Jerry and Barbara Gibbens endow $100,000 scholarship at Williams Baptist University

Dr. Jerry & Barbara Gibbens of Walnut Ridge are donating $100,000 to Williams Baptist University, which will be used to establish a legacy scholarship, benefiting the children of past WBU students.

The Gibbens are both WBU alumni, and they began dating while students at the school, which was then known as Southern Baptist College. Jerry went on to be an English professor at Williams for 53 years, as well as serving as chair of the Department of English and chair of the Division of Arts and Sciences.

“We both are grateful for the fine liberal arts education we received at Williams,” Gibbens said. “At WBU we were introduced to the liberal arts, and the training we received whetted our curiosity to travel and to become lifelong learners. We were strongly encouraged by the example that Dr. and Mrs. H.E. Williams set.”

The couple noted that Williams is a family tradition for them, with both of their daughters graduating from the school.

“Julie later graduated from Ouachita Baptist and the University of Arkansas Law School, Fayetteville,” he said. “Sarah graduated from WBU and received her master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Central Arkansas. They grew up when we lived in Faculty Cove housing. They both have often commented that their Williams education was high quality and prepared them well for their professions. They have the fondest memories of their childhood living in the Cove.”

In that vein, the Gibbens said they want to make it easier for other WBU alumni to establish a family tradition with their own children.

“We realize that our WBU alumni often do not have the finances to send their children to Williams,” Gibbens said. “We believe so strongly in the fine Christian education that Williams continues to offer. Students often meet their lifemate at WBU. Williams does a great job in encouraging involvement in the local church and in supporting Baptist missions at home and around the world.”

The Gibbens Scholarship is open to the children or grandchildren of former Williams students. It is intended primarily for incoming WBU students, entering their first semester at the university, and recipients will be awarded $2,000 per year. Students can apply online at this link.

“Jerry and Barbara Gibbens have poured their lives into this university, and now they are establishing a scholarship that will enrich the lives of our future students,” said WBU President Dr. Stan Norman. “This scholarship is truly a legacy, enabling Williams alumni to send their children to the place that was such a transformative experience in their own lives. We are grateful to God for friends like Dr. and Mrs. Gibbens, who are helping WBU secure a very bright future.”