Thank you to the John Brown University students and staff for visiting SPP! We appreciate your time and interest in learning about our mission and operations. It's always a pleasure engaging with the next generation of leaders shaping our future.
Eve Jagger (Director of Career Development) and I had the incredible opportunity to take a group of John Brown University students to the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) headquarters in Little Rock, Arkansas. SPP plays a critical role in our nation’s energy infrastructure—managing the electrical grid across 14 states and providing energy services in 23. We’re especially grateful to Gunnar Shaffer (JBU Class of 2014), a member of the JBU Board of Trustees, for graciously hosting us. SPP staff gave our students a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to deliver reliable and secure power to millions each day. We were also honored to meet SPP CEO Lanny Nickell, who encouraged our students to keep investing in their education and vocation. This visit was more than a tour—it was a meaningful lesson in servant leadership, technical excellence, and the power of collaboration for the common good. Our students left inspired, with a clearer vision of how their gifts and passions can make a lasting impact on the world. Experiences like this remind us why we invest in whole-person education. We’re deeply thankful for the SPP staff who generously gave their time to mentor and encourage our students. May the Lord bless these students as they prepare to serve His kingdom through their God-given talents!