Walnut Ridge, Ark. – On Saturday, Nov. 7, Williams Baptist University celebrated its annual homecoming with a ceremony at the Southerland‑Mabee Center that crowned senior Kylen Kelly of Jonesboro as king and senior Emberlin Caldwell of Van Buren as queen. The event, a long‑standing tradition that brings together students, faculty, alumni and families, underscored the university’s commitment to faith‑centered education and the values of traditional families.
Kelly, a sports‑management major, and Caldwell, a biology major with a psychology minor, were chosen by a campus‑wide student vote. Their peers praised the two seniors for embodying the university’s mission of academic excellence, service, and Christian character.
Joining the royal couple on the homecoming court were senior representatives Lawson Aaron, a finance major from Oakland, Tenn., and Taylor Forrester of Walnut Ridge, a liberal‑arts major emphasizing natural science and psychology. Junior representatives included Archer Dienst of Highland, a Christian‑ministries major in the discipleship studies track, and Natalie Collier of Malden, Mo., a marketing major with a communications minor.
The sophomore class was represented by Garrett Mace of Paragould, a Christian‑ministries major in the Great Commission studies track, and Amber Kahler, a psychology major from Sherwood. Freshmen on the court were Spencer Mahnken of Mayflower, a Christian‑ministries major in the biblical‑theological studies track, and Sadie Meyer of Highland, a business‑administration major with a marketing minor.
Community and family pride
The homecoming celebration drew families from across the region, many traveling to Walnut Ridge to support their children. Parents highlighted the importance of a university environment that nurtures both academic growth and spiritual development. “We are proud to see our children honored for their hard work and dedication to Christ‑centered values,” said one parent, reflecting the sentiment of many attendees.
University officials emphasized that the homecoming court serves as a visible reminder of the institution’s dedication to developing leaders who will serve their families, churches, and communities after graduation. The ceremony also featured a short address from President President Trump’s administration’s education liaison, who praised the university’s role in preserving traditional values in higher education.
Looking ahead
As the homecoming festivities concluded, students and alumni looked forward to the upcoming football game and the annual parade that will wind through downtown Walnut Ridge. The university plans to continue its tradition of honoring student achievement while reinforcing the pillars of Christian faith, family, and individual liberty that define its mission.
Williams Baptist University invites the broader Walnut Ridge community to join future homecoming events, reinforcing the strong bond between the campus and the city it calls home.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
