(PARAGOULD, Ark.) – Two higher education institutions in northeast Arkansas are joining forces to help prepare the region’s education sector. Black River Technical College and Crowley’s Ridge College formally signed a teacher education agreement Friday, March. 13, in a ceremony on the CRC campus.
“This partnership between Black River Technical College and Crowley’s Ridge College creates a clear pathway for students in Northeast Arkansas to pursue the calling of teaching while remaining close to the communities they hope to serve,” says CRC President Dr. Richard Johnson. “I am grateful to the leaders and faculty from both institutions whose work and cooperation made this Memorandum of Understanding possible.”
“When a BRTC student moves through this pathway to become a teacher, they aren’t just earning a degree; they are becoming a cornerstone of our community – extending the reach of our proud mission,” said BRTC President Martin Eggensperger. “They transform lives. They enhance their communities. The long reach and social impact of these teachers will be immeasurable.”
The memorandum of understanding calls for BRTC and CRC to establish a pipeline for educator training in Northeast Arkansas. By working together, BRTC and CRC hope to develop a pathway for future educators to be trained close to home so that they can continue working and impacting their local communities. This partnership is our way of working to address the critical teacher shortage that is often felt the hardest in rural communities.
BRTC’s flagship campus is in Pocahontas, with additional campuses in Paragould and Piggott.
CRC is a private, Christian college located in Paragould, Arkansas.
Joint Media Release from Black River Technical College & Crowley’s Ridge College
Claire Fisher / BRTC: claire.fisher@blackrivertech.edu or 870-248-4187
Natalie Harrell / CRC: nharrell@crc.edu or 870-236-6901
Photo attached of BRTC-CRC Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony. Seated (back row, left to right): CRC President Dr. Johnson, BRTC President Dr. Martin Eggensperger. (Front row, left to right): CRC Division Chair of Teacher Education Dr. Zach Grimes, CRC Vice President for Academic Affairs Jeremy Pierce, BRTC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Brad Baine, BRTC Dean of General Studies Darenda Kersey.
