John Brown University Receives $2.5M From Mabee Foundation

(John Brown University)

John Brown University in Siloam Springs announced Monday that it has successfully completed a $2.5 million challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation to support Project Two of the Mabee Learning Resource Center (LRC) renovation.

To receive the funds, JBU was required to raise $2.7 million from individuals, foundations or businesses designated for the LRC renovation by Jan. 9. The university met that goal, securing the full $2.5 million Mabee Foundation grant.

The Mabee Learning Resource Center was built in 1980, and it is the last of JBU’s buildings needing renovation.

In May 2024, the university completed Project One of the LRC renovation, which converted the broadcast studio to a modern soundstage for JBU’s film program, relocated staff offices, upgraded the Media Lab, replaced outdated systems and transformed the bridge between the LRC and Chapman buildings into a student study space, dubbed Neufeld Commons.

Project Two, scheduled to begin this month, aims to reinvent the LRC as a modern and collaborative learning hub.

The second half of the project will move the library to the second floor, bring together the IT help desk, student support services, writing and tutoring lab and intercultural engagement spaces on the first floor, add space for the student-run Ground Floor Coffee and replace outdated mechanical systems.

Project Two is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2026. It’s estimated cost is $10.6 million.

“For many years, the Mabee Foundation has been a steadfast partner in advancing Christian higher education at JBU,” said Jim Krall, senior vice president for university advancement at JBU. “We are deeply grateful for this generous challenge grant, which will enable us to renovate our Learning Resource Center into a dynamic space designed to support the academic growth and personal development of today’s students.”