Lifework Podcast

In Part 1 of this two-episode conversation, host Dr. Stan Norman sits down with Heather Parson—Assistant Professor of Business and Chair of the Department of Business at Williams Baptist University—to explore the remarkable story behind her calling. Heather opens up about growing up in an agricultural community, her father’s near-death accident, years of financial hardship, and the ways God provid...

In part two of our conversation, Dr. Ruth Provost returns to the Lifework Podcast to look more closely at her vocational journey—especially how God led her back to Williams and ultimately into academic leadership. Host Dr. Stan Norman asks Ruth to unpack the “heavenly call” that accompanied an unexpected job offer, the holy restlessness that marked much of her young adulthood, and the incredible p...

In this deeply personal episode of the Lifework Podcast, host Dr. Stan Norman sits down with Dr. Ruth Provost , Vice President for Academic Affairs at Williams Baptist University, to explore the surprising and Spirit-led journey that shaped her calling. Dr. Provost shares her remarkable upbringing as a missionary kid in Yemen, Cyprus, and Jordan—where faith was lived out through quiet service, com...

In part two, Dr. Broussard opens up about the night everything changed — when a revival led him to true faith in Christ and a deeper calling to serve through music and teaching. Hear how God transformed his life and vocation, leading him from the choir loft to the classroom, and why he believes that all meaningful work begins with surrender.

In part one of this two-part conversation, Dr. Stan Norman talks with Dr. Trent Broussard , Chair of Fine Arts and Director of Choral Activities at Williams Baptist University. From his childhood in Fort Smith to discovering his love for music, Dr. Broussard shares how his parents’ work ethic and a heart for song shaped his understanding of calling, character, and the joy of doing work that glorif...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Melinda Williams , Assistant Professor of Communication Arts and Director of the Liberal Arts Program at Williams Baptist University, we explore how faith and calling intersect through theater, education, and even cattle raising. Melinda shares how she views the stage as a mission field for sharing Christian values, how she helps students find their voice and pur...

In this first part of our conversation with Melinda Williams , Assistant Professor of Communication Arts and Director of the Liberal Arts Program at Williams Baptist University, we explore how God uses ordinary moments to reveal extraordinary purpose. Growing up in Walnut Ridge, Melinda gave her life to Christ at just nine years old. Initially shy and unsure of her future, she was encouraged by he...

In part two of our conversation with Luke Colley, we trace his journey from youth ministry to nearly two decades in banking and then back to Williams Baptist University. Luke wrestles honestly with questions like “Does God ever un-call us?” and shares how he learned to see every workplace—whether a teller line, a boardroom, or a college campus—as a place to follow Christ and serve others. Hear how...

Season 2 Episode 5 of the LifeWork Podcast takes listeners back to the roots of Luke Colley—WBU alumnus (’02) and now Vice President for University Advancement & Business Development at Williams. Luke shares stories of growing up in Fort Worth and Clarksville, AR—learning integrity from a third-shift dad who never stopped working, steadiness from a mother who kept the household thriving, and t...

Dr. Melissa Davis, Agri-Business Professor at Williams Baptist University, shares how her journey from a small town in Tennessee led to launching a new agribusiness program at Williams. Drawing inspiration from Dorothy Sayers’ classic essay “Why Work,” Dr. Davis explores work’s intrinsic and instrumental value—showing how it can be both a livelihood and a calling aligned with God’s greater plan. S...

Charlie Kirk’s assassination has shaken a family, a nation, and the world of higher education. In this special episode of the LifeWork Podcast , we reflect on the grief of his wife and children, the trauma witnessed by students on a university campus, and the questions this tragedy raises about justice, freedom, and the kind of people we are becoming. From a Christian perspective, we explore what...

From Rural Roots to Global Impact: Dr. Melissa Davis on Agriculture and Calling On this episode of the Lifework Podcast , host Dr. Stan Norman talks with Dr. Melissa Davis, a new agribusiness professor at Williams Baptist University. Growing up in the rural farming community of Eads, Tennessee, Dr. Davis originally planned to major in psychology—until a class debate on land preservation sparked a...

Dr. Stan Norman is joined by Dr. Mike Fox, Associate Professor of Christian Ministries at Williams Baptist University, for a conversation about how biblical wisdom shapes the way we work and live. Drawing from Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs, Dr. Fox explores how the fear of the Lord forms the foundation for a faithful work ethic—and how cutting corners leads us off the path of wisd...

Season 2 of the Lifework Podcast launches with a fresh new direction. Host Dr. Stan Norman , president of Williams Baptist University, sits down with Dr. Mike Fox —alumnus, pastor, and professor of Christian Ministries—to talk about the surprising path from a cabin in Moody Hollow to the classroom and pulpit. In this episode, Dr. Fox shares his early work experiences, the mentors who shaped his jo...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Lifework Podcast, Dr. Stan Norman and Academic Dean Dr. Rhyne Putman tackle one of the most pervasive challenges in today’s workforce—the struggle to work faithfully. From employees doing the bare minimum to students using AI to avoid real effort, the modern workplace (and classroom) is filled with "thorns and thistles" that distort God’s design f...

In this episode of The Lifework Podcast, Dr. Stan Norman and Dr. Rhyne Putman of Williams Baptist University dive into the biblical perspective on work in a fallen world. Drawing from Genesis 3 and the story of Cain and Abel, they explore how sin manifests in the workplace—through temptation, difficult relationships, and misplaced motivations. Key discussion points include: How faith transforms ou...

In this episode of The Lifework Podcast, Dr. Stan Norman and Dr. Rhyne Putman pick up where they left off last week as they explore the profound impact of the Fall on human labor—from the idyllic work of Eden to the sweat and toil of a broken world. Drawing from Genesis 3 and Revelation 22, they discuss how thorns and thistles symbolize not just physical hardship but also the spiritual and emotion...

In this episode of the Lifework Podcast, Dr. Stan Norman and Dr. Rhyne Putman dive into the challenges of work in a world marked by the Fall. Drawing from Genesis 3, they explore how sin has impacted labor, productivity, and our daily struggles in the workplace. From humorous anecdotes to deep theological reflections, they discuss how followers of Christ can find purpose, perseverance, and even re...

What if students could graduate debt-free by working real jobs while earning their degree? That’s exactly what’s happening at Williams Baptist University! In this episode, we dive into the Williams Works program—where students take on roles in agriculture, business, and even high-tech industries to fund their education. Join us as we discuss how this model is changing lives and preparing students...

What does it mean to truly cultivate Christ-centered leaders? In this episode of the LifeWork Podcast, Drs. Norman and Putman dive deep into the heart of Williams Baptist University’s mission—how it was shaped, why it matters, and how it guides everything from student life to career development. Join them as they discuss the power of a clear, impactful mission statement, the Williams Works initiat...

In this enlightening episode of the Lifework Podcast, join hosts Dr. Stan Norman, President of Williams Baptist University, and Dr. Rhyne Putman, Vice-President of Academic Affairs, as they delve into the groundbreaking Williams Works initiative. Launched in 2020, this program redefines Christian higher education by combining affordability with a mission to instill a Christ-centered work ethic. Di...

What if your job was more than just a daily grind? This episode dives into the journey of discovering purpose in your work by understanding how God shapes our desires, talents, and opportunities. Whether you’re searching for direction or struggling with career uncertainty, this conversation will offer guidance, encouragement, and biblical wisdom. __ Learn more about Williams Works and the opportun...

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In this episode, we explore the moment when Jesus calls His first disciples, asking them to leave everything behind. What can we learn from their immediate response, and how does this call apply to our lives today? __ Learn more about Williams Works and the opportunity to earn your education instead of paying for it! https://williamsbu.edu/debt-free-degree...

Have you ever asked, “God, what do you want me to do with my life?” You’re not alone. In this episode of The LifeWork Podcast, Dr. Stan Norman takes us through his journey of discovering his calling—from reluctant beginnings to leading in Christian higher education. His story is filled with lessons on faith, obedience, and the unexpected ways God refines our purpose. If you’ve ever struggled with...

In this episode of The LifeWork Podcast, Dr. Rhyne Putman shares his personal journey of discovering purpose and calling. From growing up in a preacher’s home to wrestling with different career paths—including film—and ultimately finding his passion in teaching and theology, Rhyne's story is one of faith, growth, and divine direction. Through candid reflections and personal experiences, this...