Key Takeaways
- • Williams Baptist University's Board of Trustees approved a $20.4 million operating budget for fiscal year 2026-27, representing a 4.6 percent increase over the current fiscal year and beginning in July 2026.
- • The university formally approved its 2026 graduating class of more than 100 students, with commencement exercises scheduled for May 9, 2026.
- • University leadership characterized the budget as fiscally conservative while maintaining academic quality, with President Dr. Stan Norman emphasizing careful stewardship of institutional resources.
- • The board renamed two psychology department awards to honor longtime faculty members: the Dr. Paul Rhoads Psychology Award and the Dr. Gary Gregory Child & Family Studies Award, both to be presented annually.
Summary
Williams Baptist University's Board of Trustees convened on April 7, 2026, approving both the institution's 2026-27 fiscal year budget and the slate of graduating students. The $20.4 million budget marks a 4.6 percent increase from the current fiscal year and will take effect in July 2026. According to President Dr. Stan Norman, the spending plan reflects "careful stewardship of our resources while providing the funding necessary to provide an academically outstanding, Christ-centered education for our students," while maintaining fiscal conservatism.
The board formally approved more than 100 graduates from the Williams Class of 2026, who will receive diplomas during commencement exercises on May 9, 2026. Norman described the approval process as celebratory, noting that "this is the time of year when we get to see the fruits of our labors." The university leadership expressed enthusiasm for the graduating cohort's future prospects following their time at the institution.
In recognition of faculty contributions, the board approved the renaming of two departmental awards within the Department of Psychology. The awards are now designated as the Dr. Paul Rhoads Psychology Award and the Dr. Gary Gregory Child & Family Studies Award, each to be presented annually to outstanding students in their respective areas. The renaming honors the long-standing service of these psychology professors to the university.
The board formally approved more than 100 graduates from the Williams Class of 2026, who will receive diplomas during commencement exercises on May 9, 2026. Norman described the approval process as celebratory, noting that "this is the time of year when we get to see the fruits of our labors." The university leadership expressed enthusiasm for the graduating cohort's future prospects following their time at the institution.
In recognition of faculty contributions, the board approved the renaming of two departmental awards within the Department of Psychology. The awards are now designated as the Dr. Paul Rhoads Psychology Award and the Dr. Gary Gregory Child & Family Studies Award, each to be presented annually to outstanding students in their respective areas. The renaming honors the long-standing service of these psychology professors to the university.
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