Progress noted at Williams Baptist

 
LITTLE ROCK – Tremendous strides have been made in the ministry at Williams Baptist College during 70 years of the institution’s existence, Jerol Swaim, president, shared with messengers Tuesday, Nov. 1, on the first day of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.

“Because this college has been the work and calling of my life, I have had the absolute joy of watching it grow and mature into the outstanding Christian institution of higher learning it is today …,” said Swaim.

Started in 1941 as Southern Baptist College, Williams was renamed for its founder, H.E. Williams in 1991.

Swaim recounted his experiences as professor in the 1970s at the college, saying “Williams has always had a unique ability to touch lives in a very special way.”

“Not to brag, but you might want to note who the students voted the ‘Grooviest Professor’ in 1972, he said of his first nine years of service at the college – which included teaching American history, government and economics.

Milestones Swaim shared included Williams becoming a four-year college in 1984, the growth of the school’s academic programs, construction of Manley Chapel, a new administrative building and Nicholas Hall, its newest residence hall for women.

Swaim said while buildings and academic programs at the college are important, there’s another thing that makes Williams special for its students.

“But the thing that makes their Williams education special is that just as they are growing academically, they are also challenged to grow spiritually,” he said.

“The brightest days for WBC still lie ahead of us.”