J.D. Gray has been named Director of Development for CBC.  Gray had previously served as a Development Officer at CBC.  Gray’s responsibilities include working with the President and Vice President for Advancement to plan and promote the financial development of the College.  Gray will supervise the CBC Annual Fund and will serve as the primary contact for the Mustang Club and Mustang Club Board.  

Gray comes to CBC after spending one season as a Direct Sales Representative for Ticket Development with the St. Louis Cardinals. Prior to joining the Cardinals organization, he was the Assistant for Ticketing, Operations and Marketing for the University of Central Arkansas athletics. 

Gray holds a Master of Science in College Student Personnel Administration from the University of Central Arkansas, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Management and Marketing from Arkansas Tech University.

He is a member of Springhill Baptist Church in Greenbrier, Ark and is the son of Michael and Donna Gray.  Gray will be a sideline reporter for Y107 and the Conway High Wampus Cat Football team in the fall.  He will assume his duties at CBC on September 1. 

Amy Reed has been named Annual Fund Officer at Central Baptist College.  Reed most recently served as the Director of Enrollment for Non-traditional Programs at CBC. Reed came to CBC from First Security Bank where she was a Business Development Officer. She is a 2015 graduate of the CBC PACE program with a degree in Leadership and Ministry

As Annual Fund Officer, Reed will be responsible for developing relationships with CBC’s donors to increase the level of support to annual giving and campus wide fundraising efforts.  Reed will begin her position on September 1. 

Reed is a member of the Conway Regional Medical Center Women’s Council, the Women’s Inc Advisory Board, a Dazzle Daze committee member, a Lion’s Club board member and is a member of the Renewal Ranch Marketing Team. Reed and her husband reside in Conway along with their two children where they are members of Second Baptist Church in Conway. 

Jessica Faulkner has been named Director of Campaign Activities at CBC.  Faulkner most recently served as Director of Special Events at Central Baptist College. Faulkner earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Arts and Communications from the University of Central Arkansas.

As Director of Campaign Activities, Faulkner will be responsible for implementing the capital campaign for CBC.  Faulkner will begin her duties as Director of Campaign Activities on August 1.

Faulkner is a member of the Conway Kiwanis Club where she currently serves on the board of directors.  She is also a Faulkner County Leadership Institute board member and graduate.  Faulkner and her husband, Daniel, have one daughter and are members of Antioch Baptist Church.

Jessica Faulkner

Amy Reed

J.D. Gray

Central Baptist College Mustang Baseball team will be the first team in Arkansas to play a game in Busch Stadium. The agreement between the St. Louis Cardinals organization was announced at a press conference held on the CBC campus on Wednesday, February 10, 2016.

The CBC Mustangs will play St. Louis Community College on October 1, 2016 in Busch Stadium immediately following the Cardinals game with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The CBC game is tentatively set to begin at 6:15 p.m.

CBC Coach Dr. Aaron Brister said, “With our new American Midwest Conference headquarters being in the St. Louis metro, this is definitely a recruiting area for us. We are excited to give our players the opportunity to play in this venue.”

The Mustangs were runner up finishers in the National Christian College Athletic Association’s (NCCA) Central Region Tournament in 2015. The Mustangs received an invitation to play in their first ever NCCAA World Series and finished the season with a school record of 31 wins.

“The St. Louis Cardinals Amateur Game Program has been an ongoing experience for more than 30 years here in St. Louis,” said Cardinals Account Executive Jesse Blackstock.  “Hopefully the participation of CBC this season will serve as a blueprint for others in the state to follow in the future.”

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for our student-athletes, and we appreciate the Cardinals allowing us to participate in this unbelievable experience. We hope that all Central Baptist College students, faculty and alumni will join us at the Cardinals game and stay afterwards to watch our Mustangs,” said CBC President Terry Kimbrow.

Y107 will partner with CBC in bringing this exciting special event to life. JR Runyon will be doing live play by play from Busch Stadium on My Country Y107 and online at Y107fm.com.

Tickets are $15 for general admission for both games and are available at www.cbc.edu/cardinals or by calling 501-205-8920.

The Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas, in their November 2015 annual meeting, elected four new members to serve five year terms on Central Baptist College’s Board of Trustees beginning in 2016. They are: Jake Cooper of Olive Branch, Miss.; Melba Keith of Magnolia, Ark.; Jenny Lindsey of Caldwell, Ark.; and Kirk Shelton of Fayetteville, Ark.

Jake Cooper is a Pastor at Covenant Life Church in Memphis, Tenn. (formerly Liberty Memorial Baptist Church) where he has served since 2004..  Cooper received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tenn. and a Master of Divinity from the Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis.  Jake and his wife, the former Jamie Aden, have two children.  This will be Cooper’s Second board term having served 2006-2010.

Melba Keith is a retired English Teacher from Magnolia High School in Magnolia, Ark. where she taught for 28 years.  Keith received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Ark.  She serves on the Columbia County Library Board and the Magnolia Regional Medical Center Foundation Board and has served on the Columbia County Foundation Board.  Keith is a member of the First Baptist Church in Magnolia, Ark.  She has two children and four grandchildren. Keith is returning to the board after a one year absence. She served 2009-2014.

Jenny Lindsey is the City Clerk, Treasurer, and Recorder for the City of Caldwell in Caldwell, Ark.  Lindsey has served as Chairman of the Caldwell Cotton Picking Festival for the last 15 years.  Lindsey is a member of the First Baptist Church of Caldwell and is married to Elmer “B” Lindsey.  They have three children and one grandchild.

Kirk Shelton serves at the Lead Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Ark.  He is also the owner and Founder of Hill City Popcorn Company in Fayetteville. Shelton attended Central Baptist College and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Religion from Dallas Baptist University. Shelton and his wife, the former Toni Greer, have three children and three grandchildren. 

“I have been extremely blessed with a strong leadership on the Board of Trustees,” said CBC President Terry Kimbrow.  I’m looking forward to adding these men and women to the twenty-member board and drawing on their expertise.”

CBC Board Officers for 2016 include:  Chair Jeremy Riddle, Greenbrier, Ark.; Vice Chair Brad Crain, Prescott, Ark.; Secretary Mark Cassady, Nashville, Ark.; and Assistant Secretary Shawn Johnston, Greenbrier, Ark.

Jenny Lindsey

Jake Cooper

Melba Keith

Kirk Shelton

Rachel (Waymire) Steele is the new Associate Vice President of Student Services at Central Baptist College. The announcement was made in an e-mail from the President to CBC employees on Monday, January 11, 2016.

Rachel grew up in North Little Rock and, after one year at Pulaski Tech, transferred to Central Baptist College where she graduated Cum Laude in 2011. While at CBC, she was chosen as one of the inaugural members of the President’s Leadership Council, served for three years on Student Orientation Staff, was Student Publications Yearbook Editor, Opinion Page Editor, Reporter, and Photographer, and for one year was a member of the CBC Women’s Collegiate Soccer Team as right outside defender.

Steele was chosen twice (2009 & 2011) as Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges; Earned Baptist Press Excellence in Journalism, Individual Yearbook Student Life Copy, First Place (2009 Awards Competition); and Baptist Press Excellence in Journalism, Individual Yearbook Sports Copy, Third Place (2009 Awards Competition).

Rachel began her career at CBC in 2009 as a personal admissions officer. While completing her last two years of coursework at CBC, Rachel was responsible for Stampede Preview Days for prospective students and was a part of the admissions team that brought in a record-breaking enrollment two years in a row. During this time, she also served as a house director for International and upper-classmen students.

In May 2011, Rachel began her duties as Orientation Coordinator and transformed the former “Welcome Week” into what is now known as “M.U.D. Week” (Mustangs Under Development Week). She added new programs and traditions to the former Welcome Week including Freshman Convocation, a freshman class picture, “MUD night,” the Blue Party, and of course the giant MUD slide. Each freshman enters CBC as a “pony,” and after undergoing sessions and events during MUD week, they begin classes as a tried and true “Mustang.” During her time as Orientation Coordinator, Rachel oversaw the curriculum and instructor training for the freshmen transition course, and served as an instructor for this course and for the same course in the PACE program.

Additionally, Rachel, with the help of Sancy Faulk and the Conway Noon Rotary Club, chartered the Central Baptist College Rotaract Club. This student organization has obtained the Rotary International Presidential Citation for three years, presented at the district Rotary conferences, served as counselors for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Camp, and extensively served the community.

In May 2013 Rachel received a Master of Science Degree in College Student Personnel Services from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. She was promoted to Director of Student Services. In this role she was responsible for the oversight of Student Activities, Disability Support, Career Services, Tutoring, Chapel Renewal, Intramural Sports, Orientation, and At-Risk student programs. During her time in the role she was intentional in her efforts to improve communication to students. She implemented a texting service and created a registration communication plan to improve student engagement.

Steele is active in the Conway community. She is a member of Conway Noon Rotary Club and has attained perfect attendance since becoming a member in 2012. She served on the Rotary Board for two years as Sergeant-at-Arms, and currently serves on the Board as the New Generations Director. She has been awarded two Paul Harris Fellowships (Rotary International’s highest honor) by the Club as a reward for her service to the club. Rachel is also a member of the Conway Regional Women’s Council where she is on on the Steering Committee and is currently the Membership Director.

Rachel and her husband, Jake, are active in their church at Grace Bible Fellowship where they host a small group and serve on the worship team.

As Associate Vice President of Student Services, Rachel will oversee the following areas: Student Success, Retention, Safety & Security, Dean of Students, Housing and Residence Life, Student Activities, Disability Support Services, and Career Services. “This is a new position,” said CBC President Terry Kimbrow. “However, it will not add any employees. A reorganization several years ago left a vacancy in the administrative leadership for Student Services. It was moved to the area of Enrollment Management, along with many other departments. It’s time to make a bold move to enhance the services we offer to our students. Rachel’s Master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Arkansas Tech and her six years of experience at CBC overseeing several successful initiatives makes her the obvious choice to build a strong Division of Student Services.”

Having a strong Student Services Division is vital to ensuring students have the most successful educational experience possible. Student Services is multi-faceted and includes the enhancement of growth and development of students, an understanding of student law, consistency in areas of discipline, and readiness to meet the demands of life after graduation. “In essence,” said Kimbrow, “a good Student Services Division prepares students for the next stage of life. In the case of Central Baptist College, we endeavor to give them the tools they need to be successful while glorifying God in whatever they choose to do.”

As Associate Vice President for Student Services, Rachel will report to Vice President for Advancement Sancy Faulk. In addition, Steele will become a member of the President’s Executive Leadership Team. Rachel will assume her new duties immediately.

Steele, Rachel

Central Baptist College has announced the addition of band to its programs for the 2016 fall semester. In addition Tim Gunter has been hired as Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music. Gunter will begin recruiting immediately and anticipates to have 30 students for fall 2016.

Gunter is most well-known for his tenure as Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark, a position he held for 15 years. He has also served as Associate Director of Bands at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. and numerous bands across the state of Arkansas. Gunter most recently has served as the Pastor of Worship and Discipleship at First Baptist Church in Camden, Ark. since 2012.

Gunter received a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in 1979 and a Master of Music Conducting degree in 1993, both from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark.

CBC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gary McAllister said, “Several years ago, we had a band, which was really more like an ensemble. Although we had some good students and an excellent part-time director, we were unable to sustain the program; as a result, we decided to disband and wait until we could provide proper support for instrumental music. I’m pleased to announce that the time has arrived! We will begin recruiting band members immediately and will start the new band program in fall 2016.”

The CBC band will host concert performances and attend various CBC athletic events. Band scholarships will also be available for this new program.

McAllister added, “Tim Gunter is an answer to prayer. I prayed for a full-time band director who would be a good mission fit, but I never dreamed that we would hire someone of Tim’s caliber. With over 300 students in the Razorback Marching Band, he won the prestigious Sudler Trophy, the pinnacle honor for collegiate marching bands. As I reflect upon God’s goodness and provision, I stand amazed! He has blessed Central Baptist College beyond measure!”

For more information on the new CBC Band Program call 501-329-6873.