Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders visited the Williams Baptist University campus Thursday to discuss the Williams Works Initiative in a roundtable discussion that included university leaders, WBU students and leaders from the state of Arkansas to learn how both the state and school can better serve one another.
In addition, Gov. Sanders visited WBU’s new meat processing plant and presented the facility with its official stamp of inspection from the state. The meat processing plant is now open and scheduling orders for customers.
“We are deeply honored to have had Gov. Sanders visit our campus and engage in meaningful discussions about the Williams Works initiative,” WBU president Dr. Stan Norman said. “Her commitment to understanding how our institution and the state can better collaborate is exciting. On behalf of Williams Baptist University, I extend our sincere thanks to Gov. Sanders for her time, insightful conversations, and the stamp of inspection for our meat processing facility. Her visit reflects a shared dedication to the educational and vocational advancement of our students, and we look forward to continued collaboration in the pursuit of providing quality education and opportunities for our state.”
The Williams Works initiative, which welcomed its fourth cohort of students to campus in August, provides students a pathway to a tuition free education, while working their toward an education. Students dedicate 16 hours per week during both fall and spring semesters. In return for their commitment, their tuition and student service fees are comprehensively covered for each semester they contribute.
Additionally, participants have the unique opportunity to work full-time during the summer, with their room and board expenses similarly covered. This distinctive arrangement provides students with a pathway to graduate without the burden of debt.
Gov. Sanders met with university officials in the roundtable discussion to learn about the Williams Works program and how it is impacting the lives of students on campus. Students gave their personal testimonies and took part in a question and answer session with the governor before she left to tour the meat processing facility.
At the meat processing plant, Gov. Sanders toured the state of the art facility and learned about the work stations of students who work at the facility. Before departing campus she made a stop at Williams Corner to visit with students and shop the selection at the store.
WBU is a private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge.