I attended a small private college in Arkansas that many people I’ve encountered over the years have never heard of. It’s called Central Baptist College, and it’s tucked away in Conway (Faulkner County). Despite being in a city known as the “City of Colleges,” it doesn’t have the same recognition as the other two institutions there: the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) and Hendrix College.
Central Baptist College was established in 1952 in Conway, taking its roots from the previous Central College for Women. Initially named Central College for Christian Workers, it was initiated as part of the North American Baptist Association's educational ministry, later known as the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas. The college started as an extension of Jacksonville College in Texas, utilizing facilities at Temple Baptist Church in Little Rock. However, the denomination soon acquired an eleven-acre, picturesque property in the center of Conway, formerly belonging to the Central College for Women, for $85,000. To prevent any confusion with the previous girls’ seminary, the college rebranded itself as Conway Baptist College, before adopting the name Central Baptist College a decade later.
Doss N. Jackson was appointed as the first president of the institution, regarded by many in the denomination as uniquely qualified to ensure its success. Leaders believed Jackson’s reputation would significantly aid his fundraising efforts, which they regarded as a critical aspect of his role. Unfortunately, his presidency was short-lived, as he faced backlash for falling short in fundraising necessary for debt service, operational costs, and expansion needs. The board grew increasingly concerned as they witnessed a nearly $10,000 drop in revenue from 1952 to 1953. Facing internal dissent and criticism, Jackson decided to resign during the board meeting in March 1954, with Abner Reddin stepping in as his successor in June of that year.
During its first three decades, Central Baptist College faced tough challenges. The college found itself competing with local and international missionary efforts for financial support from a small and struggling denomination, with some members advocating for funds to support missions instead of higher education. As a result, the financial situation was often precarious. It wasn't until Charles Attebery became president from 1990 to 2004 that the school began to stabilize its finances. Attebery secured the largest single donation in the school's history at that point, eliminated the college's debt, developed a comprehensive master plan for the institution, and initiated several significant capital campaigns to fund construction projects and ensure financial stability.
Central Baptist College was recognized by the Arkansas Department of Education until 1962, when the board of trustees recommended joining the American Association of Junior Colleges. Acknowledging the importance of specialized and regional accreditation for academic standing, the college became an applicant of the Accrediting Association of Bible in 1972, and achieved full accreditation in 1977. In 1993, it also secured membership with the North Central Higher Learning Commission, and it is a member of Arkansas’ Independent Colleges and Universities.
Founded to support Arkansas Baptists in fulfilling vocational roles within their churches, Central Baptist College continues to build its educational framework on a strong biblical foundation. Alongside degree plans focused on vocational ministry, the college offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in areas such as general education, business, music, and social services, as well as an adult degree completion program tailored for working professionals. Although the goal was to enroll 500 students by the year 2000, that milestone was achieved in 2006, and by 2007, the college employed fifty-eight full- and part-time faculty members. The completion of the impressive 38,000-square-foot David T. Watkins Academic Building in 2012 marked a significant development for the institution, which competes in the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Reflecting on my experience at Central Baptist College fills me with appreciation for the incredible professors (most notably Dr. Joel Slayton) and the lasting friendships I've built with my classmates, many of whom are still dear friends today. Those four years truly stand out as some of the most valued moments of my life. My time at Central Baptist showed me that sometimes the most memorable experiences occur in places that aren’t widely known.
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