JBU receives $750,000 gift for health education building

John Brown University in Siloam Springs has received a $750,000 gift from the Pat and Willard Walker Charitable Foundation to support the $8 million expansion of the university’s Health Education Building.

Construction started on the expansion in May 2025. The project includes upgrades to the existing nursing simulation lab and a new two-story, 16,000-square-foot wing. So far, the private, Christian university has received more than $3.24 million in pledges and gifts for the project.

The new wing will provide the university’s nursing program with a new computer testing classroom, a test consulting space and room to accommodate growth. The first floor will be used for JBU’s computer science programs.

Construction on the new wing is expected to be completed in April. Nabholz is the general contractor. Matt Pearson is the architect.

Built in 2016, the Health Education Building is home to JBU’s nursing program, which has grown from 35 students at its inception to 127 students. According to a news release, about 60% of JBU nursing students stay in Northwest Arkansas after graduation.

“We are thankful for the support of the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation,” said Jim Krall, senior vice president for university advancement. “This generous gift will enable us to train more highly skilled, compassionate nurses at a time when our state and region desperately need them.”