WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. — Several administrators at Williams Baptist University are transitioning into new roles and added responsibilities as the 2026-27 school year gets underway, the school announced this week.
Luke Colley has been appointed Executive Vice President for Administration, Advancement, and Business Development. A graduate of WBU, Colley began his career at the university in 2023. His position now includes oversight of administrative operations in addition to continuing his leadership of advancement and business development initiatives.
Tonya Bolton has been named Vice President for Enrollment Management. Also a WBU alumna, Bolton has been with the university since 1998, most recently serving as Associate Vice President. In her expanded role, she leads student recruitment efforts and supervises the financial aid department.
Dr. Brett Cooper is stepping into a dual role as Vice President for Kingdom Engagement and Creative Services and as Director of the Ministry Training Institute, a newly established program. A member of the WBU community since 1993, he will continue managing marketing, communications, and IT operations while taking on the development of a campus-wide focus on prayer. Additionally, Dr. Cooper has been tasked with further expanding the Williams Works program to connect ministry students with opportunities at Arkansas Baptist churches.
Dr. Ruth Provost remains Vice President of Academic Affairs but has taken on new duties, including oversight of the Office of Student Affairs. She has also been appointed as the university’s Title IX Coordinator. Dr. Provost, a WBU graduate, has served at the institution since 2004.
Dr. Melissa Keller is now Dean of Workforce Development while continuing her role as Associate Professor of Agribusiness. Joining WBU in 2025, Dr. Keller will oversee the Williams Works initiative and lead efforts to integrate workforce education into WBU's academic programs. Williams Works provides students the opportunity to earn tuition and fees by working 16 hours per week. Some students also earn room and board through full-time summer employment under the program, which aims to instill workforce skills and a Christian work ethic.
“Williams Baptist University is blessed to have such a talented team of administrators,” said WBU President Dr. Stan Norman. “Each of them is aligned with crucial tasks that match their individual gifts, and we look forward to their leadership in these important areas.”
Williams Baptist University, located in Walnut Ridge, is a private Christian institution committed to faith-based higher education.