Walnut Ridge, Ark. – Williams Baptist University (WBU) marked a major milestone on Tuesday, Sept. 22, when construction began on the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation Wellness Center. The $7 million, 26,000‑square‑foot complex will provide two basketball courts, a full suite of weight‑training and cardio equipment, an electronic gaming area, a student lounge, a screened‑in porch, and dedicated spaces for prayer and fellowship.
Generous Giving Fuels the Project
The Mabee Foundation’s $4 million grant in 2023 covered a substantial portion of the cost. President Stan Norman said the university has since secured additional support from other benefactors, allowing the project to move forward without delay. “We are thrilled to see construction commence on this facility,” Norman said in the university’s announcement. “The J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation Wellness Center marks a major step forward for WBU, our students and our entire campus community.”
Prayer at the Heart of Campus Life
During the same board meeting, trustees adopted a resolution affirming prayer as an institutional priority and approved a statement that places prayer at the core of university operations. “It is our desire for WBU to be known as the ‘Campus of the Bowed Head,’” Norman explained, emphasizing the school’s commitment to a Christian worldview. The board’s resolution reflects WBU’s long‑standing affiliation with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention and its mission to nurture both mind and spirit.
Local Builders and Community Impact
Ramsons Construction of Jonesboro has been selected to build the new center, bringing regional expertise and jobs to the area. Once completed, the wellness center will serve not only students but also faculty, staff, and the broader Walnut Ridge community, offering a wholesome environment for physical health, recreation, and spiritual growth.
Board Recognitions and Ongoing Support
The board also honored four trustees—Clint Emfinger of Searcy, Shane Knight of Alexander, Heather Moore of Cabot, and Ben Rainwater of Little Rock—whose terms concluded at the meeting. “We thank these trustees for their support, counsel and friendship,” Norman said, noting their contributions to the university’s mission.
Looking Ahead
President Norman indicated that WBU will continue expanding prayer‑focused initiatives throughout the academic year, reinforcing the university’s identity as a private Christian institution. The new wellness center, slated for completion in the next two years, will stand as a tangible expression of that vision, blending state‑of‑the‑art fitness amenities with a clear emphasis on faith‑based community building.
Williams Baptist University’s groundbreaking ceremony underscores how faith‑centered institutions can invest in modern facilities while preserving their spiritual heritage, offering students a balanced environment for both physical well‑being and spiritual development.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
