Williams Baptist University

08/26/2026

In honor of National Dog Day, Coach KT’s dog, Ja King, stopped by Student Affairs for a very important appointment—his official WBU Student ID photo! 📸

Enrollment status: Good Boy ✅
Major: Campus Security 🐕
Minor: Treat Acquisition 🦴
GPA: 4.0 (Obviously)
Attendance: Perfect (as long as Coach KT is there)

Welcome Ja!! 🦅💙

Now we need to know… what would your dog major in at WBU? 😂

08/25/2026

The Luau.

Held on the first Friday after move-in weekend, the Luau gives students a chance to take a breath after a full week of orientation events, the start of classes, and plenty of new friendships in the making.

From incredible food and island vibes to a limbo competition that gets very competitive, it’s one of those nights that helps make WBU feel like home.

Enjoy a few moments from this year’s Luau! 🌴🍍

08/24/2026

A huge thank you to our NSO Leaders for making NEST Weekend 2026 one to remember! 🦅💙

From welcoming our newest Eagles to helping them feel right at home at Williams, your energy, leadership and heart made all the difference. We are so grateful for the time and effort you poured into our new students and proud of the way you represented WBU.

Thank you for helping our newest Eagles find their place in the nest!

08/20/2026

WBU Administrators Take on New Leadership Roles

Williams Baptist University is beginning the 2026-27 academic year with several changes to its administrative leadership, as five university officials take on new or expanded responsibilities.

Luke Colley has been named Executive Vice President for Administration, Advancement & Business Development, adding oversight of the university’s administrative functions to his existing work in advancement and business development.

Tonya Bolton will serve as Vice President for Enrollment Management, leading WBU’s student recruitment efforts and overseeing financial aid.

Dr. Brett Cooper has been named Vice President for Kingdom Engagement & Creative Services and director of the newly established Ministry Training Institute. Cooper will continue to oversee marketing, communications and information technology while leading new initiatives focused on prayer and ministry training.

Dr. Ruth Provost will continue as Vice President of Academic Affairs, with expanded responsibilities that include oversight of the Office of Student Affairs and service as the university’s Title IX Coordinator.

Dr. Melissa Keller has been named Dean of Workforce Development, where she will oversee Williams Works and lead efforts to further integrate workforce education into the university’s academic programs.

“Williams Baptist University is blessed to have such a talented team of administrators,” WBU President Dr. Stan Norman said. “Each of them is aligned with crucial tasks that match their individual gifts, and we look forward to their leadership in these important areas.”

The leadership changes come as Williams begins a new academic year and continues to expand its work in enrollment, ministry training, workforce development and student engagement.

08/19/2026

Today, Williams began a new academic year with a meaningful vision: becoming a campus of bowed heads.

In his Convocation address, President Dr. Stan Norman called the WBU family to make prayer more than an occasional moment. He challenged us to become a university that depends on Christ in our classrooms, residence halls, teams, rehearsals, work, decisions, and everyday lives.

To our students arriving this fall: this is your year. You are helping shape a campus culture where people pray for one another, discover their God-given purpose, and prepare to make a difference through their life work.

And to students considering WBU for Fall 2027: we invite you into what God is building here.

At Williams, you will find more than a place to earn a degree. You will find a Christ-centered community ready to help you grow in faith, develop your gifts, pursue your calling, and become the person God created you to be.

Current Eagles are helping build this community. Future Eagles are invited to join it.

Come discover your purpose. Come grow in Christ. Come live the Williams Way.

08/19/2026

Everyone in this photo just began a story they’ll tell for the rest of their lives. Welcome to the Nest, Class of 2030!

08/18/2026

Williams is back!

Today, the Williams community came alive again as students returned to campus, settled into classes, reconnected with friends, and began another semester together.

And if there was any doubt they’re happy to be back, the impromptu photo booth tells the story.

08/17/2026

The Williams Baptist University community joins WBU Wrestling in mourning the loss of former Eagle Maleek Caton.

Maleek’s time at Williams and his accomplishments as an NAIA All-American will forever be part of the Eagle legacy. More importantly, we remember the life he shared with his teammates, coaches, friends and the WBU community.

Please join us in lifting Maleek’s family, loved ones and the entire WBU Wrestling family in prayer during this difficult time.

Once an Eagle, always an Eagle. 💙

WBU Wrestling and the WBU Community mourn the loss of former Eagle wrestler, Maleek Caton.

Originally from Sheridan, Ark., Maleek spent 5 seasons at Williams, and was named an NAIA All-American in 2021.

Please join us in praying for Maleek's family during this time.

08/16/2026

Day 2 of New Student Orientation started with worship as new students, returning students, and WBU employees gathered in Manley Chapel.

Luke Colley shared from Matthew 16:24–27 and asked students to consider the sacrifices others made to help bring them to WBU. He connected that reflection to Jesus’ call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.

The good news is that Jesus has already done what we could never do on our own. He set aside what He was entitled to, lived a perfectly obedient life, and gave His life for us. True life is found in Jesus alone.

Every student came to Williams hoping for some kind of change. Our prayer is that the most lasting change will be spiritual: that students who know Jesus will grow deeper in their faith, and that those who do not yet know Him will place their faith in Him.

Thank you to Jessica Colley and Josh Junyor for leading us in worship this morning!

08/16/2026

Today, the Class of 2030 began their WBU journey.

Move-In Day brought full cars, helping hands, new friendships, and meaningful moments of goodbye. Before parents departed, many gathered to pray with their students. It's a WBU tradition that reminds us this next chapter begins with faith, love, and a community committed to walking alongside them.

We are grateful for the parents who shared during today’s panel and for the trust families place in our faculty and staff. We want every student to be known, cared for, and shown the love of Christ as they grow in their faith, friendships, and purpose.

And, of course, Welcome to the Nest would not be complete without a little fun as you'll see in the pictures... Battle for the Nest, plenty of laughter, a few absurd competitive moments, and a Silent Disco to end the night.

Good night, Eagles. Rest well. Day 2 of Welcome to the Nest begins tomorrow!