholarship this fall are: Dara Britton TRACY (FREEMAN) HENDERSON GREG RICE (’02) is a real estate agent and is currently employed as an adjunct up his Ed.S. Nicole works at Families, Inc.
of Raytown, Mo., Travon Cobb of Dumas, Erik Mercado of Senath, Mo., Jada Olloway (’89) moved to Keweenaw Peninsula in the in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. His wife, instructor for ASU DMS and a part-time in Jonesboro. She finished her Masters
Upper Peninsula of Michigan in 2015 with her Lexi, is a teacher at Frisco ISD. They have registered sonographer at St. Bernard’s in Mental Health Counseling in 2016.
of Jonesboro and Ricardo Quintero of Caracas, Venezuela. “Looking back on my son, Austin. She is the assistant registrar at two children, Caleb (12) and Carly (10). OB/GYN Associates. She and her husband,
educational experiences, I wanted to see if we could help minority students who attend Finlandia University in Hancock, Michigan. Jace, have a two year old named Brison. CHARLOTTE ISOM (’15) is currently
HEATHER (DELAHUNT) MOORE (’04) working as a computer aid drafter,
Williams in getting access to some much needed financial assistance to continue their
KARL MEYER (’89) and RUTH and husband, Jacob, finalized the adoption of PAUL MCCARTY (’08) and HEATHER where she takes blue prints from AT&T
educational pursuit,” Smith said. Smith, who lives in the Dallas area, is a graduate of (MICHAU) MEYER (’93) are pre- their daughter Elizabeth Anne in November (PRATER) MCCARTY (’05) welcomed and converts them to the computer.
marital counselors for LifePoint Church,
Pocahontas High School. He is a US Army veteran, and for the past 24 years he has 2017. Heather continues to work as a physician their second child, Luke Elliot, in November
foster parents, and they manage a non- at UAMS in the Division of Palliative 2017. Samuel Haddon is the proud big brother. BRITTANY AUTRY (’16) will be
been in sales management within the pharma/biotech industry. He said he established profit clothing closet for foster kids. They Medicine. She and her family reside in Cabot. Heather is teaching part-time at Arkansas teaching preschool in Maynard, Ark.
the scholarship to assist and inspire a new generation of Williams students. Smith have 7 children, including 2 biological, 2 State University-Heber Springs and Paul
adopted and are fostering 3 to adopt. Their JADE (MOUNT) SIMPSON (’04) has is the music and youth pastor at West Side DENIECE BYERS (’16) is currently
said the foundation plans to select recipients and award the scholarships annually. daughter, Karly Meyer, attends WBU. been married to her husband, Casey, for 8 First Baptist Church of Greers Ferry. attending Union University as a part of
years. They have one daughter, Hallie Claire, their Master of Social Work program
CHRISTIE BRAY (’98) is in her 15th year who is three years old. Jade has taught for NOMSI (SHEZI) MOGOMUTSI (’08) is and will finish in May of 2020.
of teaching and is currently a high school 14 years and is currently teaching at Rector a high net worth private banker at Investec
ESL teacher. She is pursuing adoption Elementary, where she also teaches with Bank Limited in Cape Town, South Africa. REBECCA (CATO) HANSSEN (’16)
STOLZ NAMED AMC GOLF TOURNEY through China and will be bringing home two other WBU alumni. She also holds a graduated from Pepperdine University GSEP
SID OF THE YEAR A total of 21 teams hit the links Friday, May a child within the next two years. master’s degree in Educational Theory KRISTEN PEEVY (’09) recently moved, with a MA in Psychology. She and her husband
Shane Stolz was named this year’s American 18, for the annual Williams Baptist University and Practice. Jade and her husband enjoy and she now resides in Wharton, Texas. Shane Hanssen (’15) live in Ontario, Cal.
Midwest Conference Sports Information Golf Tournament. The tourney, which SHANE KNIGHT (’99) has been running their own cattle farm, as well.
chosen as the Vice President of Solid TIFFANY PICKETT (’11) is the recruitment TAYLOR ROBINSON (’16) graduated
Director (SID) of the Year. The award is benefits the Williams athletic department,
Waste for the Southeast Arkansas ALISHA (EVANS) STRIPLING (’05) communications coordinator at Ouachita with her Master of Social Work
given each year to an outstanding SID was held at Sage Meadows Country Club in
Economic Development District. He and and husband, Ryan, have two children, Baptist University in Arkadelphia. degree from Union University.
based on his or her performance during Jonesboro and netted nearly $16,000 for his wife, Andrea, live in Benton, Ark. Davis (5) and Anna Claire (2), and they
the previous year in the area of athletics WBU sports teams. Director of Athletics are expecting their third in August. CASEY WINSTEAD (’11) AND KATIE
communication and is voted on by SIDs Jeff Rider said most of the proceeds from JEREMY RICHARDS (’00) and JAMIE Alisha is currently working as an ESL (COBB) WINSTEAD (’09) have two
around the conference. “Shane has done an this year’s tourney will go toward the (RUSSOM) RICHARDS (’00) recently teacher for the Clinton School District. children, Taylor Beth (4) and Drew (1). Casey
incredible job of promoting our student- transition from college to university, celebrated their 20 th anniversary. Their son, is currently serving as the student pastor
Elijah, graduated high school this year and CHRIS COLLIER (’08) and SARAH at Second Baptist Church in Conway, AR.
athletes and our athletic teams,” said Jeff including WBU uniforms and new signage
will be attending Parkland College in the (DIXON) COLLIER (’09) recently
Rider, director of athletics at Williams. at Williams athletic facilities. First place
fall, majoring in Automotive Technology. purchased a home and celebrated their son CHARLIE STORMES (’13) is the physical
“He adds tremendous value to our athletic in A flight went to the team of Scott Jeremy has been the head of Physical education teacher, athletic director, and head
turning one year old. Chris is a Director
program. He is very deserving of the honor Gifford, Miles Gifford, Josh Wilson and Education for Prairieview-Ogden for the of Business Administration at Redeemer basketball coach at Southland High School in
of AMC Sports Information Director of the Trey Depriest. The team shot a 54, which last 18 years. He also runs a small business, Fellowship and Sarah is the human Cardwell, Mo.
Year, and I am very happy for him.” Stolz was 18 under par. Williams extends its Putter Spa, where he refinishes golf clubs resources director at a design firm.
is now eligible for the NAIA SID of the thanks to all participants and sponsors
Year, which will be named later this year. who helped make the event successful.
SPEAKES ESTATE GRADUATION
FRIENDS WE’LL MISS
WBU has established a new scholarship fund, Williams held its last graduation as
following a gift from the estate of the late a college in May, before completing Sunday School Class. She was a 1955 graduate husband of 49 years, Rev. Lendol Jackson by his parents; four brothers and one sister.
Mary Frances Speakes of Siloam Springs, Ark. its transition to WBU. Degrees were of Williams, and she also held degrees from and seven brothers and sisters. Survivors Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years,
East Texas Baptist University and Arkansas include her son, David (Shelia) Jackson (’82) Jan Battles Wesley (’73); two daughters, Sarah
Williams recently received $32,500 from awarded to 93 graduates during the
State University. Mrs. Jackson served for over of Fayetteville; daughter, Linda (Eric) Smith (Adam) Huckabee of Cave City and Rachel
the Speakes estate, to be applied toward 2018 commencement exercises, which
25 years as a professor and administrator, (’82) of Powhatan; two sisters, Nina Long of (Sid) Dodd of Cushman; five grandchildren,
scholarships for Williams students. Ms. were held Saturday, May 5, in front
including 15 years as Vice President for Michigan and Naomi Shaffer of Jonesboro; Mikayla (Kolton) Britt and Sadie Huckabee
Speakes died last year at the age of 95, and of a full Southerland-Mabee Center Student Development. Mrs. Jackson and her six grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren both of Cave City, Tristan, Cameron and
the Mary Frances Speakes Scholarship crowd. The graduates represented late husband, Lendol Jackson (’55), were both and several nieces and nephews. For lasting Jordan Dodd all of Cushman; a brother, Jerry
Fund has been established in her memory, 25 Arkansas counties, 13 states and prominent figures at Williams. Starting in memorials, the family asks that consideration Ray (Ruth Ann) Wesley of Witt, Ill.; several
benefiting students at WBU who need two nations. The commencement 1969, she taught health and physical education be given to Central Baptist Church, Williams nieces and nephews and a host of other
classes for 10 years, launching WBU’s first Baptist University or the Pregnancy Resource relatives and friends. He is also survived by
financial assistance. “We are deeply grateful address was delivered by Dr. Sheri
campus-wide intramural program. She went Center of Jonesboro. two very special friends, Michael D. Rice (’88)
to receive such a generous gift from the Midkiff, professor of English at
on to become the first female vice president of Ashland, Kentucky, and Dr. B. Michael
estate of Ms. Speakes and honored that Williams. Midkiff has retired after
at the school. She and her husband were DAVID WAYNE WESLEY, 66, of Cave Higginbottom (’68) of Cave City.
she would remember Williams Baptist 43 years of service to WBU, and she active with Arkansas Campers on Mission, City went to be with his Lord and Savior,
University in this way. It seems incredibly was honored at the ceremony for and she also did many mission trips outside Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 11, 2018, at
fitting that someone who touched countless her dedication to the institution. DOROTHY L. JACKSON , 86, of of the United States. She later worked for the the Cave City Nursing Home. He was born
Jonesboro passed from this life February 18, Pregnancy Resource Center of Jonesboro June 9, 1951, in Raleigh, Ill., to John Henry
students through her life would continue to Allison Elkins of Jonesboro,
2018, at Lawrence Hall Nursing Center. She for eight years. Mrs. Jackson enjoyed and Ethel (Miner) Wesley. He graduated
bless college students through her estate,” Ark., was recognized as the
was born November 5, 1931, in Greenway to camping, hunting, the outdoors, coaching from WBU (’73), Ouachita Baptist University,
said Dr. Brett Cooper, vice president for graduate with highest honors, the late William O. and Bessie I. Shaffer. Mrs. and sports. She also loved spending time Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary,
institutional advancement at Williams. graduating summa cum laude. Jackson was a pastor’s wife for 49 years. She with her family especially her grandchildren and in 2005 he graduated from Trinity
was a member of Central Baptist Church and great grandchildren. In addition to her Theological Seminary with a Doctorate of
and was very active with the Encourager’s parents, she was preceded in death by her Pastoral Ministries. He was preceded in death
10 FORWARD // SUMMER 2018 FORWARD // SUMMER 2018 11
WILLIAMS STUDENTS SPEND
SPRING BREAK IN HAITI DONORS & MEMORIALS
HERITAGE CLUB Mr. & Mrs. Jim Craig Dr. C. K. McFarland Mrs. Geraline Rider
These supporters have included Mr. & Mrs. Carl Deaton Mrs. Sue McGowan Mr. & Mrs. Harold “Butch” Roberts
WBU in their estate planning. Ms. Amanda Dixon Mr. & Mrs. Mike McNabb Rev. & Mrs. Doyne Robertson
Rev. & Mrs. Tom Doty Dr. & Mrs. David Moore Mr. & Mrs. Roy Runyan, Jr.
T welve WBU students made a selfless heart for the people of Haiti. I remember almost and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Mrs. Minnie Lea Caldwell Dr. & Mrs. Gary Edwards Mrs. Wanda Prince Rev. & Mrs. Elvis Smith
decision this spring break, spending immediately God showing me that we would The school’s Office of Campus Ministries Dr. O. C. Cooper Mrs. Lois Fisher Mr. & Mrs. Jay Shell Mrs. Jacqueline Stinnett
bring a group of college students here. Then on led trips locally, nationally and globally. Dr. Brett Cooper Mr. & Mrs. Steve Fowler Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Startup Ms. Eva Stobaugh
their hard-earned time off from school
spring break that calling came to fruition. It Mr. Brickelle Davis Mrs. Grace Fuller Mr. & Mrs. Kent Thompson Mrs. Doris Stotler
ministering to the people of Haiti.
was awesome to see college students totally sold “In Campus Ministries we seek to have an Acts 1:8 Mrs. Coday Fowler Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Gibbens Dr. & Mrs. Eric Turner Ms. Dana Strong
out to the Great Commission,” said Howell. approach for missions, and it was that trip in July Mr. & Dr. Earl Goatcher Mr. & Mrs. Rickey Goff Mr. & Mrs. Jim Williams Mr. Gary Taylor
Mrs. Omer Gross Mr. & Mrs. Hugh Hightower Mr. Jeffery Worlow Mr. & Mrs. Ron Taylor
“When you are following the Lord in obedience, of 2016 that God showed me that Haiti would be
Mrs. Bettye Jessen-Thrash Dr. & Mrs. Jeph Holloway Mr. & Mrs. Eggie Tedder
hardship and the unknowns become fellowship The students not only made the bold one of our ‘ends of the earth’ trips,” said Howell.
Mr. & Mrs. Von Johnston Mrs. Kathy Howell CENTURY CLUB Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Thomas
and the comfort of home. We were meant to decision to go on the trip but they
Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Jones Dr. & Mrs. C. A. Johnson $100 - $499 Mr. & Mrs. Larry Thompson
step out of our comfort zones and into the also raised their own support. Closer to home, Williams students shared the
Mrs. Francis Lambie Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Jones Mr. & Mrs. Donald Timms
will and work of the God that loves all and gospel by spending a weekend in West Helena,
Mr. & Mrs. Barney Larry Mr. & Mrs. Leroy Lacy Mr. & Mrs. John Allen Dr. & Mrs. Justin Towner
seeks for us to gather as one family at His “We all, as followers of Christ, Ark., where they hosted a 3-on-3 basketball
Lloyd & Carol Lewallen Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Andrews
Dr. & Mrs. Bob Magee Mrs. Cathy Tutt
table,” said WBU student Jack Wafler. talk about the calling to go and tournament and led worship for a new church
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Manley Mr. & Mrs. Cleo Massey Rev. & Mrs. Ledell Bailey Dr. RoseMary Weaver
plant. Nationally, they spent a few days in
“Haiti was an amazing trip. I learned so much
make disciples, but these students Brooklyn, N.Y., also helping a new church plant.
Mr. & Mrs. Willis Maxwell Mr. Paul Meier Mr. & Mrs. Brett Banks Ms. Rachel Weekley
Mr. & Mrs. Mike McNabb Mr. & Mrs. Royce Beard
about how God carried me through each situation actually lived it out as they stepped Mr. & Mrs. Paul Midkiff Ms. Megan Weick
Mrs. Wayne Meyer Mr. & Mrs. James Miller Dr. & Mrs. Duane Bolin Mr. & Mrs. Charles Weir
spiritually, mentally, and physically! God moved out of their comfort zone and As WBU student Garrett Shaffer put Dr. & Mrs. Steven Mullen Mr. & Mrs. Herby Branscum, Jr.
Mrs. Vickie Mitchell Mrs. Jan Wesley
in mighty ways on the trip and I got the chance followed wherever the Spirit led.” it, “The spirit of Christ is the spirit of Dr. & Mrs. Jack Nicholas Dr. Heather Moore Mrs. Dorothy Bridgman Mrs. Charlotte Wheeless
to see it all,” noted student Julie Foster. missions. The closer we get to Him, the Dr. & Mrs. Jerol Swaim Mr. G. Elmer Brown
Mr. & Mrs. John Mowery Mrs. Mary Wilder
Throughout the 2017-18 school year, WBU more intensely missional we become.” Dr. & Mrs. Eric Turner Mr. & Mrs. Mike Brown
Dr. & Mrs. Jack Nicholas Mrs. Virginia Wiles
Williams Director of Campus Ministries sought to reflect the command of Acts 1:8 to Mrs. Wilburn Van Cleve Mr. & Mrs. Robert Norvell Mr. Tim Brown Ms. Lu Rae Wilkins
Hayes Howell led the group. Also making “be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea Mrs. Duchess Cain Wayne Mrs. Nancy Pettit Mr. & Mrs. Gary Chipman Mr. & Mrs. William Wood
the trip was the campus nurse, Barbara Mrs. Ila Webb Mr. J. B. Presley Mr. Charles Crowson Xi Gamma Pi
Kee, and her husband, Darryl. Drs. Jim & Ann Webb Mr. & Mrs. Doyle Price Mr. Lloyd DeRamus Dr. & Mrs. Melvin York
Mr. James Luther Whitfield Regner Athletics, LLC Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Emfinger Mr. & Mrs. Timmy Yung
The WBU group spent their days high in the Steve & Melanie Williams Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Reinbolt Ms. Sarah Emfinger
Haitian mountains, in the village of Creve. There Dr. & Mrs. David Richardson Mrs. Kathy Evans TALON CLUB
the team ministered to the people by doing DIAMOND EAGLE CLUB Mr. & Mrs. Alan Risley Mr. Jerry Fenstermaker $1 - $99
evangelism in the schools, leading sports camps, $10,000 + Pat Roberts Mr. & Mrs. Ron Fielder
helping with the medical clinic and speaking Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Rogers Ms. Jimmie Fisher Ms. Meredith Ainley
Mrs. Darla Britt Mr. & Mrs. Joe Shell Mrs. Lisa Foley Mr. & Mrs. R. Scott Allison
and leading worship at local Haitian churches.
Mr. & Mrs. Garry Garner Mr. Johnny Shields Mr. Thomas Gibbs Mr. & Mrs. Robert Boucher
Mr. Edward Harthorn Mr. & Mrs. Larry Singleton Dr. & Mrs. Jeffery Ginn Mr. Henry Boyce
“The day after I accepted the position of Director
N.B. Harty Estate Mr. & Mrs. Tom Sloan Dr. Patricia Glascock Ms. Teresa Britt-Hutsell
of Campus Ministries I left for a mission trip to
Mr. & Mrs. David Russell Mr. & Mrs. Charles Snapp Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Gore Rev. & Mrs. Theodis Brown, Jr.
Haiti. The Lord began right then softening my
Mary Frances Speakes Rev Trust Ms. Kay Southerland Mrs. Omer Gross Mr. & Mrs. Harley Burke
Mrs. Doris Sulcer Ms. Lisa Stephens Mr. & Mrs. Michael Hart Mr. & Mrs. Victor Byrd
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Teague Mrs. Jim Tillman Mr. Don Heuer Mrs. Melinda Campbell
Clifford Toney Estate Dr. Emil Turner Dr. & Mrs. Benton Hewitt, Jr. Mrs. Glenda Cheatham
Steve & Melanie Williams Mrs. Brenda Vantrease Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Hinson Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Clayton
Dr. & Mrs. Brian Whitney Mr. & Mrs. Jack Hubbard Ms. Judy Cole
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE INAUGURATION OF EAGLE CLUB Mr. & Mrs. Dwight Williams Mr. & Mrs. John Jackson, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. William Cook
$5,000 - $9,999 Dr. & Mrs. Larry Jaques Mr. & Mrs. David Cooper
Ms. Jerry Ann Winters
Dr. Mark Karwal Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Cooper
Mr. & Mrs. J.R. Cox Ms. Barbara Kimble Rev. & Mrs. Bob Crabb
PATRON CLUB
Mr. & Mrs. Clint Emfinger $500 - $999 Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Kinard Ms. Tonda Crider
Rev. & Mrs. Robert Fielding
THE 7 TH PRESIDENT OF WILLIAMS BAPTIST UNIVERSIT Y Ms. Tina Kitchens Mr. & Mrs. F. Waylan Deen
Mr. & Dr. Earl Goatcher Dr. & Mrs. R. Andrew Allison Dr. & Mrs. Ted Lancaster Mr. Kevin Foster
Mrs. Raymond Jackson Dr. & Mrs. Brad Baine Mr. John Launius Mr. Jeff Fountain
MANLEY Mrs. Bettye Jessen-Thrash
FRIDAY Mr. Ryan Bauschlicher Mr. Dale Leatherman Mr. Jim Gibson
CHAPEL Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd McCracken Mr. & Mrs. Ken Brunt Mrs. Anna Laura Long Dr. & Mrs. Gary Gregory
Mr. & Mrs. Willard Whitlock Mr. Cary Chism Dr. & Mrs. John McHaney Mrs. Sherry Griffin
Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Corder Mrs. Cordia Metcalf Rev. Samuel Guenrich
We hope you will join us as Williams launches a bold new era of leadership. PRESIDENT’S CLUB Mrs. Janet Crabbe Mrs. Wayne Meyer Mrs. Faye Haney
$1,000 - $4,999
Mr. & Mrs. David Davis Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Midkiff Ms. Melinda Hannah
Mr. James Davis Dr. Sheri Midkiff Mr. Perry Harness
Mr. & Mrs. Martice Attaway
Mr. & Mrs. Carter Dryer Dr. Jimmy Millikin Mr. & Mrs. Rickey Hays
Rev. & Mrs. Raymond Atwood
Dr. & Mrs. Jeremy Dutschke Dr. & Mrs. Lance Monroe Mrs. Margaret Hilburn
CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE DEGREES!
Mrs. Carol Belford-Lewallen
Mrs. Evelyn Fender Mr. & Mrs. Alan Morgan Mrs. Pat Johnson
Mrs. Tonya Bolton
Kelly Fields Mr. & Mrs. Seabrook Morris Mr. & Mrs. Larry Jones
Ms. Karla Britt
Brad & Angela Flippo Mrs. Hannah Mullins Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kirk
Ms. Kayla Britt
Mrs. Brenda Fullen Mrs. Janette Murray Ms. Gloria Kirkpatrick
Ms. Kristin Britt
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Hale Dr. & Mrs. Walter Norvell Mr. Cade Liebhaber
Master of Arts in Teaching & Mrs. Peggy Caldwell
Dr. & Mrs. Steve Harthorn Mrs. Mary Pangle Mr. & Mrs. Bernon Martin
Mr. Butch Calhoun
Master of Science in Education Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Mrs. Mable Humble Mrs. Gailene Pence Mr. & Mrs. Jack May
Mr. Charles Champ
Contact: Contact: Mr. Curtis Jackson Ms. Maricela Pinedo Mr. & Mrs. Kevin McCaleb
Dr. Brett Cooper
Dr. Ann Webb G. Brian Luetschwager Mr. Harold Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Bill Rapert Mr. & Mrs. Bobby McMillon
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Cooper
Dean of Graduate & Online Programs Director of Criminal Justice Mr. Kenneth Karlstad Dr. & Mrs. Paul Rhoads Mr. Jason McNabb
awebb@williamsbu.edu bluetschwager@williamsbu.edu Mr. & Mrs. Donald Cox
870.759.4230 870.759.4241
12 FORWARD // SUMMER 2018 FORWARD // SUMMER 2018 13Mr. & Mrs. Hamil Million Mammoth Spring First Baptist Mr. & Mrs. Hayes Howell MR. JACKIE HILBURN MR. MIKE PETTIT MRS. JEANNIE SIMPSON Dr. & Mrs. Ken Gore DR. TOM & MRS. GAIL JONES
Mrs. Jennie Neely Church Dr. & Mrs. Dale Leatherman Mrs. Margaret Hilburn Mrs. Nancy Pettit Jerry & Barbara Gibbens Dr. John T. & Alyce McHaney Dr. Brett Cooper
Mr. & Mrs. Ben Owens Mississippi County Baptist Pratt’s Auto Salvage Mrs. Charlotte Wheeless
Mrs. Heather Parson Association MR. MARK HOBBS MR. DANNY PHILLIPS DR. LARRY SLOAN MRS. JANE LATIMER
Dr. Ann Paterson Blytheville, AR MEMORIALS Dr. & Mrs. Ken Gore Jerry & Barbara Gibbens Jerry & Barbara Gibbens MR. NOBLE WILES Mrs. Nancy Pettit
Mrs. Lula Phillips Morrilton First Baptist Church Dr. & Mrs. Justin Towner Mrs. Virginia Wiles
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Phillips New Hope Baptist Church MR. CHRIS ARFT MS. PAULINE HOWARD MR. KENNETH PHILLIPS DR. D. JACK NICHOLAS
Mrs. Hannah Potter Hardy, AR Mrs. Nancy Pettit Dr. John T. & Alyce McHaney Mrs. Doris Sulcer MR. MIKE SMITH DR. H. E. WILLIAMS Mr. Ledell Bailey
Mr. & Mrs. John Pruitt Newport First Baptist Church Jerry & Barbara Gibbens Mr. Herby Branscum Jerry & Barbara Gibbens
Mrs. Mary Ann Ray North Tenth Baptist Church MR. & MRS. C. E. BOWLING MS. JACQUELYN HOWELL MR. JOHN H. RAY
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Rider Blytheville, AR Mrs. Nancy Pettit Mrs. Lula Phillips Mrs. Mary Ann Ray J. K. & CLEO SOUTHERLAND JAMES & CORDELIA WILLIAMS JOHNNIE MAE POWERS
Mr. & Mrs. B. Kenneth Ridgway Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Ms. Kay Southerland Dwight A. Williams REYNOLDS
Mr. & Mrs. Max Rose Imboden, AR MR. SHERMAN D. BRIDGMAN DR. EARL HUMBLE REV. BARNEY RICKMAN Mrs. Glenda Cheatham
Mr. James Ross Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Mrs. Dorothy O. Bridgman R. Scott & Virginia Allison Mrs. Brenda Vantrease MR. EMIT STONE MR. DARYL WILKIE
Dr. & Mrs. George Schroeder Hazen, AR Mrs. Mable L. Humble Jerry & Barbara Gibbens Mrs. Nancy Pettit DR. KENNETH STARTUP
Mr. & Mrs. George Sims Pocahontas First Baptist Church ANTHONY BURTON Bob & Dolores Magee MRS. KELLY RISNER Mr. John R. Jackson, Jr.
Mrs. Laquietta Stewart Portland Avenue Baptist Church Royce & Polly Beard (Grandparents) Stephen & Diana Thomas Dr. Brett Cooper MR. KENNETH SULCER MR. MIKE WILLIS
Mr. Phil Taylor Oklahoma City, OK Dr. & Mrs. Ken Gore Harold & Terry Roberts Mrs. Nancy Pettit DR. & MRS. JEROL SWAIM
Mr, & Mrs. Doug Temples Rector First Baptist Church MS. JACKIE BURTON MR. RAYMOND JACKSON Jerry & Barbara Gibbens
Dr. Christopher Thompson Ridgeview Baptist Church Patricia Glascock Dr. Brett Cooper MR. DAVID ROSE REV. JIM TILLMAN HONORARIUMS
Mr. & Mrs. Harold Tyler Fayetteville, AR George & Shirley Sims Mr. & Mrs. Clint Emfinger Dr. Brett Cooper Jerry & Barbara Gibbens DR. MELVIN YORK
Ms. Mary Vandergriff Searcy First Baptist Church Mrs. Mary Pangle Dr. John T. & Alyce McHaney MRS. CAROL BELFORD-LEWALLEN Butch & Lynn Calho
Rev. & Mrs. Ulysses Vandermolen Sidney Baptist Church REV. REFUS T. CALDWELL, SR. MR. & MRS. LAWRENCE SAWYERS Mrs. Margaret B. Tillman Mr. John R. Jackson
Mr. & Mrs. Billy Volner Smithville Baptist Church Dr. Brett Cooper MR. BILL JESSEN Ron & Tommye Fielder
Mrs. Jill Wheeler Sooner Baptist Church Dr. & Mrs. Ken Gore Kenneth & Annelle Karlstad MRS. THELMA WEAVER MR. JERRY GIBBENS
Ms. Utanah Williams Midwest City, OK The Lorene Orr Family FRANK & CAROLYN SHELL Dr. Brett Cooper Duane & Evelyn Bolin
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Wynn Southern Hills Missionary Baptist MR. LEO JOHNSON Dr. R. Andrew & Mrs. Susan Allison Dr. & Mrs. Ken Gore
Mr. John Zeigler Church MR. & MRS. REX COLLINS Jerry & Barbara Gibbens Mr. & Mrs. Jay F. Shell BOB & MARILYN GOODWIN
Harrison, AR Mrs. Nancy Pettit Dr. David & Mrs. Jan Wesley DR. TOM WEAVER Larry & Marta Jones
CHURCHES & ASSOCIATIONS Swifton Baptist Church MRS. DANNAH (RUSSELL) JONES Dr. Brett Cooper
Trinity Baptist Church, Inc. MR. ANSEL CORDER Dr. Brett Cooper MRS. NORMA SHIELDS Mr. & Mrs. Carter Dryer MRS. BETTYE JESSEN-THRASH
Barcelona Rd Baptist Church Searcy, AR Jerry & Barbara Gibbens Dr. Brett Cooper Jerry & Barbara Gibbens Kenneth & Annelle Karlstad
Hot Springs Village, AR True Vine Baptist Church MR. RONALD “HOSS” JONES
Black River Baptist Association Little Rock, AR MS. NORMA CROWSON Dr & Mrs. Brad Baine
Hoxie, AR Walnut Ridge First Baptist Church Mr. Charles Crowson Max & Lynette Rose
Black Rock First Baptist Church Walnut Street Baptist Church
Cabot First Baptist Church
Campbell Station Baptist Church
Jonesboro, AR
West Side Baptist Church
DR. BETTY JO CULBERTON DAVIS
Jerry & Barbara Gibbens
MRS. TAMMY JONES
Mrs. Charlotte Wheeless
SAVE THE DATE
Tuckerman, AR Greers Ferry, AR Lloyd Lewallen &
Caraway First Baptist Church
Centennial Baptist Association
White Oak Baptist Church
Walnut Ridge, AR
Carol Belford-Lewallen DR. LINDA MCFARLAND
Mrs. Doris Stotler HOMECOMING 2018
SATURDAY, NOV. 3
Stuttgart, AR Windover Baptist Church WILLIAM E. DAVIS
Central Baptist Church Jonesboro, AR Dr. John T. & Mrs. Alyce McHaney MR. & MRS. AL MCMILLION
Bald Knob, AR Word Baptist Church Hamil & Shirley Million
Central Baptist Church Jonesboro, AR MS. ANN FENSTERMAKER
Jonesboro, AR Mr. Jerry Fenstermaker JIM & BETTY MCMILLON
Christ-Centered Fellowship Baptist FOUNDATIONS & Bob & Peggy McMillon
Little Rock, AR CORPORATIONS MR. & MRS. G. E. FIELDER
Current-Gaines Baptist Association Ron & Tommye Fielder MRS. DORA STURKIE MEIER
Corning, AR Allied REI LLC Jerry & Barbara Gibbens There will be:
Doniphan First Baptist Church Arkansas Independent Colleges & MR. DAVID FOSTER • Men’s Basketball
Doniphan, MO Univ. Dr. Brett Cooper MR. GARRY METCALF
East Side Baptist Church Arnolds Classic Cars & Parts, Inc Jerry & Barbara Gibbens Mrs. Cordia Metcalf
• Volleyball
Paragould, AR E. C. Barton & Co. Dr. & Mrs. Ken Gore • The Fall Drama
England First Baptist Church Bryan Funeral Home Dr. RoseMary Weaver DR. J. T. MIDKIFF
• Reunions
Foothills Baptist Church Bud Shell Ford Thomas & Mary Gibbs For more information, visit
Mountain View, AR Carters Corner MR. DALE FREEMAN Paul & Sharon Midkiff • Performances by The Cast and williamsbaptistuniversity.com/
Greenway First Baptist Church Clark General Contractors Mr. Henry Boyce Williams Singers homecoming
Harrisburg First Baptist Church Craftons Furniture & Jerry & Barbara Gibbens HARRY & BECKY MYERS
Highland Drive Baptist Church Appliance Co Inc Dr. John T. & Alyce McHaney • And More!
Jonesboro, AR Drury Southwest, Inc. MR. OMER GROSS
Hope SS Class - Barcelona Rd BC Enterprise Bank & Trust Dr. Brett Cooper GOLDEN E. NEELY, JR.
Hot Springs Village, AR Families, Inc. Mrs. Jennie Neely
Indianhead Lake Baptist Church Fellowship of Christian Athletes MR. REX HANEY
Sherwood, AR Greg Gill Farms Mrs. Faye Haney MR. W. H. “BUTCH” NOE
Jonesboro First Baptist Church Hog Air Aviation, Inc Mrs. Nancy Pettit
Journey Church Iberia Bank MR. NORMAN B. HARTY
Perryville, AR Robert Bosch Tool Corporation Dr. Brett Cooper MRS. JEAN OSBURN
Kearney Baptist Church Southern Aircraft Maintenance, Inc Drury Southwest, Inc. Max & Lynette Rose
Jefferson, AR Southern Baptist Foundation Enterprise Bank & Trust
Keiser First Baptist Church Staples Agency LLC Jerry & Barbara Gibbens MR. CHARLES F. PETTIT, JR.
Lao Liberty Baptist Church Titan Medical Inc Mr. Jim Gibson Mrs. Nancy Pettit
Ft. Smith, AR Union Pacific Corporation John & Michi Launius
Lepanto First Baptist Church John & Ruth Pruitt MR. CHARLES F. PETTIT, SR
Lighthouse Baptist Church GIFTS IN KIND Bud Shell Ford, Inc. Mrs. Nancy Pettit
Williford, AR Mr. & Mrs. Doug Temples
Malvern Church of God Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Andrews
WBU THANKS ALL ITS SUPPORTERS WHO MADE GIFTS IN 2017.
14 FORWARD // SUMMER 2018 FORWARD // SUMMER 2018 15FROM THE PRESIDENT
Lives are changed at
Williams. Disciples are
made on this campus who
will impact our world with
God’s love. Thank you for
allowing us to share in this
splendid work.
OUR CALLING–
HIS MISSION
What a wonderful privilege to be a part of WBU and to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. lives. Our vision remains unchanged—to produce
family! The Board of Trustees unanimously voted on I call this the “Williams tenacity”—a refusal to quit, exceptional graduates prepared to engage local and
March 16th to extend to us the invitation to come, to stay faithful to God’s calling. global cultures through a Christ-centered worldview.
affirming what we and the search committee
believed to be the leading of God and His calling to I recognize that I stand on the shoulders of those Joy and I thank God and the WBU family for this
serve in this important position. We feel blessed to who have gone before me. I ask you to pray for me, chance to serve this outstanding, Christ-centered
join the team at Williams Baptist University! that God would enable me to learn from the examples institution. Lives are changed at Williams. Disciples
of these faithful servants—that I would lead with this are made on this campus who will impact our world
As part of my transition, I committed early on to same tenacity. For 77 years, God has called men and with God’s love. Thank you for allowing us to share
learn the history of Williams, and I discovered an women to serve at Williams sacrificially and in this splendid work.
incredible story of challenge and inspiration. Birthed resolutely, to pour their lives into transforming
by the remarkable vision of Dr. H. E. Williams, the students’ lives.
story of WBU is a testimony to a school that Stan Norman
Dr. Williams described as a “child of providence,” The unwavering resolve of these men and women, PRESIDENT
an appropriate designation for a college empowered by the grace of God, has made WBU into
unmistakably blessed by God. the preeminent Christian university that it is today.
Our mission remains unchanged—to provide an
God has guided and sustained Williams, enabling excellent, holistically Christian, liberal arts
men and women to serve here, to remain steadfast, education, while compassionately shaping students’
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