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Author: Natalie Harrell

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New state-of-the-art Science Facility Breaks Ground on CRC’s Campus

Paragould, AR – Crowley’s Ridge College, a private four-year church-affiliated liberal arts college, announces the construction of a new Chemistry building on their campus at 100 College Drive in Paragould, AR. Construction on the new building is expected to be finished and ready to open for the Fall 2025 semester.

The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation awarded a $662,333 grant, which is the largest received in school history since opening in 1964, to go toward the construction. “This extremely generous grant gift from the Mabee Foundation is a tremendous blessing,” says CRC President Dr. Richard Johnson. “It will help Crowley’s Ridge College pay for the cost of installing new lift stations at every building on campus and will also help fund the cost of our new Chemistry facility.”

This will be a state-of-the-art chemistry facility with three classrooms, offices, and a chemistry lab to better serve students who are studying in CRC’s new joint programs with Freed-Hardeman and Harding University’s nursing, biology, Pharm.D., programs. The current science building is staying and will receive some upgrades as well.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Thursday, September 5 immediately following chapel at 11:00 am and featured both college and community leaders, highlighting the historical significance and importance of this new addition to the campus.  With a total enrollment growth of 30% over the past five years, and record enrollment for Fall 2024, Crowley’s Ridge College believes the new science facility will enhance its appeal to future generations of students, furthering its mission of excellence in education.

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CRC Experiences Fifth Consecutive Enrollment Increase for Fall 2024

Crowley’s Ridge College (Paragould, Ark) sets an enrollment record for Fall 2024, welcoming 243 students, and continuing it’s fifth consecutive academic year of enrollment growth.

The 11th day census “snapshot,” required by the Division of Higher Education, revealed an overall enrollment of 243, an 8% increase from last year and a new record over the previous highest headcount of 230 in Fall 2016.  On campus residential student numbers are also up 33% from last year.  In the last five years, CRC enrollment has seen a 30% increase.

With higher education enrollment down as a whole at public institutions in the United States, this growth is especially encouraging to colleges such as Crowley’s Ridge because it indicates that students are in fact valuing the private, faith-based education that CRC stands for. 

“The teachers and students here are like family,” says first time freshman Jaden Yates. “The campus feels like home because, to me, it is.  CRC has been so impactful in my growth as a person and as a Christian.”

This fall’s incoming class of new students totals 85, which is made up of students representing 14 different states including Arkansas (41).  In addition, 27 of the 85 are transfer students. One of which is Marketing major, Georgia Spinks. She states, “I attended a different school as my first choice that was beautiful, welcoming, and all of the great things an incoming student is looking for, but it was missing one thing: the feeling of home. So I prayed and prayed, and the Lord led me here where I have been blessed with a supportive community and opportunities that only God could’ve orchestrated. This place is truly like none other, and I give all thanks to God for being brought to the place I now call home.”

“Our students this year often greet me and everyone with a smile,” says CRC President Dr. Richard Johnson. “They seem happy to be at CRC and I am very happy they have chosen it as their college to come home to. I have also noticed that our singing at chapel sounds fantastic! It is very gratifying to see our enrollment continuing to increase, considering many experts have predicted an enrollment cliff with a downward turn over the next few years. I am so thankful that God continues to bless Crowley’s Ridge College and for the opportunity we have to help provide so many fine young men and women with such a quality Christian higher education experience.”

The numbers that are generated on the 11th day of classes will provide the enrollment “snapshot” that is required by the Division of Higher Education.  Enrollment numbers will continue to vary until they are officially reported in October.

About Crowley’s Ridge College: CRC 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.  Founded in 1964, CRC will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a special celebration on Saturday, October 12th, 2024.  CRC is listed in the 2024 “Best Bang for the Buck Rankings (South),” which is the Washington Monthly’s list of schools ranking according to how well they assist non-wealthy students (families earning less than $75,000 per year) attain marketable degrees at affordable prices.  CRC’s ranking is 54 out of 218.  Students can enjoy a vibrant campus life while pursuing their educational goals.  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.

CONTACT:

Natalie Harrell, Director of Marketing and Public Relations

870-236-6901, nharrell@crc.edu

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CRC Division Chair Publishes Dissertation Study on the Impact of Academic Advising

The Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice (JHETP) recently published the work of Crowley’s Ridge College’s Division Chair of Business and Technology, Dr. Treka Clark.  

CRC’s newly minted Dr. Clark’s publication, titled “STEM Diversity in Advising: Ethnicity and Its Impact on Academic Advisor Value at U.S. Higher Education,” investigates how student ethnicity influences the perceived value of academic advising in STEM fields at college.  Her research, along with Dr. Karina Kasztelnik of Tennessee State University’s primary goal was to analyze how students from diverse ethnic backgrounds rate their academic advisors’ effectiveness and importance.  The publication can be viewed and downloaded here.

“Maintaining steady enrollment numbers is crucial for organizational success, especially at small colleges and universities,” says Dr. Clark. “In addition to recruiting new students to enroll in higher education institutions, research indicates that increasing student retention rates aids in endeavors to increase overall enrollment. For small non-profit colleges, it can be assumed that as enrollment numbers fluctuate, or decrease significantly, institutional finances may be at risk of declining. Student success, retention, and persistence are critical issues in higher education and in academic advising specifically. My goal with this publication was to pinpoint the influences related to students’ perception of the value of academic advising in a college setting. Specifically, this publication addresses how student ethnicity influences the perceived value of academic advising and seeks to analyze how students from diverse backgrounds rate their academic advisors’ effectiveness and importance.”

The JHETP is dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of academic and intellectual knowledge by publishing, through a blind, refereed process, ongoing results of research in accordance with international scientific and scholarly standards.

Crowley’s Ridge College is extremely proud and supportive of Dr. Clark’s work in this area, and congratulates her on this impressive accomplishment.

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Crowley’s Ridge College Completes Mabee Challenge; Receives $662,333 Grant

The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation has awarded a grant to Crowley’s Ridge College (Paragould, Ark.) toward the construction of their new state-of-the-art Chemistry building and lift stations as listed in the college’s Mission Possible $12 Million Capital Campaign.

The $662,333 grant is the largest received in school history since opening in 1964.  “This extremely generous grant gift from the Mabee Foundation is a tremendous blessing,” says CRC President Dr. Richard Johnson.  “It will help Crowley’s Ridge College pay for the cost of installing new lift stations at every building on campus and will also help fund the cost of our new Chemistry facility.”

Construction on the new Chemistry building will begin in August 2024 and is expected to be finished and ready for use before the Fall 2025 semester.  During the planning for the new Chemistry facility, CRC’s administration and Board of Trustees decided it was a good opportunity to upgrade a critical infrastructure area that will enable all campus buildings to be connected to Paragould Municipal Utilities (PMU).  The installation of the lift stations is scheduled to be completed on October 25, 2024.

The building will feature a brand new modern chemistry lab, research area, classrooms, and offices.  The older Physical Science building will be renovated, including a new roof, interior improvements, and matching exterior siding to blend with the new building and make for a more vibrant campus with better resources to serve all students and new degree programs.

The Mabee Foundation, headquartered in Midland, Texas awarded this “Challenge Grant” during the Summer of 2023 under conditions of CRC raising an additional $1,071,204 within 12 months.  Not only did CRC along with its generous partners reach this goal as of June 12, 2024, but they have since raised an additional $10,550, totaling $1,081,754 which will be extremely helpful for this ambitious and needed project.

Crowley’s Ridge College extends a heartfelt thanks to the Mabee Foundation for their incredible support.

Pictured left to right: Tim Wooldridge- Advancement Executive: Office of the President, Paul McFadden- Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Richard Johnson- President, Brett Carlile- Vice President for Enrollment & Advancement, Jeremy Pierce- Vice President for Academic Affairs.

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

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

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

President's List:

Caise T. Austin

Joseph Becerra

Jaylen D. Bozeman

Natalie N. Brightwell

Hannah E. Burk

Katie C. Cole

Laura E. Combs

Heather N. Conaway

Matthew A. Crabtree

Bailey N. Cupples

Jessica B. Duhme

Emilee B. Elms

Piper R. Farmer

Hunter N. Gibson

KristyAnn R. Grimes

Hannah J. Halverson

Makayla C. Herndon

Jadyn R. Hesse

Jackson R. Imler

Daisy Jackson

Kourtni N. Jagneaux

Joshua T. Lazzarino

Delainey K. Lucas

Autum Maxwell

Trenton McGowan

Braylen N. Morgan

Karsen F. Overshine

Eric D. Pangborn

Hydiyah Robinson

Shawn-Hudson Seegraves

Mickayla J. Smith

Kylan L. Stevens

Maggi M. Stricklin

Tori C. Sutherland

Reigiana B. Ward

Briley M. Weber

Alexis P. Weirich

Halea N. Wells

Lilly S. Wessel

Hunter L. Wilkerson

Kaia J. Williams

John H. Wilson

Emma M. Wyatt

Dean's List:

Cannon L. Baker

Andrew S. Brown

Braiden Burk

Robert C. Burks

Gabriel C. Childs

Braxton R. Cousins

Kylie M. Cox

Noah R. Dahnke

Brice D. Davis

Ansley N. Dawson

Ashton Drake

Shelby M. Elrod

Jillian C. Glasgow

Paige J. Glenn

Brent E. Gossett

Taylin S. Green

Chancey R. Henry

Walker R. Hibbs

Marlena B. Hipsher

Angel D. Johnson

Arthur T. Johnson

Bailey E. Jones

Daisy A. Kennon

Thomas W. Lamb

Luke W. Maguffee

Brooklyn T. Melson

Maddelyn R. Minyard

Austin G. Monks

Brinley R. Morgan

Matthew B. Parker

Brooklynn M. Passmore

Jordan M. Rasmussen

Shelby E. Razer

Madison P. Reed

Kemani K. Roberson

Joshua L. Schmitt

Michael Sharp Jr.

Jessica A. Schultz

Nicholas T. Smith

Samantha F. Tonkery

Jocelyn N. Villarreal

Demetri Williams

James H. Wilson

Travia M. Woodruff

 

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CRC Women’s Basketball Announces Historic NIL Deal with Rockin’ Nutrition

Paragould, Ark. – The Crowley’s Ridge College women’s basketball team has partnered with local Paragould business Rockin’ Nutrition for a historic NIL deal that is the first in program or school history.
 
Rockin’ Nutrition will sponsor the Player of the Game and Player of the Month for the Lady Pioneers. They will exchange goods and services in exchange for brand marketing and advertising for the upcoming 2024-25 season and subsequent seasons to follow.
 
Head Coach Chris Richardson stated, “I am excited to partner with Rockin’ Nutrition in this partnership. I am thrilled that our girls will get recognition for their performances on the court and for growing not only our women’s basketball team, but Crowley’s Ridge College in the Paragould community. This is only the beginning for us as a program and I look forward to working with Rockin’ Nutrition and others as we continue to grow. I personally want to thank Cassie King and Rockin’ Nutrition for this monumental deal.”

“I look forward to working with Crowley’s Ridge College in the future and we are excited to partner with their women’s basketball team for next season.” added Rockin’ Nutrition owner Cassie King.
 
In a separate deal, the CRC women’s basketball team also reached an agreement this week with a private donor for brand new uniforms next season that have an estimated value at around $4,500. The Lady Pioneers will get Jordan brand white jerseys to wear at home.

Crowley’s Ridge College is a private, four year NAIA school located in Paragould, Arkansas.
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Crowley’s Ridge College and Harding University Sign Formal Memorandum of Understanding

CRC continues to pave new academic pathways through a new partnership with Harding University’s Center for Leadership and Development.  In March 2024, Crowley’s Ridge College and Harding University agreed to and signed a formal memorandum of understanding.  This agreement will provide the opportunity for CRC alumni and employees to pursue graduate level degrees at a discounted (15% off) tuition rate.  The degrees are as follows:

  1. Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (30 hours)
  2. Graduate Certificate in Executive and Workplace Coaching (12 hours)
  3. Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management (12 hours)
  4. Graduate Certificate in Training and Development (12 hours)

Any CRC graduate and/or employee holding a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA will receive a 15% tuition discount upon admission to Harding University’s Center for Leadership and Development.  Current undergraduate students who are expected to participate in May 2024 commencement are eligible for incentives.

For more information on the details of this agreement, visit crc.edu/crc-hu-joint-leadership-development-program.

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Three CRC Professors Promoted to Associate

Crowley’s Ridge College is pleased to announce that faculty members Marta Summitt, Ashley Hankins, and Zach Grimes, Ph.D. have each been promoted to the rank of Associate Professor.  Current and prospective faculty members are eligible for this promotion/appointment by having at least ten years experience in higher education, three of which being at CRC.

Mrs. Summitt is one of CRC’s longest-tenured professors, and is a valuable asset to the college’s Division of Business and Technology.  She works tirelessly each and every day to better the lives of her students by mentoring, guiding, and instilling Christian values in each and every one of them.  She advises most of the Business majors on campus.  Summitt is married to Daniel, a Crowley’s Ridge Academy employee, and together they have three wonderful children.  They attend the 7th and Mueller Church of Christ.

Ashley Hankins wears many hats at CRC.  She is a full-time English Professor in the Division of Arts and Sciences, teaching courses in Composition and Literature.  She also serves as the Learning Management System Director and the Director of the on-campus Learning Center.  Hankins and her husband, Ryan, attend the Hillcrest Church of Christ.

Dr. Zach Grimes came to CRC in 2021 from Murfreesboro, TN and has instructed various courses in the Division of Arts & Sciences.  He was recently named the interim Chair of the Division of Teacher Education.  In addition to his research and teaching experience, Dr. Grimes is the Chair of the college’s Academic Assessment committee.  He has had the opportunity to go into classrooms and teach life science lessons for students at multiple grade levels.  He is passionate about helping the next generation of teachers discover their love of teaching.  He and his wife, KristyAnn, along with their son, Greyson, attend the Center Hill Church of Christ.

“I can’t begin to express how unbelievably proud I am of all three of these remarkable and influential faculty members,” says Vice President for Academic Affairs, Jeremy Pierce.  “Dr. Grimes, Mrs. Hankins and Mrs. Summitt are certainly deserving of this accomplishment and this is just the next piece of evidence that CRC academics continue to thrive and excel.”

Congratulations to these three talented professionals!  Crowley’s Ridge College students and staff are blessed to have each of them.

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Michael Meredith named 2024 Distinguished Alumnus

Crowley’s Ridge College would like to recognize Michael Meredith (’00) as the 2024 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the Church, the Community, and Christian Education.

A native of Fort Worth, TX, Michael came to Paragould in 1999 eager to see what God had in store for him at Crowley’s Ridge College. Michael was a member of the graduating class of 2000.  After leaving CRC, Michael continued his education at Arkansas State University, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in the area of Public Relations. Michael would go on to do graduate work at Harding University.

It was while he was going to school at ASU, that CRC approached Michael about becoming an admissions representative for the college. Beginning in 2002, Michael would travel to schools, churches, youth rallies, and ball games all over the region, looking for potential future CRC Pioneers. In 2004, alongside Steve Cremeens, Michael helped get the softball program off the ground and running. It was during this time Michael transitioned into youth ministry at the Hillcrest Church of Christ, while also coaching the Lady Pioneer softball team.

In 2007, Michael accepted a position with the Valley View Church of Christ as the congregation’s first Youth Minister. Michael would work in Jonesboro for seven years in different ministerial roles.

In 2013, Michael was invited to come back to Paragould to serve as the preaching minister for the Center Hill Church Of Christ. In addition to his local work, Michael has been privileged to speak at many youth rallies, lectureships, gospel meetings, schools, and various civic gatherings. Michael counts himself fortunate to have been able to spend his entire working ministry in Paragould/Jonesboro.

In 2003, Michael married his CRC sweetheart, Misti Jones Meredith, who serves as a First Grade teacher at Crowley’s Ridge Academy. Michael and Misti are the proud parents of Jacob (17) and Madilyn (15).

Michael and Misti are forever grateful for the blessings coming to CRC has produced. The friendships and memories they’ve created over the last twenty five years are more than anyone could ever ask for. When they think of CRC, they think of the wonderful people they met and encountered.

“Most people go to college in the hopes of finding friends, a potential mate, and the skills necessary to build a future. Going to CRC provided me with not only friends, but Christian friends. I didn’t just find a wife, but a Christian wife. CRC didn’t just give me an education. They provided a Christian education that has allowed us to minister and serve others,” says Meredith. “We will forever be thankful we chose CRC! And we will always be proud to be Pioneers!”

Michael will be presented with his award during halftime of the Men’s Homecoming Basketball game Saturday, February 17th.

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CRC Hires Former Arkansas Senator to Administrative Staff

Crowley’s Ridge College is pleased to welcome former Arkansas Senator Tim Wooldridge as Advancement Executive: Office of the President. He returns to CRC after serving in the Arkansas Senate, Arkansas House of Representatives, Arkansas Development Finance Authority, the Crowley’s Ridge Development Council, the Arkansas Association of Public Universities, and everywhere in between.

Wooldridge’s academic career began at CRC in 1983 as an Admissions Advisor.  He served as Vice President of Institutional Advancement from 1988-2000.  Wooldridge says that he is pleased to be coming back because he’s always held a soft spot for CRC and what it does for its students.  “The need for the work of CRC’s Christian worldview teaching is more important now than ever because we live in a knowledge based global economy,” says Wooldridge. “I love Dr. Johnson’s vision and mission for the college, and that’s what intrigued me to come back.”  He and his wife of 42 years, Lisa, have two children, Jeremy and Tiffany (both CRC alumni) and five grandchildren.  He is an elder at Union Central Church of Christ in Marmaduke.

Former Senator Wooldridge will now work directly with Dr. Richard Johnson, CRC’s President, as well as Brett Carlile, CRC’s Director of Advancement to enhance the image of CRC in the local, regional, and political communities.  Ultimately, increased fundraising is the goal with this newly created position with a constant focus on individual donors, churches, foundations, government officials, and other influential friends and potential donors to CRC, with the public at large.  Wooldridge’s job duties include:

  • Visiting churches throughout the U.S.
  • Visiting individual donors
  • Visiting donor prospects with the ability to help CRC
  • Visiting government and political contacts at both the federal and state level
  • Developing relationships with private foundations
  • Developing corporate relationships

Being a statewide speaker, Wooldridge welcomes opportunities to speak to churches and civic organizations.  “Supporters of Crowley’s Ridge College are some of the most caring, generous, kindest people on God’s earth, and I’m very grateful that God has given me the opportunity to speak to them about CRC’s mission and higher education and economic development,” Wooldridge adds.

President Johnson says that Wooldridge’s return enriches CRC’s Christian higher education institution.  “I am confident Tim’s leadership aligns perfectly with the values of CRC and our constituents, and will lead to God continuing to bless our combined efforts as we help Crowley’s Ridge College to thrive in all that we strive to do,” says Johnson.  “We welcome him back and look forward to his leadership and obviously high standards.”

Wooldridge’s first day at CRC will be February 1, 2024.  He can be contacted via email twooldridge@crc.edu or cell (870) 926-8758.

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Paragould, Arkansas 72450 USA
(870) 236-6901

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