Crowley’s Ridge College experienced its third consecutive enrollment increase this fall 2022
with 201 students, which is a 2% increase over the previous year and an FTE of 191.33, a 3%
increase. This semester CRC has students enrolled from 15 states, including 71 new students
with 54 freshmen and 16 transfer students.

CRC’s President, Dr. Richard Johnson stated that he “is extremely proud of the faculty and
staff’s dedication and hard work as they continue to implement Thrive 2025, the college’s
strategic plan to increase enrollment, connect with local and church communities, and improve
degree programs, every department, facilities, and more.” 

More information about Thrive 2025, including strategic goals and progress made toward them can be found here.

Crowley’s Ridge College and Harding University College of Pharmacy signed a formal articulation agreement on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. By entering this agreement, CRC and Harding express their commitment to serving students in their respective areas by providing high-quality educational programs and transfer opportunities.  

“We are confident this agreement will benefit both CRC and Harding while providing students with more options to attain a quality education for years to come,” said Dr. Brian Davis, CRC’s Vice President for Academic Affairs. 

The agreement guarantees highly qualified CRC students a position in the Harding College of Pharmacy’s Doctor of Pharmacy program after completing prerequisite courses and maintaining specific academic criteria at CRC. These students will qualify for the same scholarships offered to Harding’s current Guaranteed Seat Program students. The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) requirement will also be waived. 

A well-qualified student will be able to complete both their undergraduate and graduate degrees within 6.5 years. 

To learn more about the Harding University College of Pharmacy, visit www.harding.edu/pharmacy.

Stay tuned to www.crc.edu for more information. 

Crowley’s Ridge College held its 2021-22 academic school year graduation ceremony on Saturday, honoring students who have completed degree requirements in their respective areas of study. Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Science degrees were awarded, spanning over four divisions: Arts & Sciences, Biblical Studies, Business, and Teacher Education.

Jake Bequette, former Arkansas Razorback, New England Patriot, U.S. Army Ranger, and life-long Arkansan delivered the commencement address to the Class of 2021-22, sharing eight rules of life that he learned from New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick.

“Speak for yourself, manage expectations, don’t believe, or fuel the hype, and ignore the noise. Do your job, work hard, be attentive, and put the team first… I guarantee you [this] can work in your family, your church, your business and professional career, and in whatever endeavor is in front of you,” Bequette said.

Ted Crigler, a Bible graduate from St. Louis, served as the student speaker for commencement. In his speech, Crigler urged his fellow classmates to, “keep the main thing, the main thing” in all that they do.

Also honored during commencement were CRC’s inaugural class of Goldeneers, a group of CRC alumni of at least 50 years. This year’s Goldeneers included Nolan Brown, of Searcy, Class of 1966; Mike Hill, of Greenway, Class of 1966; Ken Hoppe, of Paragould, Class of 1968; Steven Higgs, of Paragould, Class of 1968; and Dan Newsom, of Searcy, Class of 1972.

The CRC Class of 2021-22 consisted of 34 graduates, with 19 of those graduating with honors.

Bailey Bunch, of Bunkie, Louisiana; Madyson Scott, of Paragould; and Abbey Vance, of Black Rock, each graduated with a Bachelor of Science in K-6 Education degree, are received Summa Cum Laude honors, the highest academic honor a student can receive at CRC.

The Division of Teacher Education is wrapping up an academic year that saw nine CRC seniors enter roles as Pre-Service Teachers. Each student successfully finished their Pre-Service Teacher role and is now a fully certified educator. Most of these seniors have already secured full-time positions at area schools.

“The fall and spring class has represented CRC well and the education department is so proud of all of them,” said Dr. Hollie Goodson, Chair of Teacher Education.

The CRC Class of 2021-22 has wasted no time in making an impact in their careers, as over 50% of the class has already started a full-time job, has employment lined up, or plans to continue their education further.

CRC is proud of these graduates and happy to celebrate another year of providing a quality, affordable, Christian education to students from northeast Arkansas and beyond.

Crowley’s Ridge College’s annual commencement for both fall and spring graduates will take place on Saturday, May 14, at the Carter Activities Center on the campus of CRC at 11 a.m. 

A brunch will be hosted at 9 a.m. for graduates and their friends and family in the cafeteria, attendance is optional. 

All graduates are required to arrive in the cafeteria by 10 a.m. on Saturday for pictures and lining. 

Graduation practice will be held on Friday, May 13, at 4 p.m. All graduates are expected to attend the practice if available. 

We are honored to host former All-SEC defensive end, Academic All-American, New England Patriot, and Army veteran, Jake Bequette as our guest speaker for commencement.

Bequette was born and raised in Arkansas and was commissioned as an Infantry Lieutenant in the United States Army and was deployed to Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division.

The 2021-22 commencement will also mark the first-ever Goldeneers class for CRC, a special club of CRC alumni who are celebrating 50 years since their own CRC graduation. 

GRADUATES

Graduates are reminded that customization for caps and gowns is limited. Decor or bling can only be on top of the cap with nothing hanging down or standing up more than ¼ inch. In addition, there should be no inappropriate language, nothing on the gown, and all customization must be approved by the Registrar prior to walking. 

In addition, students are also reminded that this is a special occasion, so we expect you to dress accordingly. Business casual attire is required. Women should wear a dress or dress pants and dress shoes. No outlandish makeup and it is easier to wear your cap if your hair is down (would be a good idea to bring bobby pins to help keep your cap in place). Men should wear dress pants or khakis, dress shoes (boots are fine), and a collared shirt; ties are recommended but not required.

For more information, or questions, about commencement and the Goldeneers program, please contact Treka Clark at 870-236-6901 ext. 136. 

Last week Crowley’s Ridge College held its annual “Awards Day,” honoring students for both academic and athletic achievements during the 2021-22 school year. 

A total of 25 students were recognized, including 11 seniors. 

Todd McMillen and Kaprise Anuu were named Mr. and Miss CRC, one of the longest-standing recognitions given at CRC. Kaitlyn Perkins was awarded the 2022 Pioneer PRIDE Award, in honor of the late #19 James Scott, as an athlete who best exemplifies Pioneer PRIDE — Perseverance, Respect, Intensity, Dedication, and Enthusiasm. 

The full list of award winners follows: 

Mr. CRC Todd McMillen

Miss CRC Kaprise Anuu

Heritage King Kyle Russell

Heritage Queen Brooklyn Melson

Pioneer PRIDE Award Kaitlyn Perkins

Most School Spirit Maddy Cagle & Austin Gross

Best All-Around Maddy Cagle & Bobby Wright

Division of Business

Highest GPA Rosalea Cooper

Highest Grade of Major Field Test April Kennedy

Outstanding Contribution to Academic Excellence Kaprise Anuu

Division of Bible

Senior Bible Major Award Ted Crigler

Ladies Bible Major Award Olivia Semore

Life & Teachings of Christ Award Alexander Carter & Kylie Cox

New Testament Survey Award Nkyah Edwards

Old Testament Survey Award Braxton Cousins & Cheyanne Bartoush

Baseball

Pioneer Baseball Award Austin Gross

Defensive Player of the Year (Baseball) Zorey Chipman

Offensive Player of the Year (Baseball) Bobby Wright

Pitcher of the Year (Baseball) Bradley Roney

Softball

Pioneer Softball Award April Kennedy, Lacey Lambright, Rachel Russell, & Maddy Cagle

Golf

Lowest Tournament Round Isaac Langley

Lowest Tournament Average Score Dalton Burrow

Volleyball

Most Digs Kaitlyn Perkins

Most Assists Jadyn Hesse

Most Kills Hannah Halverson

Most Blocks Emi Elms

The Spring 2022 edition of The Insider is now available, providing a glimpse at the semester so far, including a special look at Homecoming 2022. 

Additionally, you will find information about upcoming events, such as commencement, and details about a brand new program, “The Goldeneers,” which is a way for alumni to connect to CRC. 

Find all of this and more in the digital edition of The Insider found below.

Crowley’s Ridge College will play host to the Ridge Connection Doubles Tournament on March 12, 2022.

The Ridge Connection Doubles Tournament is a team-based disc golf tournament that will serve as a fundraiser for The Ridge Connection campus ministry, the on-campus student ministry at CRC. 

The funds raised will help Ridge Connection provide activities and services to aid the spiritual growth of students on the campus on CRC. 

Registration is now open, and requires a $50 fee per team, to be paid during morning sign-in on March 12. 

The tournament is open for players of all skill levels, as skill-based matching will occur.

Mulligans will be available for $1, as well as $1 raffle tickets that enter players in for a chance to win several prizes, such as free lessons, signed discs, and more. 

You can register online now, by clicking here. 

For more information on the tournament, please contact Ridge Connection Campus Minister, Grayson Taylor, at 479-747-9794 or at gtaylor@crc.edu.