Williams Baptist University has announced a $5,000 donation from the Ramsons Arts Partnership, a charity that is being launched by Ramsons Construction of Jonesboro, Ark., to support arts in the region. 

Scott McDaniel, Vice President at Ramsons, presented the gift to WBU President Dr. Stan Norman on Thursday morning at a ceremony in the Swaim Administration Building.

The gift will go toward the ongoing renovation of WBU’s Startup Chapel, specifically the Melinda S. Williams Stage. Williams has served as an assistant professor of speech, drama, and journalism at WBU for over 40 years, and has overseen the WBU Theatre program for decades.

“At Ramsons, we construct buildings, but the arts construct people,” said McDaniel. “My own journey owes much to the arts. Our support for the arts is rooted in our belief in their transformative power. It was an easy decision to support Williams Baptist University due to the remarkable growth and opportunities happening here.”

The chapel renovation project, which commenced in fall 2023, includes refurbishments to the stage area, installation of new windows and seating, and a newly constructed backstage area with dressing rooms and spacious rooms for sets, costumes, furniture and props. The project remains on schedule for completion by the beginning of the 2024 school year.

“This is a significant investment in our belief in the importance of fine arts and in particular the theater arts,” Dr. Norman said. “Thank you to Scott and thank you Ramsons for supporting our mission, achieving our goal and honoring Melinda Williams who has meant and will continue to mean so much to the Williams community and students.”

The space, which will primarily host theater productions and other events, was made possible through generous donations, including a $200,000 contribution from the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation.

WBU is a private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge.