Central Baptist College announced today that it has been designated a 2016 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting the military and civilian worlds, and publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM JobsSM and Military Spouse. Now in its seventh year, the original, premier Military Friendly® Schools designation provides service members and their families with transparent, data driven ratings about post-military education and career opportunities.

Institutions competed for the elite Military Friendly® School title by completing a survey of over 100 questions covering ten categories, including military support on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and military spouse policies. Survey responses were scored against benchmarks across these key indicators of success. In addition, data was independently tested by EY (Ernst & Young) based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media with guidance from an independent Advisory Board of higher education and recruiting professionals. A full list of board members can be found at MilitaryFriendly.com/advisory-board.

The Military Friendly® Schools designation is awarded to the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success both in the classroom and after graduation. The methodology used for making the Military Friendly® Schools list has changed the student veteran landscape to one much more transparent, and has played a significant role over the past seven years in capturing and advancing best practices to support military students across the country.

CBC President Terry Kimbrow said, “It is an honor to be included on the Military Friendly Schools list for the seventh year in a row. We have a long tradition of working with students who serve or have served our country. We will continue to do whatever it takes to honor their service.”

CBC offers an Associate of Science degree in Military Technologies with locations in Conway and in North Little Rock at Camp Robinson. To admitted students, CBC also offers the following benefits to our service men and women: Full time Veteran advisers on staff, process enrollment certifications for VA GI Bill Education, Federal Tuition Assistance, tuition discounts for qualifying soldiers, free evaluations of AARTS/SMARTS military transcript, and participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

In addition to the Military Technologies Associate’s degree, CBC offers eight other degree programs in the Professional Adult College Education program and three online degrees. This program offers the working adult the opportunity to work full time and obtain their college degree.

Currently, at CBC, 12% of the traditional and PACE/Online student population are military.

Central Baptist College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college founded in 1952 by the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas. For information about CBC, go to www.cbc.edu or call 501-329-6873.

Central Baptist College’s enrollment reached the 881 mark for fall 2015 according to a report released by the Office of the Registrar. The overall enrollment breaks the institution’s record of 858 in the fall of 2014 with a 2.68% increase.

The 881 mark includes 482 traditional students, an increase of 4.55% from the fall 2014 count of 461. The 482 includes 243 student athletes – which is the largest in the history of CBC.

CBC’s Professional Adult College Education program saw a record 70 incoming students this fall and retention reaching 92% from the spring 2015 to the fall 2015. CBC’s Online degree program increased 18.42%.

“Some of our newer programs such as Education, Worship Arts, and Kinesiology are gaining a lot of attention from students and prospective students,” said CBC President Terry Kimbrow. “The word is spreading about our excellent academic programs and commitment to transforming lives.”

Another area of growth is the expansion of CBC to offer classes on the campus of Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Ark. CBC is currently offering traditional classes at that location and will be offering PACE classes starting November 2.

“I am extremely proud of all of our registration departments for their hard work and dedication to meet the institution’s all time enrollment record,” said CBC President Terry Kimbrow, “and we are already looking to fall 2016.”

Central Baptist College has been ranked as a “Best Regional College” in the South, according to the 2016 U.S. Best College rankings by U.S. News & World Report.

CBC ranks 71st in the category of “Best Regional Colleges” among regional universities in the South.

According to the US. News and World Report, these colleges focus on the graduate experience and offer a broad range of programs in the liberal arts in fields such as business, nursing and education.

The U.S. News & World Report 2016 Best Colleges guidebook includes rankings of 1,800 institutions nationwide. The rankings are based on peer assessment; retention and graduation rate of CBC’s student body; faculty resources; student selectivity; financial resources; and alumni giving.

The Bookstore at Central Baptist College is now “Mustang Outfitters.” CBC President Terry Kimbrow unveiled the new Mustang Outfitters logo at the CBC all employee pre-college meeting on Monday, August 10, 2015. The new name more accurately conveys the broad range of products and services available in the store.

Located in the Mabee Student Services Complex, the “bookstore” was for many years the primary resource for CBC students to buy textbooks and subsequently sell them back at the end of each semester. “A few years ago, we discontinued our textbook sales and buyback program,” said Kimbrow. Textbook Brokers in Conway is the official textbook provider for CBC. Students can place an order at cbctextbooks.com.

Northwest Arkansas real estate developer Jim Lindsey was the general contractor for the Mabee center, deducting his fee as an in-kind donation. “What he saved the College made him the largest contributor to that segment of the campaign, recalled CBC President Terry Kimbrow. “I was the Vice President for Advancement then, but I knew Jim and much of his family because I previously lived in his home town of Caldwell, a small community just north of Forrest City.”

Because of his involvement, it was suggested something in the building bear his name. “He would have none of that,” said Kimbrow. “He asked that we do something to memorialize C. C. Bishop, the pastor who led him to Christ and baptized him at First Baptist Church in Caldwell.”

Occupied in 1997, the structure was named in honor of the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation for a grant toward not only the student building, but also for two previous projects. “We acquired a photo of C.C. Bishop for display in the bookstore,” recalled Kimbrow. The Office of Public Relations is working to reframe the photo, and an acknowledgement plaque of Mr. Lindsey’s generous participation will accompany the picture. “Jim’s gift of time, labor, and fees is an important part of CBC’s history. We need to preserve the story, added President Kimbrow.

Mustang Outfitters carries a wide range of Mustang and CBC logo gifts, collegiate clothing, accessories, supplies, study guides, and much more! New to Mustang Outfitters is “Ticket to the Moon” hammocks, which are comparable to the popular Eno brand. The store has also recently become a licensed dealer for Innova–the premiere leading manufacturer in disc golf and accessories.

Jessica Faulkner, Director of Special Events at CBC, is the manager of Mustang Outfitters. “The new Mustang Outfitters logo will be used in branding the new store and will be soon be seen on a variety of merchandise including t-shirts, sweatshirts and outdoor apparel,” commented Faulkner. The phone number for Mustang Outfitters is 501.205.8892 and the hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Central Baptist College announces the hiring of James (JD) Gray as Development Officer beginning August 3, 2015. The Development Officer position includes working with the President and Vice President for Advancement to ensure coordination of campus wide fundraising, developing communication for support of annual fund giving, and implementing strategies to build the annual fund giving program. Gray will be responsible for all aspects of the annual fund including donor club membership and recognition for individuals, businesses, and churches.

            Gray comes to CBC after spending one season as a Direct Sales Representative for Ticket Development with the St. Louis Cardinals. While there Gray managed and serviced more than 300 ticket holder accounts. He generated new revenue, conducted face-to-face meetings with potential clients, and conducted field visits for clients and account holders during batting practice.

            Before Gray worked for the Cardinals, he was the Assistant for Ticketing, Operations and Marketing for the University of Central Arkansas athletics. During his time with UCA, Gray assisted with event planning for donors and season ticket holder events. He also provided customer service for donors, season ticket holders, and potential season ticket holders.

            JD 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.

JD is a member of Springhill Baptist Church in Greenbrier, Ark. He is the son of Michael and Donna Gray.

Central Baptist College has added a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice Management to its list of Professional Adult College Education (PACE) degree programs. Starting in the fall of 2015, the Criminology and Criminal Justice Management degree will help to prepare a student for a variety of career paths including law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, private security, and the courts/judiciary system.

The degree is designed around an upper course level emphasis on organizational management and a lower course level emphasis on business. Additionally, the student will complete twenty-four hours of coursework specific to criminology and criminal justice. The flexibility of the degree plan allows the student, via choice of elective coursework, to prepare for an entry level position in criminal justice, promotion in the field, entry into a graduate program, or even law school.

According to Chad Linn, Director of the PACE and Online Studies Program at CBC, “The demand for this degree came to us from local law enforcement officers, prospective students, current students and those in the education industry. It is a degree that several students have been eagerly anticipating.”

Conway Police Chief AJ Gary said, “I am excited to learn that Central Baptist College has started a Criminology/Criminal Justice degree program. This program gives individuals, seeking a career in criminal justice, an opportunity to learn about the profession right here in Conway. This program will increase the number of local qualified applicants for jobs in the criminal justice field.”

Courses will be offered online and in the classroom and are completed in five week blocks similar to other non-traditional classes.

Mr. Paul Cherry has been hired and will begin duties as the Vice President for Finance at Central Baptist College on February 18, 2015. The Vice President for Finance provides strategic leadership and oversight of the college’s finance and accounting functions, business services and auxiliary enterprises, human resources, and physical plant operations.

Cherry previously worked at First National Bank in Hot Springs, Ark. for 22 years serving as CEO, CFO, and Legal Counsel. Cherry has also been employed by Lovett and Foster, Certified Public Accountants for three years and the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office and Division of Legislative Audit for 15 years.

Cherry received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law. Cherry is presently enrolled in the Master of Business Administration program at Southern Arkansas University.

CBC President Terry Kimbrow said, “There is no doubt in my mind that Paul is the right person for this job.” Since the VP position is among the top administrative positions, our twenty-member Board of Trustees is charged with giving the final approval. Mr. Cherry received a unanimous vote. “This is one of those decisions that I prayed about a lot. The board’s full approval was yet another confirmation of answered prayer.”

Cherry is a Certified Public Accountant and an Attorney at Law. He is involved in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Arkansas Bar Association, the Gideon’s International, the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, and The National Society of Leadership and Success. Kimbrow added, “While the search yielded some very qualified candidates, Paul has the blend of education, expertise, and character that make him a perfect fit for Central Baptist College.”

Cherry and his wife, Shirley, have two daughters, Elizabeth and Katherine, and have been foster parents to more than nine children.