WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. (KAIT) – Williams Baptist University received the first $100,000 installment of a $500,000 pledge from a Jonesboro family and Tekla Research to build a new wellness center.
The Dave Russell family and Beth West presented checks to WBU President Dr. Stan Norman, according to a Wednesday news release. Russell is the chairman of the board at Tekla Research, which is headquartered in Virginia. West, who is also from Jonesboro, serves as the company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer.
The Dave Russell family and Beth West presented checks to WBU President Dr. Stan Norman.(Williams Baptist University)
The funds will go toward construction of the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation Wellness Center, which will include two basketball courts, an exercise area with weight and aerobic exercise equipment, locker rooms and a video gaming room.
“The generosity of the Russell family and Tekla continue to fuel progress at this university,” said Norman. “Their gifts have funded two greenhouses and an elaborate garden for Eagle Farms and our Williams Works program. Now, they are helping WBU take a huge step forward in our plans to build a wellness center that will benefit the entire campus community.”
The effort to build a wellness center began with a $4 million gift from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, the release said. Construction is expected to begin in a year.
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