Winter 2016

CONNECTING POINT THE NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS & ALUMNI OF CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE

W I N TER 2016

CBC ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR NEW ATHLETIC COMPLEX had been secured. “We have our work cut out for us; raising the $11.3 million needed to break ground is no easy task and may take a while,” admitted Kimbrow. “However, if we really believe the truth of Ephesians 3:20 – that our God ‘is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,’ as I do, then it’s not an outlandish idea.”

Vision 2020: A Miracle in the Making was formally launched in January of 2011 as a plan to complete 10 major construction projects in 10 years to accommodate an enrollment of 2020 students. Phase I was completed in the fall of 2014 when the $6.8 million, 150-bed Dickson Hall was occupied. The two earlier projects included the three story, 38,000 sq. ft. David T. Watkins Academic Building, completed in August 2012 at a cost of $8.4 million and the Story Rendering of New Athletic Complex: Construction to begin when fundraising reaches 80 percent of projected cost Library, with a price tag of $4 million, occupied in January 2014.

“What a blessing it was to be able to complete all three Phase II of Vision 2020: A Miracle in the Making will focus on the of the Phase I projects in just three years,” stated Kimbrow. construction of new facilities for the Central Baptist College Mustangs.

In addition to traditional basketball courts, the new multi-use CBC President Terry Kimbrow made the announcement during his anathletic complex could contain a walking track, weight room, athletic nual report to the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas on Nov. 6. “We are preparing to embark on the most ambitious building project training facility, locker rooms for multiple sports, coaches’ offices, concession areas, team meeting rooms, ‘Mustang Club’ booster/hospiin the history of the institution,” Kimbrow said. “In our most recent tality room and viewing deck overlooking the court, press box, fitness meeting on Sept. 26, the Board of Trustees accepted my recommendacenter, both fixed and retractable seating, retail and restaurant space. tion giving us permission to continue our work with Sowell Architects, Inc. of Conway and Clark Contractors, LLC of Little Rock to complete The complex will also have ample academic space and a band practice room and instrument storage area (the initiation of a new band the schematic design phase for the proposed project.” program is currently underway). The scope of the plan also includes In the June meeting, the Board approved a limited budget for the administration to work with Sowell Architects to define the scope of the the addition of adjacent parking lots and the extension of the Legacy Walk. The A.R. Reddin Fieldhouse is slated for renovation as part of project and provide preliminary documents for review by the Advancethis overall project. ment Committee of the Board at the September meeting. “This early According to Dr. Gary McAllister, vice president for academic afin the process, I don’t have a lot of details,” said Kimbrow. “What I can fairs, “We are looking at much more than a ‘gymnasium.’ You can no tell you is that the location of the new facilities will likely be south of longer separate athletics and academics.” He noted that the Bachelor the present campus immediately across from Conway Station Park.” of Science Degree in Kinesiology has become the top credit-hour CBC owns all but three houses in that city block. “I can also tell you producer at the institution, and that department does not have a that the projected cost of the project as of now for the multi-sports dedicated space. complex is $14 million.” According to the official minutes, printed in CBC, which is dually aligned with the NCCAA and NAIA athletic the BMA of Arkansas booklet, the Board directed Kimbrow that actual associations, recently made a move to the American Mid- (cont. on p. 4) construction could begin only when 80 percent of the anticipated cost

THE NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS & ALUMNI OF CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE • CONNECTING POINT • WINTER 2016

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A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT CBC UPDATE Once again, Central Baptist College has been blessed with enrollment growth! Fall 2015 enrollment was 881 students.

This set an all-time record for the institution! Final enrollment figures include 558 traditional students. This ties the all-time record for traditional students set in the fall of 2011.

We are already looking to the fall of 2016 and planning for another enrollment record. You can help us reach our fall 2016 goal of 1,000 students! We invite you to help us develop future Mustangs. Sign up your children or grandchildren for the Mustangs in the Making program or complete our online referral form for prospective students.

MUSTANGS IN THE MAKING Mustangs in the Making program launched in January of 2015 and since its launch, we have welcomed over 150 future Mustangs into this program. The program is open to children from birth to high school seniors. When you register your child (or grandchild), they will receive a personalized welcome letter into the program! On each birthday, they will receive a birthday card. On milestone birthdays, they will receive the gifts listed below: • Birth: “Future Mustang” bib • 3 years old: Mustang stuffed animal • 5 years old: Future Mustang backpack • 8 years old: Mustang pencil case • 12 years old: Mustang ear buds • 16 years old: Mustang key chain We love welcoming your children/grandchildren into the Mustang family! We hope that they foster a love for Central Baptist College early in their life. Signing your child/grandchild up for this program is free! We want to invest in your family and allow them to experience all CBC has to offer! There are two ways to sign up children for the

program. Complete the online enrollment form at CBC.edu/ mustangsinthemaking or contact Meagan Lowry at either 501.205.8870 or mlowry@cbc.edu.

REFER PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS Do you know students or adults who are ready, or will soon be ready, to make a college decision? They may be sophomores, juniors, or seniors in high school, or they may be an adult who never had the opportunity to begin or complete their college degree. You can help introduce these potential students to Central Baptist College!

If you know a high school student or an adult who would benefit from the Professional Adult College Education (PACE) Program, we invite you to visit CBC.edu/referral. After you complete this form, we can contact the student to tell them about the opportunities available at Central Baptist College.

They can certainly apply online at CBC.edu/apply; however, sometimes it takes someone they know to help them get started.

You may also call the Admissions Office at 501.329.6873 to submit this information over the phone.

YOU ARE INVITED! I am happy to extend a personal invitation to all CBC alumni and friends to join us on Feb. 19–20 for Homecoming 2016. Complete information is included in this issue of the Connecting Point. I look forward to seeing you at Homecoming this year. You will not want to miss this opportunity to reconnect with Central Baptist College and see the many ways in which God is blessing this institution. If you haven’t been on campus in a while, you will not want to miss this opportunity to see the many ways in which God is blessing CBC! ✝

Sincerely,

Terry Kimbrow

CBC REINSTATES BAND PROGRAM TIM GUNTER NAMED BAND DIRECTOR See full details at cbc.edu.

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WINTER 2016 • CONNECTING POINT • THE NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS & ALUMNI OF CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE

CBC NEWS PACE PROGRAM EXPANDS TO HOT SPRINGS Central Baptist College has announced that after 15 years of offering the PACE Program in Conway and North Little Rock (Camp Robinson), CBC is now expanding to Hot Springs. PACE is a Professional Adult College Education program that offers an opportunity for working adults to pursue a college degree while taking one class per week.

Most PACE students either left college or never had the chance to start college because of family or job obligations. Very few traditional programs are designed to accommodate the needs of an adult learner, and PACE does just that! In fact, the PACE Program is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this year and over 1,200 students have benefited from this unique program thus far.

Classes meet one night per week from 6 to 10 p.m., and most classes can be

CBC Ranks as a “Best Regional College” by U.S. News & World Report

completed in five weeks either in class in Hot Springs, North Little Rock, on the main campus in Conway or via online coursework.

For more information please visit CBC.edu/pace or contact CBC Admissions at 501.329.6873. ✝

Central Baptist College has ranked 71st as a “Best Regional College” in the South, according to the 2016 U.S. Best College rankings by U.S. News & World Report.

According to the US. News & World Report, these colleges focus on the graduate experience and offer a broad range of programs in the liberal arts 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. ✝

CBC MAKES 2016 MILITARY FRIENDLY® SCHOOLS LIST Central Baptist College 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. 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 upon graduation.

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. 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.

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

THE NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS & ALUMNI OF CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE • CONNECTING POINT • WINTER 2016

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EDUCATION NEWS

SAVE THE DATE

SAT., MAY 14, 6 P.M. 8TH ANNUAL BENEFIT DINNER, AUCTION AND FISHING SEMINAR WITH LARRY NIXON

Please make plans to join us at a benefit dinner and silent auction with Larry Nixon, affectionately referred to as “The General.” Nixon, a native of Bee Branch, Ark. is one of the most respected anglers in tournament bass fishing history. In his years with FLW, he has racked up several wins and finished in the top-25 of the FLW Angler of the Year standings the majority of his tour years. His best finish in the Forrest Wood Cup came in 2010, when he finished third. Nixon started tournament fishing in 1977, finishing 19th in his first tournament and taking home $600. Nixon said he won a fully rigged bass Ranger boat in his first major bass tournament in 1978 and has won 10 additional boats since then. Nixon’s favorite technique is fishing a worm and his favorite body of water is Toledo Bend. When he is not fishing, Nixon can be found deer hunting. Proceeds benefit the CBC Fishing Team and Vision 2020.

EXPERIENCE CBC Central Baptist College is committed to transforming lives through education integrating Christian faith and academic excellence in a Christ-Centered environment.

Simply stated, we exist to allow our Heavenly Father to transform the lives of our students whether it is through our traditional college program or the nontraditional adult student program, PACE. Through our committed Ph.D.-level faculty, Central Baptist College is building a strong academic reputation in the state and region. The athletic departRyan Johnson, vice president of ment is also making its mark in a enrollment management new athletic conference, the American Midwest Conference (AMC). Located in the heart of Conway, the fastest growing city in Arkansas, the Vision 2020 Capital Campaign is keeping pace by having added three new buildings to the campus footprint in the past three years. With the success of our Stampede Open House in November, I challenge students, alumni and friends to invite or bring a prospective student to the spring Stampede Open House. The open house will kick off homecoming week on Feb. 19, 2:30-4:30 p.m. in the CBC community room. Prospective students will be introduced to all of the exciting things that are happening at CBC and also learn how college can be an affordable option through the new Mustang Advantage Loan Repayment Assistance Program! Sign up a prospective student at cbc.edu/Stampede or apply to any program at cbc.edu/apply. ✝

MUSTANG ADVANTAGE

HELPS YOU PAY FOR COLLEGE Go to cbc.edu/mustangadvantage to learn more.

(cont. from p. 1) CBC Announces Plans for New Athletic Complex west Conference (AMC). Though highly competitive, the more tightly geographical concentration equates to less travel for the Mustangs.

The addition of Men’s and Women’s Cross Country in the fall of 2016 will bring the total athletic offerings to twelve. Athletic Director Lyle Middleton said, “When we made application to the AMC, we knew our facilities would be our main area of weakness. Representatives of the AMC wanted us in the conference, but on their site visit to our campus, they expressed a real concern about our inadequate facilities. This project will alleviate those concerns.”

President Kimbrow will work with Vice President for Advancement Sancy Faulk and Development Officer J. D. Gray to cast the vision and challenge people to invest in this worthy project. Vice President Faulk 4

said, “We have a very large task ahead of us. We are going to need the financial assistance from our alumni, board members, employees, parents, churches, individuals, corporations, private foundations and the Conway community to make this new athletic facility a reality.”

Naming and sponsorship opportunities are available immediately.

Kimbrow summed it up with these words, “The bottom line is – the time is now for us as a Mustang community to step forward and support this long-overdue project.”

To make a tax-deductible contribution to Vision 2020: A Miracle in the Making, contact Sancy Faulk at 501-205-8799 (sfaulk@cbc.edu) or J. D. Gray at 501-205-8920 (jgray@cbc.edu) or give online and choose the designation “Vision 2020 Athletic Facility” at cbc.edu/giveonline. ✝

WINTER 2016 • CONNECTING POINT • THE NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS & ALUMNI OF CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE

MUSTANG CLASSIC

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MUSTANG CLASSIC CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY Thanks to all participants and sponsors of the 25th CBC Mustang Classic. It was a huge success and the weather was perfect. A special thanks to presenting sponsors Clark Construction and Rik Sowell Architects.

Overall winner, with a winning score of 52, was the team of Norman Crass, Travis Douglas, Eddie Glover and Larry Clary.

Lunch sponsors: Bob McCloskey Insurance, Cintas, the CBC Alumni Association, Crews & Associates, Harps Food Stores, Wayne Smith Trucking and the Conway A & P Commission. Million Dollar Shoot Out sponsor: First Service Bank. Ford Mustang Hole in One sponsors: Harwood, Ott and Fisher, and Smith Ford. Drink cart sponsors: Centennial Bank, Smith Family Pharmacy, Conway Regional, and Crain. Hole sponsors: Adams Catfish Catering, Arkansas Baptist Foundation, Austin Bros. Tire and Service, Baker Eye Institute, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, Conway Corporation, Conway Development Corporation, Conway Printing, HSA Engineering, The Hatcher Agency, Independent Living Services, Innerplan, Kangabloo, Magna IV Imaging, Sysco, Julie’s Sweet Shoppe, Tim Tyler Surveying and Mapping Inc., GrassRoots Lawn Care, Delta Pest Control, A & B Dirt Movers, McKinney Tire Pros, Pepsi, General Mills, Log Cabin Democrat, HomeBank and US Compounding Pharmacy. Team Hole sponsors: All-Clean USA Restoration, Atkins Family Pharmacy, Cameron Homes, Inc., Dalrymple-Crain Accounting, Faulkner County Farm Bureau, Farris Agency, First Security Bank, Mt. Carmel Community, The Ratliff Family, Reliance Well Services, Inc., Therapy and Rehab Solutions and Tricia and Terry Kimbrow. ✝

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1. Overall tournament winners with a score of 52 with CBC president Terry Kimbrow are: Eddie Glover, Larry Clary, Travis Douglas, and Norman Crass. 2. CBC Alumni Tim Bass takes a practice swing. 3. Willard Smith of Conway, winner of the putting contest with CBC athletic director and coach, Lyle Middleton. 4. David Martin lines up a putt as his team members CBC President Terry Kimbrow, Lyle Middleton, and Justin Kimbrow watch.

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BURGESS AUDITORIUM

RENOVATION COMPLETED FOR FALL 2015

President Terry Kimbrow speaking to students about the renovations to Burgess Auditorium

Work on the Wassell L. Burgess Auditorium began on May 11, the Monday after graduation and was completed just in time for the start of the fall semester on Aug. 20. Considered the spiritual hub of campus, the project was not just the changing of a physical space, but making an investment in changing lives.

As with most renovation projects, one improvement led to another and then another. The total price tag of the renovation came in at approximately $250,000. Terry Kimbrow, speaking to students during the first chapel service of the semester said, “We don’t need all this to worship our God; however, He deserves the best we do have, and I’m so thankful for those who gave to make this dream a reality.” Designated contributions covered the entire cost of the Burgess Auditorium renovation. The contributions of more than 70 individuals, churches, and businesses are greatly appreciated!

The following improvements were made during the three-month renovation period: • Lighting upgrade, including a ceiling mounted lighting truss and stage lighting • Video upgrades (screens, projectors, TV) • Relocation of the sound booth • Acoustic tile treatment on back wall • Drop-in acoustic ceiling over the stage • Updated wall light fixtures • New podium bearing the official CBC seal 6

• • • • • • •

Drum repair Purchase of a new rolling platform and drum surround New microphones, microphone stands, and music stands New carpet, trim and base cover Sheetrock repair throughout New color scheme (from maroon to CBC Blue) New paint (ceiling, walls, railings, floor under seats, stage floor and walls) • New color coordinated stage curtains (front, back, & sides) • Re-installation of the seats with new hardware in the concrete • Creation of a handicapped seating area • Additional security cameras • New locks on all exterior doors The renovation team consisted of RaeLynn Callaway, Mike Jones, and Mark Malone. RaeLynn Callaway, MS, ASRID, ASID, is the owner and operator of Classically Yours Interiors. RaeLynn is an interior designer and great friend to CBC. She coordinated the entire project, the majority of which was done on a pro bono basis. Mike Jones, owner of Mike Jones Sound Systems & Design, Inc., and his team, and Mark Malone, owner of Solid Rock Audio, were instrumental in the design and installation of the lighting, sound and audio-visual systems. Mike and Mark also contributed in-kind donations of time and labor. Thank you to these three individuals who worked tirelessly to complete this project on time and on budget. ✝

WINTER 2016 • CONNECTING POINT • THE NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS & ALUMNI OF CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE

BURGESS AUDITORIUM REDEDICATED During his welcome at the Baptist Missionary Association (BMA) of Arkansas Annual Meeting held at Central Baptist College on Nov. 5-6, President Terry Kimbrow led a rededication ceremony for the Wassell L. Burgess Auditorium. Special guests for the ceremony included Mrs. Jean Burgess, Ross and Sharon Burgess, Sue and Ron Tilley, and Bro. Ed and Sarah Stephenson. President Kimbrow reminded those in attendance that not only is the Burgess Auditorium being rededicated, but 2015 also marks the 25th Anniversary of the auditorium. Installation of the final piece of carpet in the Burgess Auditorium was laid just prior to graduation twenty-five years ago, marking the completion of the space.

All of the distinguished guests were presented with commemorative photos of the newly renovated space and Bro. Ed Stephenson led in a dedication prayer.

Clockwise from top left: 1. CBC president Terry Kimbrow, Ron Tilley, Sue Tilley, Mrs. Jean Burgess (seated), Ross Burgess, Sharon Burgess, Sarah Stephenson and Bro. Ed Stephenson, pastor of Springhill Baptist Church in Greenbrier, Ark. 2. Donny Parrish speaking to CBC students during Chapel. 3. Students listen as the Word is delivered during chapel. 4. Preston Jones, Stephanie Battles, Mckenna Marlow and Ben Brandon perform at the dedication.

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DR. BRAD HOSHAW TO BE HONORED Sat., Feb. 20 | 1:30 p.m | Story Library Reta Hoshaw, wife of the late CBC President Dr. Brad Hoshaw, has worked with the CBC Library staff to create a display honoring Dr. Hoshaw. President Terry Kimbrow will officially dedicate the collection at a reception. Light refreshments will be served. ✝

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WINTER 2016 • CONNECTING POINT • THE NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS & ALUMNI OF CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE

HOMECOMING 2016

REGISTRATION FORM NAME SPOUSE/GUEST(S) ADDRESS CITY

STATE ZIP

PHONE EMAIL

FRONT

BACK

Visa ________

HOMECOMING T-SHIRTS

SATURDAY ALUMNI LUNCHEON

Adult S

________ @ $14

= $ ________

Adult

Adult M

________ @ $14

= $ ________

Adult L

________ @ $14

= $ ________

Child (7–12)* ________ @ $5 * Children 6 and under free.

Adult XL

EXP. DATE ________ / ________

= $ ________ = $ ________

________ @ $14

= $ ________

Adult 2X, 3X ________ @ $16

= $ ________

Adult 4X

________ @ $16

= $ ________

Youth S

________ @ $10

= $ ________

Youth M

________ @ $10

= $ ________

Youth L

________ @ $10

= $ ________

PAYMENT METHOD

Youth XL

________ @ $10

= $ ________

Cash ________Check ________Credit Card ________

(Deadline to order T-shirts: Friday, Jan. 15) MasterCard ________

________ @ $11

Discover ________

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP Individual Couple

TOTAL

$35 $50

= $ ________ = $ ________

= $ _____________

CREDIT CARD NO. ________________________________________________________

ZIP CODE ____________________ SIGNATURE _____________________________________________________________

Mail to CBC, 1501 College Avenue, Conway, AR 72034 or email mlowry@cbc.edu.

LUCK, STEELE, AND JACOBSEN RECOGNIZED AT ALUMNI LUNCHEON The Central Baptist College’s alumni board is pleased to announce the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award, Alan Luck for his service to the community for more than 20 years and his legacy of service to CBC. Luck attended CBC from 1979 to 1982 earning an Associate of Arts degree before finishing with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and computer science at UCA. While a student at CBC, Luck was involved in many organizations, but states that his greatest accomplishment as a Mustang was accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior.

The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award is presented to an individual who has been instrumental in the advancement of their chosen profession, primarily within the last few years. This individual demonstrates a love of service within the community and continues to show interest in CBC. This year’s recipient is Rachel Steele.

Steele graduated from CBC and started working in 2009 as an admissions counselor and currently serves as the director of student services. Steele serves on the Conway Noon Rotary Board of Directors as the New Generations director, and the Steering Committee as the membership director for the Conway Regional Women’s Council.

The alumni board is proud to announce that the first ever recipient of the Mustang Community Impact Award is Nick Jacobsen.

The Mustang Community Impact Award was created to recognize an individual who has gone above and beyond to serve their community and CBC. They are Mustangs through and through, and carry the values of CBC into the community. Jacobsen is a native of Tacoma, Wash. He earned his undergraduate degree from Central Baptist College in 2005 and currently works for BMA of America as a production engineer. Jacobsen also works part-time as a case manager at Bethlehem House, a transitional homeless shelter in Conway, Ark. ✝

THE NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS & ALUMNI OF CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE • CONNECTING POINT • WINTER 2016

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ALUMNI NOTES 1950s

(1959) Bessie Lee (Brooks) Ray-Gaines, 75, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Tues., Oct. 20, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. She spent a lifetime serving the Lord and helping others. She was a member of Black Creek Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher and church secretary.

1960s

(1964) Rev. David B. Rice, 81, of Conway died Sun., Oct. 4, at Conway Regional Medical Center.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janada, of 53 years. He served as pastor to Baptist churches in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and Arkansas.

1970s

(1976) Rita (Burris) Boydstun retired on Sept.

25, after 36 years of service to the University of Arkansas Bookstore. Rita joined the bookstore staff as a part-time cashier and, in June of 1983, she filled the position of textbook coordinator and transitioned into the role of textbook manager in 2002.

1990s

(1997) Melissa Earls completed her M.S. in training systems (technology specialist) at the University of Central Arkansas in 2009. She is currently working on an M.S. in instructional technology at the University of Central Arkansas. In January of 2015 Melissa became program advisor for the Master of Arts in Teaching program at UCA.

2000s

(2004) Jennifer Harrison has been promoted to senior vice president, business development officer at First Security Bank in Conway. She has over 21 years of banking experience and has served on the Board of Directors for United Way of Central Arkansas, Faulkner County Leadership Institute, Bethlehem House and Junior Achievement.

2010s

(2010) Rachel and Josh Lewis have relocated to Belle Glade, Fla. (2013) Tasha McGee Waites married Colby Waites on Sat., Dec. 19 at CBC. (2015) Katie Ponder Phillips has been hired as a medical technologist by the Conway Human Development Center.

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ELDER, GRAY AND POOLE JOIN CBC STAFF Stephen Elder has joined Central Baptist College as director of institutional effectiveness.

Stephen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Henderson State University, a Master of Liberal Arts from Henderson State University, and is working on a Doctorate of Education at Walden University.

In addition to his new role at CBC, Elder serves as the CEO and founder of Flint Consulting. His previous roles include dean of ITT Technical Institute, campus college chair for the College of Humanities at the University of Phoenix, adjunct faculty at Pulaski Technical College, assistant dean of students at Henderson State University, and ACE program coordinator at Henderson State. He remains on faculty with the University of Phoenix and Ouachita Baptist University as an adjunct instructor.

As director for institutional effectiveness, Elder will be responsible for institutional data collection and reporting, student information system development, and he will serve as the campus webmaster. He will also maintain and develop an institutional research plan and collaborate with administrative staff and the office of public relations to identify key national surveys to complete annually, as well as other duties assigned by the vice president for enrollment management.

Central Baptist College is pleased to announce the hiring of James (JD) Gray as a new development officer. Gray’s responsibilities include 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 imple-

menting strategies to build the annual fund giving program.

Gray comes to CBC after spending one season as a direct dales 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-toface meetings with potential clients, and hosted field visits for clients and account holders during batting practices.

Prior to joining the Cardinals organization, 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.

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.

Jason Poole has joined the Enrollment Management Division at Central Baptist College as the director of admissions. Poole received a Master of Education from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University.

Before transitioning to CBC, Poole worked at the Bureau of Legislative Research, and spent seven years in higher education at Pulaski Technical College. As director of admissions, Poole will lead traditional student recruitment efforts, manage traditional admissions office staff personnel, continuously train traditional personal admissions officers for maximum results, manage the recruitment budget, manage the final acceptance process and standards, and perform other duties as directed by the vice president for enrollment management. ✝

WINTER 2016 • CONNECTING POINT • THE NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS & ALUMNI OF CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE

MUSTANG ATHLETICS TERLEA HEADS NEW MEN’S & WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY PROGRAMS Central Baptist College announces that men’s and women’s cross country have been added as varsity athletic programs, and runners will begin competing for the Mustangs in the fall of 2016.

The new head coach of the cross country programs will be Cezar Terlea. Terlea has Level 1 and 2 coaching certifications from USA Track and Field and serves as founder and head coach for the Arkansas Performance Running Club based out of Little Rock. He has more than 20 years of experience coaching high-level athletes of all distances and ages. Last year, 17 of his athletes qualified for the USA Track and Field National Junior Olympics in 32 different events.

Terlea has a bachelor’s degree in sports and physical education and a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the National Academy of Sports and Physical Education in Bucharest, Romania. He received his Master of Science degree in sports administration from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia in 2008.

The announcement of adding cross country was made at a press conference by CBC President Terry Kimbrow. CBC also signed its first cross country athlete, Averi Ratliff, a senior from Vilonia High School at the press conference. Kimbrow stated, “Cross Country is the sport that we previously didn’t have that we get asked about the most often. We are happy to provide new athletic opportunities for our students and recruits.”

With the addition of cross country, CBC now offers six men’s and six women’s varsity sports that will compete in the American Midwest Conference. CBC currently offers baseball, men and women’s basketball, men and women’s golf, men and women’s soccer, softball, volleyball, and wrestling. ✝

DRAGE TO HEAD WOMEN’S SOFTBALL Central Baptist College has hired Kristen Drage as the new head women’s softball coach.

Drage, a native of Morganfield, Ky., most recently served as assistant coach at Saginaw Valley State University, a NCAA Division II program in Saginaw, Mich. In her first season the SVSU Cardinals posted a 33-19 record and received second place in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) regular season and tournament.

Before coaching at SVSU, Drage was the pitching coach at Missouri Baptist University, a NAIA program in St. Louis, Mo. for two seasons.

Drage also served as an assistant coach for the Beverly Bandits, one of the premier travel ball organizations out of Chicago, Ill. for three years. She helped lead them to three straight top twelve finishes at PGF Nationals, as well as the Canadian Cup National Championship in 2014.

Drage was an All-American stand out player at Missouri University of Science & Technology, a NCAA Division II program. She holds the all-time career RBI record for the Miners as well as ranks in the top-ten career categories for hits, home runs, batting average, and doubles.

She was a first team All-GLVC selection at first base, earned first team All-Midwest Region honors on the Daktronics and Louisville Slugger teams, was a second team Louisville Slugger All-American selection and a third team selection to the Daktronics All-American squad.

Drage holds a master’s degree in sports management and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Missouri Baptist University.

The Lady Mustangs ended the 2015 season with a 25-18 record and an invitation to play in the National Christian College Athletic Association World Series tournament in Botetourt, Va. CBC Athletic Director Lyle Middleton says, “We are excited to welcome Kristen to the program; with her skill set and knowledge of the game. We expect great things.” ✝

ROWLAND NAMED WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL HEAD COACH The Central Baptist College Mustangs have hired Elyse Rowland as the next women’s volleyball head coach.

Coach Rowland comes to CBC from NCAA Division II Christian Brothers University (Memphis, Tenn.) where she served as the assistant coach since 2013.

While at CBU she helped lead the team to two consecutive conference tournament appearances and 31 wins in two seasons.

During her tenure, she coached four All-Conference selections, one Freshman of the Year and one All-American.

In addition, she spent four seasons coaching club teams, one as an assistant for the Downstate Juniors Volleyball Club and one for the Alpha Gamma Volleyball Club. Two seasons were as head coach at the Memphis Volleyball Academy.

As a player at NCAA Division II Pace University 2009-2013 (Pleasantville, N.Y.), Rowland’s team earned one conference championship appearance and three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. She was named 1st team All-Conference NE-10 and Libero of the Year in both 2011and 2012. Also in 2011, she was named to the Daktronics 1st team in the East Region and a Daktronics 3rd team All-American. In 2012 she was named to the AVCA Division II All-East Region squad.

Elyse earned her Bachelor of Arts in biology from Pace University in 2013, followed by her Master of Arts in teaching in 2015 from Christian Brothers University.

“We are excited to have a coach with the experience that Coach Rowland brings to CBC,” said Athletic Director Lyle Middleton. “Having competed at a higher level as both a player and coach will be valuable as we move to our new conference. I am excited for our current players and recruits.”

A native of California, Rowland is now excited to call Conway home. ✝

THE NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS & ALUMNI OF CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE • CONNECTING POINT • WINTER 2016

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WINTER 2016 • CONNECTING POINT • THE NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS & ALUMNI OF CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE