JBU completes $2.5 million Mabee Foundation Challenge Grant

John Brown University successfully completed a $2.5 million challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation to support Project Two of the Mabee Learning Resource Center renovation, according to a university news release.

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 Mabee Foundation grant, according to the release.

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studio to a modern soundstage for JBU’s film program, relocated staff offices, upgraded the Media Lab, replaced outdated systems and transformed the bridge between the LRC and Chapman buildings into a student study space, Neufeld Commons, according to the release.

Project Two, scheduled to begin this month, will reinvent the LRC as a modern, integrated Academic Success Center and collaborative learning hub. By bringing together the resources of the library along with all of the university’s services focused on student success into a central location, JBU aims to better meet the need of today’s students, according to the release.

“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.”

To learn more about the project and other building projects at JBU, visit jbu.edu/steadfast-faith/lrc.