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Author: Natalie Harrell

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CRC Enrollment Continues to Increase; Record Enrollment for Spring 2026

PARAGOULD, AR (January 29, 2026) – Crowley’s Ridge College (CRC) continues its positive enrollment momentum with a strong Spring 2026 semester. The official 11th-day headcount stands at 311 students, marking the largest enrollment in the college’s history and reflecting CRC’s ongoing commitment to providing quality Christian higher education in a Christ-centered environment.


This growth represents continued progress in enrollment and highlights the expanding reach of CRC’s academic, athletic, concurrent enrollment programs, and the institution’s success in working with other schools and colleges.


Key Highlights of Spring 2026 Enrollment:
-Total Headcount: 311 students, a new record, breaking the former 299 record set in fall 2025
-Full-Time Equivalent (FTE): 185.07
-Residential and Commuters: 142 students
-Concurrent Enrollment: 145 high school students earning college credit through partnerships with schools across Central and Northeast Arkansas, West Memphis, and homeschool families
-Arkansas Residents: 219 students (70.4%)
-States Represented: 29 total states


“Seeing a spring headcount of 311 students, which is higher than our fall 2025 headcount, is extremely encouraging for Crowley’s Ridge College,” said Dr. Richard Johnson, President. “These numbers reflect
God’s blessings on this College and the faithful work of our admissions team, coaches, faculty, staff, as well as the trust families place in CRC to provide a Christ-centered education that prepares students for
lives of service and leadership.”


CRC continues to experience strong interest in several academic areas, including Business, Teacher Education, Biblical Studies, Psychology, and General Studies, while also expanding opportunities through
concurrent enrollment and strategic partnerships.


“We are especially grateful for the growth in concurrent enrollment and the continued strength of our residential and athletic programs,” Johnson added. “More students are choosing CRC as a place where
faith, learning, and community come together. I am thankful for the excellent work of all our CRC family who are helping move CRC forward as we continue to grow in our outreach to CRC students.”


For more information about enrollment or academic programs at Crowley’s Ridge College, visit www.crc.edu or call (870) 236-6901.

About Crowley’s Ridge College
Crowley’s Ridge College, located in Paragould, Arkansas, is a private, four-year Christian college dedicated to providing a transformative education rooted in faith, service, and academic excellence.

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CRC Announces Fall 2025 Dean’s and President’s Lists

Crowley’s Ridge College has announced the President’s and Dean’s Lists for the Fall 2025 semester.

Recognition for these academic honors is based on grades earned during each semester of the regular academic year. Eligibility for the Dean’s List requires at least a 3.5 GPA with a minimum course load of 12 credit hours. Eligibility for the President’s List requires a 4.0 GPA with a minimum course load of 12 credit hours to qualify.

President’s List:

Jett Becerra

Natalie Brightwell

Dillon Broussard

Jordan Brown

Braiden Burk

Madelyn Burris

Jesalyn Carpino

Brooklyn Cross

Bailey Cupples

Lawson DeVault

Jillian Glasgow

Joshua Lazzarino

Laura Lazzarino

Kason Newsom

Trey Noblin

Garet O’Dell

Eric Pangborn

Grace Parker

Katie Patterson

Christopher Riddle

Amiyah Saxton

Shawn-Hudson Seegraves

Johnathan Shultz

Ava Summitt

Christian Walls

Kolby Webb

Lilly Wessel

James Wilson

Emma Wyatt

Dean’s List:

Caise Austin

Emily Bake

Kyrsten Bake

Ethan Bell

Aimee Buckley

Hailey Cantrell

Isabella Carden

Gabriel Childs

Judson Collier

Noah Dahnke

Brice Davis

Alyssa Dirden

Mark Eagleman

Parker Gordon

Jesse Gorman

Brent Gossett

Nadia Greer

Peyton Griffith

Ethan Hopkins

Daisy Jackson

Jordan Janak

Daisy Kennon

Mason LeCroy

Allyson Lipp

Corben Lynch

Elijah Mayfield

Cole Nichols

Lucas Peel

Kyzer Phillips

Madison Prysock

Reicken Rainwater

Jordan Rasmussen

Ricardo Requena

Skylar Rhodes

Gregory Robinson

James Stacy

Tori McGowan

Aydan Trenchard

Caleb Wade

Mallory Welch

John Wilson

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Crowley’s Ridge College Achieves Record Enrollment

PARAGOULD, AR (September 3, 2025) – Crowley’s Ridge College has reached the largest enrollment in its history this fall. The official 11th-day headcount for Fall 2025 stands at 299 students, surpassing the previous record of 261 set in Spring 2025 by 38 students (a 14.6% increase) and exceeding last fall’s total of 243 by an impressive 23%.

This milestone reflects CRC’s continued commitment to providing quality Christian higher education in a supportive and engaging environment. It also marks the sixth consecutive enrollment increase since Dr. Richard Johnson assumed the presidency in January 2020.

Key Highlights of Fall 2025 Enrollment:

  • Total Headcount: 299 students, an all-time high for CRC

     

  • Full-Time Equivalent (FTE): 190, a 5.8% increase over Fall 2024

     

  • Residential Students: 114 students living in CRC housing on or near campus, a 5.6% increase that further strengthens campus life

     

  • Concurrent Enrollment: 124 high school students earning college credit through partnerships with schools in Central and Northeast Arkansas and the West Memphis area, up from 74 in Fall 2024

     

“Reaching a new enrollment record is a tremendous achievement for CRC,” said Dr. Richard Johnson, President of Crowley’s Ridge College. “These numbers reflect the hard work of our faculty, staff, and recruiters, as well as the growing recognition of the value of a Christ-centered education at CRC.”

The college remains focused on strong academic programs, expanded campus life opportunities, and partnerships with schools throughout the state.

“We are especially encouraged by the increases in both residential and concurrent enrollment,” Johnson added. “More students are choosing CRC as their home for faith, learning, and community. I am deeply grateful for the excellent work of our admissions team, our concurrent enrollment coordinator, and our coaches who continue to recruit outstanding student-athletes for our collegiate teams.”

For more information about concurrent enrollment or academic programs at Crowley’s Ridge College, visit www.crc.edu or call (870) 236-6901.

About Crowley’s Ridge College
Crowley’s Ridge College, located in Paragould, Arkansas, is a private, four-year Christian college dedicated to providing a transformative education rooted in faith, service, and academic excellence.

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CRC Accepted to the NACCAP

Crowley’s Ridge College’s application for membership to the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals was recently accepted. CRC will now appear in various list serves such as  FindYourChristianCollege.com for high school students who decide to follow their faith while furthering their education by attending a Christian college in the United States.

The North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP) is a leading and innovative organization recognized for effectively serving and engaging its members by providing vital professional development and initiatives that champion the cause for Christian education. NACCAP’s college fairs, virtual tours and other planning resources are created to put each individual student in the best position to find the best Christian college available for them and their success.

A list of upcoming NACCAP events can be found at www.naccap.org/upcoming-events.

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CRC Reaches Articulation Agreement with Black River Technical College

Crowley’s Ridge College and Black River Technical College entered into a formal articulation agreement on Thursday, July 10, 2025 on the campus of CRC in Paragould, Arkansas. By entering into this agreement, CRC and BRTC express their mutual commitment to serve students in their respective areas by providing high quality educational programs and services.

The purpose of this articulation agreement is to assist students in making a seamless transfer from BRTC’s Associate of Science in Business program to CRC’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing programs by clarifying transfer policies and procedures between both programs.

“Black River Technical College is grateful to partner with Crowley’s Ridge College, as both institutions strive to serve their students and surrounding communities,” states Vice President for Academic Affairs Brad Baine. “The proximity of our two colleges will help students maintain their local community involvement and professional responsibilities as they complete their respective degrees.” 

The agreement is entered into the academic year 2025-2026 and remains in effect henceforth. This agreement will be reviewed every five years to ensure currency with the respective degree requirements.

 

Pictured above are (Front Row, L to R): Dr. Treka Clark, CRC Division Chair of Business & Technology, Jeremy Pierce, CRC Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Brad Baine, BRTC Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Phillip Dickson, BRTC Dean of Business & Technology. (Back Row, L to R): Dr. Richard Johnson, CRC President, and Dr. Martin Eggensperger, BRTC President

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CRC Announces Spring 2025 Dean’s and President’s Lists

Crowley’s Ridge College has announced the President’s and Dean’s Lists for the Spring 2025 semester.

Recognition for these academic honors is based on grades earned during each semester of the regular academic year. Eligibility for the Dean’s List requires at least a 3.5 GPA with a minimum course load of 12 credit hours. Eligibility for the President’s List requires a 4.0 GPA with a minimum course load of 12 credit hours to qualify.

President’s List:

Cannon Baker

Joseph Becerra

Zakaryah Brown

Braiden Burk

Madelyn Burris

Jesalyn Carpino

Gabriel Childs

Katie Cole

Laura Combs Lazzarino

Bailey Cupples

Jada Diaz

Alyssa Dirden

Bailee Duhme

KristyAnn Grimes

Kourtni Jagneaux

Brooklyn Kearbey

Joshua Lazzarino

Trenton McGowan

Brinley Morgan

Kason Newsom

Garet O’Dell

Matthew Parker

Shawn-Hudson Seegraves

Michael Sharp Jr.

Tori Sutherland

Samantha Tonkery

Jocelyn Villarreal

Lilly Wessel

John Wilson

Travia Woodruff

 

Dean’s List:

Caise Austin

Ethan Bell

Natalie Brightwell

Aimee Buckley

Brooklyn Cross

Ansley Dawson

Mark Eagleman

JackHenry Glasgow

Jillian Glasgow

Parker Gordon

Brent Gossett

Hunter Graff

Peyton Griffith

Gavin Hall

Brylan Honeycutt

Ethan Hopkins

Jaden Irvin

Reece Kieffner

Elijah Mayfield

Sara McCain

Trey Noblin

Karsen Overshine

Eric Pangborn

Hannah Parker

Skylar Rhodes

Gregory Robinson

Johnathan Shultz

Trenton Siemens

Georgia Spinks

Caleb Wade

Hunter Wilkerson

Jaden Yates

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CRC’s Carissa Winn Promoted to Associate Professor

Crowley’s Ridge College is pleased to announce that Mrs. Carissa Winn has been promoted to the rank of Associate Professor of Psychology.  Current and prospective faculty members are eligible for this appointment by holding at least 60 graduate-level hours of study and five years of higher education teaching experience.

Mrs. Winn received her Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies from Freed-Hardeman University in 2011 where she played collegiate volleyball for four seasons. Winn served as Crowley’s Ridge College’s Head Volleyball Coach from 2019-2024.

Winn also earned her Specialist in Education in Mental Health Counseling from Arkansas State University in 2014 and served as a Licensed Professional Counselor in various settings. She played a crucial role in the development of CRC’s newest degree program, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and she advises all psychology majors on campus.

 “Mrs. Winn has been an invaluable asset to CRC Academics, and her contributions are especially vital as we expand with the addition of our new Psychology degree program,” says Vice President for Academic Affairs Jeremy Pierce. “This well-deserved title promotion reflects her dedication, expertise, and the profound impact she has had on our academic community. We are deeply grateful for her continued commitment to CRC and proud to celebrate this important milestone—for both Mrs. Winn and our beloved college.”  

Congratulations to Mrs. Winn on this promotion and career milestone!

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Frank Guinn Awarded CRC’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year

Crowley’s Ridge College recognized Mr. Frank Guinn as the recipient of its 2025 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award at its Homecoming festivities this past Saturday, February 22nd. Frank was honored in recognition of his outstanding service to the community and to Christian education.

Frank Guinn was born in Leachville Arkansas and attended CRC in 1967-68. He finished all of his coursework except for Music Appreciation, so he lacked 3 hours to receive the A.A. in General Studies. When he left CRC, he went into the military during the height of the Vietnam War and served our country. Frank maintained a close connection with CRC since his student days. While deployed, he says that faculty members would write him and keep in contact with him. He still has these letters. After Frank came home from the military, he and his mother, Ima (pictured below), started Ima’s Fashions, a clothing retailer that he and his family have owned for nearly 60 years and currently has locations in Paragould, AR and Jonesboro, AR. He married the love of his life, Ann Marie Ryles in 1968, and they have two children, Drew Guinn and the late Laura Kingston. Frank and Ann Marie also have six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. They have always made Paragould their home.

During Frank’s career, Frank has served in many capacities. He served on the boards of Security Bank and American State Bank. He currently serves on the commission board for Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, as well as the Independent Citizens Commission for the State of Arkansas. He was an original founder of the Arkansas State Police Foundation, and served there for over twenty years, much of that time as its chairman. He also served two seven-year terms on the Arkansas State Police Commission, with two of those years as the chairman.

Earlier in his career, Frank also found time to complete his degree from Crowley’s Ridge College, and has remained a generous supporter for many years. Frank will tell anyone who listens that CRC had a tremendous influence on his life. He found the campus to be a loving and supportive environment, which contributed not only to the future careers of its graduates, but also to their personal and spiritual development as well. He also fondly remembers the founder, Dr. Emmett Smith (honoris causa), and many of the other early faculty members who had such a great influence on the lives of so many.

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Crowley’s Ridge College Sees Enrollment Growth from Fall 2024 to Spring 2025

Crowley’s Ridge College reports a 7.4% increase in their enrollment with total headcount increasing from 243 recorded in fall 2024 official numbers to 261 in spring 2025. Arkansas residents make up 71.6% of this record breaking enrollment number. CRC broke the previous highest enrollment record in fall 2024 only to break the record again this spring. Dr. Richard Johnson, President credits the excellent recruiting work and academic improvements as keys to growing the college’s enrollment. “Our admissions team, coaches, and financial aid are working together to simplify applying and being accepted as a college student. Plus, academic improvements such as a new Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, approved in early January 2025 are attracting new students.”

Crowley’s Ridge College is a private, four-year Christian college located in Paragould, Arkansas.  As an institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, it offers Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in a variety of areas. CRC aims to lead and encourage all students to use their various experiences toward building a philosophy of life that is consistent with Christian ideals and will lead them into a future of service to both God and their community. CRC’s current cost is $465 per credit hour for in-state or out-of-state students, which is much lower than most private and some public universities in Arkansas. Visit www.crc.edu to learn more.

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CRC Announces Fall 2024 Dean’s and President’s Lists

Crowley’s Ridge College has announced the President’s and Dean’s Lists for the Fall 2024 semester.

Recognition for these academic honors is based on grades earned during each semester of the regular academic year. Eligibility for the Dean’s List requires at least a 3.5 GPA with a minimum course load of 12 credit hours. Eligibility for the President’s List requires a 4.0 GPA with a minimum course load of 12 credit hours to qualify.

President’s List:

Joseph Becerra

Aimee Buckley

Hannah Burk

Madelyn Burris

Gabriel Childs

Katie Cole

Braxton Cousins

Brooklyn Cross

Bailey Cupples

Jessica Duhme

Jillian Glasgow

Hunter Graff

KristyAnn Grimes

Kourtni Jagneaux

Joshua Lazzarino

Trenton McGowan

Elijah Mayfield

Brinley Morgan

Kason Newsom

Garet O’Dell

Karsen Overshine

Shawn-Hudson Seegraves

Kelsey Smith

Tori Sutherland

Lilly Wessel

 

Dean’s List:

Caise Austin

Natalie Brightwell

Dillon Broussard

Braiden Burk

Laura Combs

Kylie Cox

Noah Dahnke

Ansley Dawson

Mark Eagleman

Paige Glenn

Brent Gossett

Peyton Griffeth

Brylan Honeycutt

Ethan Hopkins

Ashanti Jones

Brooklyn Kearbey

Reece Kieffner

Bailee Maybin

Sara McCain

Timothy Noblin

Eric Pangborn

Skylar Rhodes

Hydiyah Robinson

Kaitlyn Scott

Jessica Shultz

Jonathan Shultz

Trenton Siemens

Georgia Spinks

Adonis Thomas

Samantha Tonkery

Jocelyn Villarreal

Caleb Wade

Shelbie Walker

Briley Weber

Mallory Welch

Halea Wells

James Wilson

John Wilson

Travia Woodruff

Emma Wyatt

Jaden Yates

 

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Paragould, Arkansas 72450 USA
(870) 236-6901

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