DBU Receives Transformational $5 Million Gift to Carter School of Business as Part of Stand Firm. Stand Out. Campaign

Dallas Baptist University is honored to announce a generous $5,000,000 gift from The Nation Foundation and longtime friends and supporters, Jim and Sally Nation of Dallas, Texas, to the Don and Linda Carter School of Business. This extraordinary donation is part of DBU's Stand Firm. Stand Out. capital campaign for the Carter School of Business, a bold initiative to advance the mission of Christ-centered education and prepare students to lead with faith and integrity in business.

The Nations have been pillars of the DBU community for decades. Jim served faithfully on the DBU Board of Trustees from 2009–2019 and returned to serve again in 2021, while Sally served on the Board from 2000–2009 and as President of the DBU Women's Auxiliary Board. In 2013, they provided the lead gift to construct Jim and Sally Nation Hall, home to the Gary Cook School of Leadership, the Chancellor's Office, and the President's Office—spaces dedicated to the heart of DBU's vision to build a great Christian university that is pleasing to God.

Rooted in their lifelong commitment to advancing God's Kingdom, the Nations' gift is a catalyst for DBU's Stand Firm. Stand Out. campaign. But more than a campaign milestone, this moment reflects the legacy of two individuals whose lives have been marked by generosity, servant leadership, and steadfast faith. Their deep love for DBU is matched only by their devotion to Christ and His Church. As active members of Park Cities Baptist Church, Jim and Sally have faithfully lived out their call to steward God's blessings with intentionality and impact.

"The generosity of Jim and Sally Nation is an incredible encouragement," said Dr. Adam C. Wright, DBU President. "They have long demonstrated what it means to steward their resources for Kingdom purposes. This gift will not only bless our students today but will also leave a legacy that reflects their heart for service and their commitment to Christian higher education. Dallas Baptist University is deeply grateful for the Nations' continued partnership and their belief in the power of faith-filled education. Their gift to the Carter School of Business stands as a testament to their enduring love for DBU and their desire to see students equipped to serve and lead in a world that needs both courage and conviction."

Jim serves as Board Chairman of First Co., a Dallas-based leader and innovator in quality HVAC products. His business acumen and strong witness in the corporate world embody the very mission of the Carter School of Business—to develop ethical, faith-driven leaders equipped to serve with excellence. Sally's legacy of volunteerism and service and advocacy continues to bless students, families, and ministries across the region.

"Jim and Sally have been faithful leaders not only at DBU but across the city of Dallas," said Ryan Hefton, Vice President for University Advancement at DBU. "They have helped shape the spiritual and philanthropic landscape of this city, and DBU is incredibly blessed to reap the fruit of their decades of service, generosity, and commitment to advancing God's Kingdom. Their investment in the Carter School of Business will impact generations of Christ-centered leaders, and we're grateful to partner with them in this important work."

Jim Nation shared his heart behind the gift, saying, "We hope our gift encourages others to invest in the incredible work God is doing in and through DBU. Our world needs Dallas Baptist University, and we wholeheartedly believe in the future of the Carter School of Business. We are blessed to be a blessing and are deeply grateful for DBU's vision to build a great Christian university that is pleasing to God by producing Christ-centered servant leaders who are transforming the world."

The Don and Linda Carter School of Business at DBU prepares students for careers in management, entrepreneurship, economics, and global business through the lens of Scripture and ethical leadership. The Nation's gift marks a significant moment in DBU history, empowering new initiatives that will impact generations of students to come.

The Stand Firm. Stand Out. campaign is a multi-year initiative focused on key priorities to advance the Carter School of Business, such as scholarships, academic innovation, campus enhancements, and global engagement. With this generous gift, Jim and Sally Nation become leading champions of the campaign, inspiring others to invest boldly in DBU's mission to develop servant leaders and transform lives through Christ-centered business.