Central Baptist College Arkansas

As a result of action taken by the Arkansas Missionary Baptist Association at its organizational meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas, November 14-15, 1950, a committee began investigating proposals for a permanent location for a college to be founded by the Association. The school was established as the Arkansas Baptist Extension School in Little Rock at that time.

At the Association’s next session (Warren, Arkansas, November 13-14, 1951), the committee recommended the purchase of the former Central College in Conway, Arkansas, where a junior college would be opened in September 1952. The recommendation was unanimously adopted by the messengers from the cooperating churches, and a fund raising campaign was opened at that session. At the end of the campaign (September 1, 1952), title to the property was acquired by the trustees of the churches of the Arkansas Missionary Baptist Association; and the College was opened under the name of Conway Baptist College the same month.

The school’s name was changed to Central Baptist College in 1962 to reflect its evolving mission.

GROWTH

During its short history Central has experienced considerable change. Since 1952 enrollment has grown from a dozen students to approximately 335. The faculty has increased from five to more than thirty and library holdings have multiplied dramatically. Even with the razing of historic Old Main in 1984, the number of campus buildings has more than doubled.

Central Baptist College remains a College committed to excellence in Christian higher education. From its inception, Central has been a junior college. When the need became apparent for a senior college in religious studies, such programs were inaugurated; and recently other Bachelor degree programs (namely pastoral studies, church music, youth ministries, and Christian Counseling) have been added. As growth permits, other additions will be made.

(Back to Top of Page)

ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Central Baptist College remains committed to excellence in Christian higher education. From its inception, Central has been a junior college. When the need became apparent for a senior college in religious studies, such programs were inaugurated. And, recently, other Baccalaureate degree programs (namely pastoral studies, church music, and youth ministries) have been added. As growth permits, similar additions will be made. The College is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602.

PHILOSOPHY

The thrust of present-day educational philosophy is education of the whole person. A learned individual has achieved physical, mental, social, and spiritual maturity. Central Baptist College accepts that philosophy. But we hold to the conviction that spiritual development should be given much more attention than it receives in many institutions of higher learning. We believe that spiritual experiences and attitudes markedly affect physical, mental, and social development and that faith in the God of the Bible is necessary to meet daily experiences and responsibilities. Thus, our motto, “A School With Christian Ideals,” embodies the educational philosophy of the college and expresses the point of reference from which the college seeks to educate the whole person. Students dedicated to Christian principles as well as to academic excellence are the type of students that comprise Central Baptist College.

CENTRAL'S MISSION AND PURPOSES

Central Baptist College was established to train Christian men and women of distinguished character, spiritual strength and courage. The College provides the educational environment, resources and experiences needed by its graduates for effective lay and professional ministry and church-related vocations.

Central is intent on preparing men and women who have ...

• a love for God’s Word and a thorough understanding of its message
• appreciation for historic Baptist faith and practice
• scholarly skills and effectiveness in written and oral communication
• competence in their chosen sphere of Christian service
• well-rounded personalities and wholesome, redemptive attitudes towards oneself and others
• a philosophy that integrates Christian values and biblical principles into personal and social life
• the knowledge, skills, and disciplines necessary for pastoral and other ministries of the church
• a love of Christian service as demonstrated by academic performance and personal conduct
• an awareness of their cultural heritage in music, art, literature, and the sciences
• an appreciation of other peoples and cultures as well as our own
• a sense of civic responsibility and awareness
• leadership skills necessary to function as a conscientious citizen of the church and community
• awareness of human history and the relationship of the Christian faith to human intellectual, scientific, and aesthetic achievement
• motivation toward continued growth in biblical knowledge, Christian service, Christian citizenship and scholarly excellence.

Contact:

Central Baptist College

1501 College Avenue

Conway, Arkansas  72034

501.329.6872  *  800.205.6872  *  FAX 501.329.2941

Central Baptist College  *  1501 College Avenue  *  Conway, Arkansas  72034
501.329.6872  *  800.205.6872  *  FAX 501.329.2941

website:

http://www.cbc.edu/