PARAGOULD, AR (May 5, 2026) – Crowley’s Ridge College is pleased to announce that its Executive Committee officially approved the College’s participation in the Arkansas Teacher Academy (TAC) Scholarship Program, creating a significant new financial opportunity for eligible students pursuing an approved degree pathway leading to teacher licensure.
Beginning with eligible students, the Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship may provide up to $12,000 per academic year, or potentially up to $48,000 over four years, for qualifying students preparing to become licensed teachers. This new opportunity has the potential to make a Crowley’s Ridge College education even more affordable for students called to serve in the teaching profession.
For a small Christian college committed to preparing servant leaders from a Biblical worldview, this initiative represents an important investment in both students and the future of education in Arkansas.
Dr. Richard Johnson, President of Crowley’s Ridge College, believes participation in the program positions CRC to better serve current and future education majors. “This is exciting news for current and prospective students considering a career in education,” Johnson said. “For eligible students, this scholarship will help students pursue God’s calling to impact young lives through teaching while making college more affordable.”
Brett Carlile, Vice President for Enrollment & Advancement, believes the scholarship will strengthen recruitment and long-term program growth. “When a prospective student and family realize that they may qualify for up to $48,000 over four years while preparing for teacher licensure, that creates a powerful incentive to consider Crowley’s Ridge College,” Carlile said. “This initiative strengthens recruitment, improves affordability, supports retention, and further enhances the long-term growth of our Teacher Education program.”
Dr. Zachary T. Grimes, Division Chair of Teacher Education, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity for future educators. “The Division of Teacher Education is excited to be part of this statewide initiative to attract and retain educators,” Grimes said. “The field of education is in need of qualified and passionate teachers, and we are thrilled to see future students thrive because of the opportunities this scholarship provides.”
Shelly Beasley, Director of Financial Aid, emphasized the scholarship’s impact on student affordability. “CRC’s Financial Aid Office is pleased to assist future Arkansas teachers through the Teacher Academy Scholarship,” Beasley said. “This program gives our Education majors an outstanding opportunity to help close the gap for tuition and fees.”
The Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship is a state-supported initiative designed to help address Arkansas’s teacher workforce needs by providing financial assistance to students preparing for careers in education. With this approval, Crowley’s Ridge College now joins institutions across the state in helping develop the next generation of educators.
Students who accept Arkansas Teacher Academy funding must meet all state-established academic, program, and service requirements. If those requirements are not fulfilled, all or part of the scholarship may convert to a loan obligation that must be repaid to the State of Arkansas.
To ensure clear communication, accountability, and compliance, CRC will implement an Arkansas Teacher Academy Student Acknowledgement and Participation Agreement for participating students. Implementation will involve close collaboration among CRC’s Academic Affairs, Teacher Education faculty, and the Financial Aid Office.
Students interested in learning more about Teacher Education opportunities at Crowley’s Ridge College or Arkansas Teacher Academy eligibility requirements are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office or visit ADHE’s website sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship/Details/TAC.
Media Contact:
Natalie Harrell
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Crowley’s Ridge College | (870) 236-6901 | nharrell@crc.edu
