Lewis Completes Degree After 53 Years
Ken Lewis crossed the stage and grasped his diploma at Williams Baptist University commencement exercises Saturday, May 9. In doing so, he concluded a 53-year journey.  Lewis, a Walnut Ridge native who currently lives at Eaton, first enrolled at what was then Southern Baptist College in 1973. He didn’t complete his degree at that time, […]
Hatfield Presents Chapel Drawing to WBU
Startup Chapel has held a special place in Terry Hatfield’s heart ever since his days as a student at Williams Baptist University. So, the 1975 WBU alumnus put his artistic skills to work and produced a striking picture of the historic chapel, which he recently presented to the university. “First of all, I wanted to […]
WBU Theatre Presents “The Spitfire Grill” April 23-25
The Williams Baptist University Theatre program will close its 2025-26 season with the musical The Spitfire Grill. The play will be staged April 23-25 in WBU’s Startup Chapel. The Spitfire Grill was written by James Valcq and Fred Alley. Based on the 1996 film, it tells the story of Percy Talbot, who seeks a new […]
Russell Family & Tekla Give $100,000 to WBU Wellness Center
A new wellness center at Williams Baptist University is $100,000 closer to reality, thanks to gifts from the Dave Russell family of Jonesboro and Tekla Research. The family, along with Tekla CEO & CFO Beth West, recently presented checks totaling that amount to WBU President Dr. Stan Norman. The gifts reflect the first installment of […]
Tomlinson Crowned Miss WBU
Kacey Tomlinson of Calico Rock, Ark., is the newly crowned Miss Williams Baptist University. Tomlinson was awarded the title at the conclusion of the 2026 Miss WBU pageant Friday evening. Tomlinson (second from left in photo), a freshman English major with a minor in music, also took home the pageant’s talent and Miss Congeniality awards. […]
WBU Board Approves Budget, 2026 Graduates
The Board of Trustees at Williams Baptist University gave its stamp of approval to the upcoming slate of graduates, and it approved the university’s budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year Tuesday, April 7. The board, meeting in regular session on the WBU campus, also recognized two standout athletes. Williams will operate on a $20.4 million […]
Department of Music to Present I Hear America Singing
The Department of Music at Williams Baptist University will present a concert of patriotic music on Tuesday, April 7, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The performance, entitled I Hear America Singing, will begin at 7:00 pm in WBU’s Manley Chapel. Admission is free. Inspired by Walt Whitman’s poem of the same name, […]
Wilcutt Memorial Garden Dedicated
Those who crave fresh fruits and vegetables now have an opportunity to pick their own in Walnut Ridge. The Kevin Wilcutt Memorial Garden was dedicated Thursday, April 2, at Williams Baptist University, providing a variety of produce in a picturesque setting. Construction of the 6,400 square foot garden was funded by a $130,000 gift from […]
WBU Students Experience Faith, Film & Culture at Sundance
Students from Williams Baptist University participated in a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, where they explored the intersection of faith, film, and culture alongside Christian creatives from around the world. The group, led by Dr. Trevor Babcock, Assistant Professor of English, and Mrs. […]
WBU to Offer Certificate in Museum Studies
Williams Baptist University is launching a new program for students to earn a Certificate in Museum Studies. The 18-hour academic program is designed to prepare students for careers in museums, archives, cultural institutions and the growing field of public history. The certificate combines classroom instruction with supervised, hands-on experience and reflects WBU’s commitment to experiential […]
