New signage at the entrance to Williams Baptist University makes it clear a transition has taken place. The Walnut Ridge institution has moved from college to university this summer, and two prominent signs installed in recent days reflect that change.

A tall, illuminated sign was completed over the weekend along Highway 67 at Fulbright Ave., where drivers turn toward the Williams campus. And, once visitors arrive at the campus, the large, brick entry gate now has Williams Baptist University emblazoned across the front.

“After all these months of planning, the new signs make it seem very real to us that Williams is now a university. The excitement among our alumni and friends has been the most gratifying part of this phase, with social media photos of the new signs lighting up the Internet,” said Brett Cooper, vice president for institutional advancement.

Williams announced in September that it would begin the transition from college to university, with the change becoming official this summer. This fall’s students will be the first to enroll under the name Williams Baptist University.

Williams is a Christian, liberal arts university in Walnut Ridge.