Gretchen Minyard Williams Invests Generous Gift in DBU's Carter School of Business as Part of the Stand Firm. Stand Out. Capital Campaign

Dallas Baptist University is honored to announce a generous gift from Gretchen Minyard Williams in support of the Don and Linda Carter School of Business. This extraordinary investment, made in honor of her late husband, J.L. "Sonny" Williams, and in celebration of the Minyard family's enduring legacy in Texas business, will expand opportunities for the next generation of servant leaders in Dallas and beyond.

A longtime business and philanthropic leader in Dallas, Gretchen Minyard Williams has been a tireless advocate for education, faith-based service, and community impact. She is also a successful real estate agent with Ebby Halliday Realtors, continuing a distinguished family legacy of business acumen and entrepreneurship. This recent gift reflects both personal ties to DBU and a broader desire to invest in institutions that shape ethical, Christ-centered students to become future leaders. That connection includes Claire Williams Caywood, daughter of Gretchen Minyard Williams and Sonny Williams, a 2021 DBU graduate.

Sonny Williams, a 1970 graduate of DBU, was a respected leader in the grocery business and civic life of Dallas. Gretchen and Sonny served as minority owners of the Dallas Mavericks and were known for their strong work ethic, humility, and commitment to serving others. In 1994, DBU honored the Minyard and Williams families, Bob Minyard, Liz Minyard, Gretchen Minyard Williams, and Sonny Williams, with the Russell H. Perry Free Enterprise Award, recognizing their influence on the business community and their shared values of integrity and generosity.

Gretchen's gift, while honoring her husband's legacy, also represents the continued impact of the Minyard family name. As a steward of the Minyard legacy, she remains deeply committed to ensuring that future leaders are grounded not just in business but in faith and service. "This is about investing in students who will go out into the world and make a difference," she shared. "DBU is a place that develops those kinds of leaders."

Throughout her life, Gretchen has supported causes she cares deeply about through meaningful leadership and generosity. She currently serves on the Dallas College Foundation Board and has held roles with organizations such as Baylor University Medical Center, the Dallas Mavericks Foundation, HighGround Advisors, Leukemia Texas, the Crystal Charity Ball, the Dallas Woman's Club, and the Junior League of Dallas. She also serves on the board of Oak Hill Academy, where their son, Connor Williams, was a student.

"Gretchen Minyard Williams embodies the kind of visionary leadership we hope to instill in every student who passes through the Carter School of Business," said DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright. "Her gift not only honors a remarkable legacy, it paves the way for future impact."

This significant contribution brings the University's STAND FIRM. STAND OUT. capital campaign total to over $45 million, with a goal of $60 million to support scholarships, academic innovation, and the construction of a new home for the Carter School of Business.

"We are humbled by the generosity of Gretchen and her family," said Dr. Daniel Edwards, DBU Assistant Vice President for External Affairs. "Their investment will help raise up graduates who are prepared to stand firm in their faith and stand out as leaders in the business world and beyond, all for the glory of God."