Foundation pledges challenge grant to finish SBU renovation

The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation issued a challenge grant to help Southwest Baptist University complete fundraising efforts for the renovation of its Gene Taylor National Free Enterprise Center.

To date, SBU has raised nearly $2 million of the $2.7 million needed to fund the project. Under the terms of the challenge grant, the Tulsa, Okla.-based foundation will supply the remaining $500,000 if gifts and pledges secured reach $2.2 million, according to a news release.

“The Mabee Foundation has consistently supported Southwest Baptist University and our commitment to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society,” SBU President C. Pat Taylor said in the release. “Their support and that of SBU alumni and friends will help provide excellent new facilities for faculty, staff and students in business, accounting, computer science, history and political science.”  

Renovation of the Free Enterprise Center calls for:
    •    a roughly 11,300-square-foot addition comprising new classrooms, a student lounge, study rooms, and accounting and computer science computer labs;
    •    a 26,000-square-foot renovation of the existing facility, including its Woody Auditorium and faculty office space;
    •    updated technology and classroom, office and lounge furnishings.

The Free Enterprise Center houses the Bolivar school’s Robert W. Plaster College of Business and Computer Science, as well as the department of history and political science, according to the release.