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

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!

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.

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.

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

 

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

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.

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.

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

 

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.