WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. — Trustees at Williams Baptist University have approved a new strategic plan for the institution and adopted WBU’s 2025-56 budget. The Board of Trustees, meeting in regular session on the Williams campus, also approved the 2025 graduating class.
The Pathway to Purpose strategic plan, which the board approved, is the result of two years of work from the University Planning and Advisory Council, which included faculty, staff, students, administrators and trustees. The plan lays out strategic initiatives and objectives in seven broad areas that cover academic programs, student life, recruitment, employee quality of life, fund raising, infrastructure and spiritual development.
The Pathway to Purpose plan is to be implemented over the next three years.
“Pathway to Purpose is a bold vision to move Williams forward in significant ways, and yet the objectives are achievable,” said WBU President Dr. Stan Norman. “The team effort that went into developing this strategic plan was the most rewarding part of the process for me. A broad cross-section of our campus community joined together to produce a very meaningful vision for the institution we all love.”
Trustees also voted to approve a $19.5 million budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The spending outlay represents a 6.1 percent increase over the budget for the present year.
“I am excited about this budget,” Norman said. “What the board approved today is a responsible budget that utilizes our resources effectively, addresses challenges ahead for the coming year and provides what this institution needs to continue providing an academically excellent, Christ-centered education.”
The board gave its stamp approval to WBU’s 2025 graduating class. Commencement is set for May 3, with an estimated 115 to receive bachelor’s degrees and another five getting their master’s degrees.
The board had a chance to express its appreciation to Head Coach John Mayberry, Assistant Coach Kala Tyus, and players Kaylee Isaacs and Carmen Taylor of the Lady Eagles Basketball Team. The team won the American Midwest Conference regular season title and made it to the second round of the NAIA National Tournament. Isaacs became the team’s all-time leading scorer, while Taylor was named AMC Player of the Year. All four were recognized by the president.
Also recognized were two retiring professors. Carol Halford, who has served at Williams for 41 years, is retiring as chair of the Department of Health & Physical Education, while Lynn Pennington is retiring after 32 years on the faculty of the Department of Music.
WBU is a private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge.
press release – Williams
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