DBU Receives $2 Million Gift From Jim and Sally Nation

Dallas, TX - Dallas Baptist University has received a $2 million gift from Jim and Sally Nation to be used for the construction of Nation Hall, a new building to house the Gary Cook School of Leadership.

Jim and Sally Nation Hall

"We are grateful to the Nations for the lead gift to provide construction of this new building on our campus," said Dr. Adam Wright, vice president, and dean. "Jim and Sally Nation Hall will be a location where students can engage in centuries-old leadership principles and discover new and original approaches to confront the leadership challenges of our day."

The design of Nation Hall will be continuing the DBU tradition of colonial-style buildings and American history and patriotism across campus. The 20,000 square foot multi-purpose facility located in the center of campus will house classrooms, meeting rooms, student reading areas, and specialty academic libraries, as well as faculty and staff offices.

"Over the years, Jim and Sally Nation have generously supported our mission and practice of developing servant leaders," said Dr. Gary Cook, University president. "They are both wonderful examples to our University community of servant leadership at its best."

Jim Nation is currently the chairman of the DBU Board of Trustees. His wife, Sally, also previously served as a trustee for nine years. She also has served as president of the Women's Auxiliary Board (WAB). The Nations have been longtime supporters of DBU, providing financial gifts for the Russell H. Perry Free Enterprise Scholarship Dinner, the Tom and Alicia Landry Welcome Center, the sanctuary organ for the Patty and Bo Pilgrim Chapel and student scholarships. The Nations are active members of Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas.

Gary Cook School of Leadership

The Gary Cook School of Leadership currently offers a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, and an M.Ed. in Higher Education. Students and graduates of the Gary Cook School of Leadership come from Texas, across the United States, and around the world. With concentration areas in business, ministry, education and general leadership, the school attracts students from every imaginable vocation. Housed in Nation Hall, the School of Leadership will serve as a resource for those seeking to employ DBU students and graduates, and a place where others can learn new and innovative methods for leadership.