The Board of Trustees at Williams Baptist University approved the budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year Tuesday, April 16. The board, meeting in regular session on the WBU campus, also voted to adopt a new mission statement and core values, as well as approving the slate of 2024 graduates.
The board gave its approval to an $18.4 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget reflects a 3.2 percent increase from the current year.
“We endeavored to present the board with a conservative budget, and that is what they approved,” said WBU President Dr. Stan Norman. “This spending blueprint accounts for expenses that have increased over the last year and otherwise keeps spending in check. This budget reflects strategic needs and opportunities as well as ensures that we are good stewards of the financial resources God has given this university.”
WBU will be operating with an updated mission statement and core values. The board approved a recommendation on both from the University Planning & Advisory Council (UPAV), a body of faculty, staff and administrators who are developing a new strategic plan for the university. Previously, WBU had both a mission and a vision statement. After careful consideration and deliberation, a single statement was adopted that captures both the vision (“where we are going”) and mission (“how we get there”).
The new mission statement is, “Williams Baptist University exists to cultivate Christ-centered leaders who make a difference in their lifework.” The statement reflects the innovative Williams Works initiative as well as points toward the goal of creating Christ-centered, well educated leaders who understand their work will be a platform serving the Lord and influencing their communities.
“This new mission statement effectively and succinctly captures where we are and what we do as a university,” Norman said. “It reflects the transformative impact of a Williams education and the leaders who are being equipped here. The committee process was very effective at refining this statement, and I want to thank the entire group for their collaboration on it.”
The university’s new core values reflect the five tenets of what has come to be known as the Williams Way:
- Christ-Centered Purpose
- Unwavering Tenacity
- Courageous Faith
- Selfless Sacrifice
- Work as Mission
The WBU Class of 2024 received the board’s stamp of approval. Approximately 140 graduates are set to receive their diplomas this spring. Commencement exercises are scheduled for May 4.
Trustees also approved two organizations for Williams alumni and other supporters. The WBU Alumni Association Committee will help coordinate alumni events and engagement. The committee will consist of members from around Arkansas and, eventually, from other states.
The President’s Advisory Council will consist of up to 20 members who provide guidance to WBU’s president on advancing the mission of the university. Membership will be open to those who share the university’s Christian beliefs, including those across denominational lines, and who support the mission of WBU.
“These two groups will enable us to engage with many more people who are excited about what is going on at Williams,” Norman said. “The Alumni Association Committee will involve WBU graduates from a broad area, while the President’s Advisory Council will broaden our circle of influence with fellow Christians who believe in what we do.”
The board welcomed six new members to its ranks, as well. Trustees who are new to the board this year are Cliff Gifford of Corning, Johnny Harp of Lowell, Stephen Harrison of Benton and Shane Knight of Benton. In addition, Brenda Doty of Salem and Dave Russell of Jonesboro have returned to the board this year, after serving in previous years.
WBU is a private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge. Its trustees are appointed by the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, and they meet three times annually.