The Jerry D. Gibbens Atrium was officially dedicated Saturday as a part of the Homecoming Celebration at Williams Baptist University. The atrium, located in the Maddox Center, is named in honor of Professor Jerry Gibbens, who has completed more than 50 years of service to Williams.

The Maddox Center and Gibbens Atrium underwent major renovations over the summer.

Dr. Kenneth Startup, a longtime Gibbens colleague and incoming interim president at Williams, spoke at the dedication, saying, “Jerry Gibbens is a master teacher across generations, mentor to younger faculty, relentless learner, formidable academician, serious Christian, and his legacy is now appropriately recognized in this gathering place for students, in this wonderful place for learning.”

Gibbens was joined by his wife, Barbara, and family members during the dedication ceremony.

Williams is a Christian, liberal arts college in Walnut Ridge, Ark.  It will formally become Williams Baptist University in July of 2018.