Tekla Research has made another major matching gift to the annual fund and the Williams Works initiative at Williams Baptist University. Tekla Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Beth Russell West presented checks totaling $100,000 to WBU President Dr. Stan Norman on Monday.
Tekla’s gift of $50,000 was matched by another $50,000 from Dave and Debi Russell. Dave Russell, a former WBU trustee and board chair, is the CEO of Tekla Research.
The $100,000 combined gift, the second of its kind from Tekla Research and the Russells, help pave a path for students to receive a tuition-free education at Williams, while they also receive an academically outstanding, Christ-centered education.
“The Williams Works initiative has been profoundly enriched by Tekla Research through their generous gift,” Norman said. “The steadfast and faithful contributions from individuals who believe in and support Williams empower us to progress in our mission. This gift serves as a catalyst for our growth, propelling WBU forward in this innovative direction. The generosity of Beth, Dave, and Tekla Research opens doors for numerous students to attain an exceptional, Christ-centered education through their own efforts. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tekla Research and the Russells for this truly gracious gift.”
Students accepted into the Williams Works initiative work 16 hours per week through the fall and spring semesters, and in exchange their tuition and student service are covered. Additionally, Williams Works students can apply to work full-time through the summer to cover room & board for the following year, giving students the opportunity to graduate debt-free.
“Tekla Research is delighted to extend our partnership with Williams Baptist University and the Williams Works program,” West said. “We have seen the program continue to grow from its beginnings to a thriving operation now with the addition of the Williams Corner store and the meat processing operation. However, our greatest encouragement stems from observing the transformative impact this program has on the lives of students who seize the opportunity to graduate without the burden of debt.”
Tekla Research, Inc., is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business headquartered in Fredericksburg, Va., with offices in Norfolk, Va., Patuxent River Md., Cherry Point N.C. and Jonesboro Ark., and employees located throughout the country.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to WBU may contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 870-759-4108 or do so online at williamsbu.edu/give
Williams is a private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge.