WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. (2/6/24) – Williams Baptist University has received a gift from First Christian Church in Jonesboro. It is the second gift from the church in support of WBU’s Williams Works initiative, which allows students to work their way through college.

The check was presented by Paul House, chair of the church’s Vision & Outreach Committee, and his wife, Sharon House. WBU President Dr. Stan Norman and Vice President for Advancement Luke Colley received the donation on behalf of Williams.

“We believe in a good Christian education for students and what it will mean for their future,” Paul House said. “We love the fact that they work for their tuition and it’s not given. And when they’re through they won’t have big student debt.”

Students in the Williams Works program agree to work 16 hours per week through the fall and spring semesters, and in exchange their full tuition and student service fees are covered. Students can also apply to work full-time in the summer to cover the following year’s room and board expenses.

“We are honored that fellow Christians in our region are throwing their support behind the Williams Works initiative,” said Dr. Norman. “A WBU education is truly transformative for our students, and the Williams Works program gives them the chance to earn that education, develop great work habits, and graduate with little to no student debt.”

Williams is a private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge.