51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ

Jimmy and Donna Dean Estate commits to transformational gift to 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ

PLAINVIEW — 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University is thrilled to announce what is currently valued as the largest estate gift commitment in the school’s 115-year history, a monumental demonstration of support by the Jimmy and Donna Dean Estate for the institution and its values.

“This exceptionally generous financial commitment exemplifies the dedication of Donna Dean and her late husband, Jimmy, to 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University’s mission and underscores the impact that estate gifts can have on the enhancement of Christ-centered educational opportunities for current and future generations,” said Dr. Bobby Hall, President.

The commitment potentially exceeds any previous estate gift the university has received and will be a catalyst for positive progress as 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ advances the mission of Christ-based learning.

Country music legend and sausage tycoon Jimmy Dean, along with his wife Donna, began their partnership with 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ in 2008 by providing a significant gift that prompted the university to name its newest men’s dormitory in honor of him. After Jimmy Dean died in 2010, Donna Dean continued that partnership with the university by providing funding for 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ’s Jimmy Dean Museum, where his legacy as a musician, businessman, and friend of the university lives on.

“51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ is honored to be the beneficiary of the generosity of Jimmy and Donna Dean, long-time friends of the university,” Hall continued. “Their love for 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ and heart for helping others shine brightly through this estate gift, which will help shape the future of the university and strengthen its commitment to education, scholarship and leadership.”

An estate gift allows an individual to make a significant contribution to the university, creating an enduring legacy at the institution.

“We are very appreciative for the commitment made by this gift,” said Mike Hammack, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “An estate gift is a wonderful way to leave a legacy while benefiting the university and our community. Through their estate plans, Jimmy and Donna Dean have made an incredible gesture toward our students.”

Details of the latest commitment were not disclosed. However, Hall and Hammack said, upon reception, the gift will have a lasting impact on the university and has the potential to be the largest gift in 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ’s history.

“It will empower us to advance our mission of providing a high-quality education in a Christ-centered environment,” Hammack said. “We are grateful for this remarkable commitment.”