Williams Baptist University approves 4.5% budget increase for the 2023-24 school year

EducationNews BriefsNortheast Arkansas

by George Jared ([email protected]) April 19, 2023 10:15 am 568 views 

The Williams Baptist University board of trustees approved a budget increase for the 2023-24 school year Tuesday (April 18). The board also gave its approval to a large slate of graduates for the upcoming commencement exercises, as well as a new policy for faculty sabbaticals.

The board approved a budget of $19.1 million for the upcoming year, reflecting a 4.5% increase from the current year. WBU’s fiscal year begins on July 1.

“We endeavored to present a conservative budget that addresses the realities of inflation while also staying within our means as a university,” said Williams Baptist President Dr. Stan Norman. “This budget allows WBU to provide the academically outstanding, Christ-centered education it is known for, and it does so in a fiscally responsible manner.”

The WBU Class of 2023 received the board’s stamp of approval. Trustees voted to approve a slate of 135 graduates, which will be one of the largest in the university’s history. Commencement exercises are set for May 6 on the Williams Baptist campus.

Trustees also gave their approval to a new policy on sabbatical leave for WBU faculty members. Sabbaticals provide a period of time away from the classroom to help faculty achieve professional and intellectual development through study, research, writing, creative activities and scholarly engagement. Faculty members can apply for sabbatical leave in their sixth year of full-time employment.

Applications are considered by the academic dean and a faculty committee. The policy was developed by an ad hoc committee of WBU faculty.

“We are very pleased to have this formalized procedure for sabbatical leave approved for our faculty,” Norman said. “I congratulate the ad hoc committee on formulating a policy that is fair to our faculty and achievable for the institution. The board’s approval of this measure is an important step for Williams as a university, and it will be valuable in both retaining and recruiting quality faculty members.”