Crowley's Ridge College Viewbook 2024-25

Crowley’s Ridge College

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him. ”

-Psalm 37:23

“Crowley’s Ridge College continues to thrive through our combined efforts to serve our students, paving the way for the completion of their college degree and a successful career. Enrolling at CRC and becoming a Pioneer provides each student the unique opportunity for discovery of what God has in mind for their lives. . . the discovery of their talents, dreams, and desire to make a difference in their own life and in the lives of their fellow citizens and communities. Our dedicated faculty, staff, administration, and board of trustees stand ready to assist each student, helping them on this journey of discovery, on one of the most beautiful college campuses in this country.”

Dr. Richard Johnson

President Ed.D., Abilene Christian University

2023 Alumnus, Solomon Boan, receives a handshake and a pat on the back from CRC’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Jeremy Pierce, after receiving his diploma.

PIONEER YOUR Opportunities

Our alumni have gone on to work for employers of all shapes and sizes, and several have attended elite level graduate schools as well. A few examples of positions that our alumni hold today include:

ELEMENTARY TEACHER

BUSINESS OWNER

K-12 COACH

INSURANCE AGENT

PULPIT MINISTER

YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTER

PROJECT MANAGER

NONPROFIT DIRECTOR

LOAN OFFICER

CAMPUS MINISTER

MAYOR

ENTREPRENEUR

SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR

BANK PRESIDENT/CEO

EMPLOYMENT RATE AFTER GRADUATION

PIONEER YOUR

Circle

“When I ask faculty and staff why they work at CRC, their answers always have something to do with their love for our students. Our faculty and staff view our students as their own, mentor them to grow academically and spiritually, and walk with them as they navigate life. Pioneers stick together, and that is clearly seen in the special relationships built between our faculty, staff, and students.”

-Erica Richardson, Dean of Students

M.A. Abilene Christian University

“I was scared out of my mind coming to CRC and I had no idea what to expect. Not only did it make me feel like I was at home, but everyone took me in and made me feel like I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Deciding to come to CRC has been by far the best decision I’ve ever made!”

“I have never once questioned if I was important to the school. The staff and student body took me in from day one. CRC has changed and developed me in ways I didn’t even know I needed to be changed.”

-Josh Lazzarino, Biblical Studies Major Wolcottville, IN

-Grace Parker, Physical Education Major Moulton, AL

Mentor relationships at the college level help connect you and your goals with opportunities to succeed. A recent study found that college graduates are almost two times more likely to be engaged at work if they had a mentor who encouraged them. The study also revealed that college graduates with professors and staff members who cared about them as people tend to benefit from higher levels of well-being. At CRC, your faculty has an open door policy and cares deeply about you as a person. Our small, close-knit family allows you to be more than just a number.

10:1

Student:Faculty Ratio

62% Faculty & Administrative Staff holding a Master’s degree or higher

14 Average class size

20 States that represent our student body’s hometowns

Teacher Education

The Division of Teacher Education offers students opportunities to serve the community as highly qualified and morally sound educators. We envision our graduates will possess the fundamentals of constructivist teaching as well as a commitment to spirituality, integrity, service to others, and excellence in all their endeavors.

MAJORS

MINORS

K-6 Elementary Education K-6 Elementary Education K-12 Physical Education

Name: Marlena Hipsher

Hometown: Bay, AR

Major: K-12 Physical Education

Involvement: Women’s Basketball, Ridge Connection, Work Study

Why CRC?: I chose CRC because it felt like home. It’s a pretty campus with lots of opportunities to grow closer to Christ. The people here care about you!

Future Plans: I want to coach girls basketball and prepare kids for what the world offers us. At CRC, I’m on my path to becoming a great leader!

KELLY GIBSON

Assistant Professor of Education

M.S.E., Arkansas State University

“We don’t intend to just give you the answers to your questions. Instead, we want to spark within you a desire to find the answers yourself.

Scan here to learn more about the Division of Teacher Education at Crowley’s Ridge College.

Marlena Hipsher

Arts & Sciences

Many students entering college have not decided upon a profession, occupation, or subject area toward which they wish to direct their preparation. The Arts and Sciences program is designed for such students as well as those who do have a specific concentration area in mind. The General Studies major gives students the chance to build their own course of study based on their interests, which cannot always be met by a single major. Students will develop needed career skills like critical and creative thinking and best practices in oral and written communication to be more competitive for the job market.

MAJORS MINORS

Biology (Articulation Agreement)

General Studies

Chemistry (Articulation Agreement) Psychology

General Studies

Nursing (Joint Program)

Pre-Pharmacy (Joint Program)

Speech Pathology (Articulation Agreement)

Psychology *Coming 2025*

DR. ZACH GRIMES

Assistant Professor of Biology

Ph.D., Middle Tennessee State University

“We bring together the best of all the academic divisions here. Students are able to build a degree that fits their individual goals that may not be met elsewhere. We also house many joint programs that aim to further the development of our students even after their time at CRC.”

Name: Madi Erickson

Hometown: Alton, MO

Major: General Studies & Sports Management

Involvement: Lady Pioneer Softball, Sports Photography, attending Student Government activities, assisting home volleyball and basketball games.

Why CRC?: CRC felt like home. My high school was very small and I wanted something similar. I also wanted to continue my softball career and build a stronger relationship with God. Coach Malone gave me an opportunity that I will forever be grateful for!

Future Plans: Apply to PT School and go back home to give back to the athletic community by helping athletes get through injuries both mentally and physically.

Scan here to learn more about the Division of Arts & Sciences at Crowley’s Ridge College.

Madi Erickson

Biblical Studies

The Biblical Studies program is designed to equip aspiring students to be spiritual leaders in the Kingdom of Christ and society through ministering in and outside of church settings. Students enrolled in the Biblical Studies major also gain a better understanding of the theme and flow of Scripture, while developing the skills to analyze and interpret Biblical passages. The curriculum includes opportunities to master core competencies through a mixture of coursework and practical experiences and to work closely with faculty and staff to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to launch their careers in ministry. Students also graduate with the skill to properly apply the scripture to various cultures, while holding true to Christian doctrine in the scope of the heritages of churches of Christ.

MAJORS

Biblical Studies

MINORS

Biblical Studies

Christian Leadership

Name: Gabriel Childs

Hometown: Paragould, AR

Major: Biblical Studies

Involvement: Ridge Connection

Why CRC?: CRC has a substantial scholarship for Bible majors. I knew I wanted to study the Bible and stay close to home while being around other Christians my age.

Future Plans: I’m not sure yet if I’ll become a preacher or a missionary or just work for a non-profit, but I know I want to serve in ministry. I also love art, and would like to be able to sell my work on the side.

JEREMY PIERCE

Division Chair, Biblical Studies

Vice President for Academic Affairs

M.A., Freed-Hardeman University

“Our program challenges spiritual formation, is intentionally designed to build spiritual leaders, provides seasoned mentoring along with high quality internships, and is preparatory for graduate studies.”

Scan here to learn more about the Division of Biblical Studies at Crowley’s Ridge College.

Gabriel Childs

Business

The Division of Business offers CRC students opportunities to serve their community as highly qualified, accomplished, and responsible members of society. We envision our graduates to have a high degree of competence, capability, and integrity needed to be successful leaders in the business world as well as an understanding of the fundamental principles of the major business disciplines. Our vision includes instilling Christian values because not only do we believe in a quality higher education but also a Higher Power.

MAJORS

Business Administration

Marketing

Sports Management

MINORS

Business Administration

Christian Leadership

MARTA SUMMITT

Assistant Professor of Business

M.S., Arkansas State University

“We

envision our graduates to have a high degree of competence, capability, and integrity needed to be successful leaders in the business world as well as an understanding of the fundamental principles of the major business disciplines.”

Name: Trent McGowan

Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN

Major: Business Administration

Involvement: Ridge Connection, Men’s Basketball

Why CRC?: I needed a place away from home that would allow me to still feel “at home” and would draw me closer to God. CRC provided that and then some.

Future Plans: To coach basketball.

Scan here to learn more about the Division of Business at Crowley’s Ridge College.

Trent McGowan

CRC Alumnus Todd McMillen baptizes Trent McGowan at Hillcrest Church of Christ, which is within walking distance of campus.

PIONEER YOURFaith

CRC is dedicated to promoting a healthy spiritual life in every student. Aside from offering courses that focus on Bible related areas, CRC also hosts a chapel service for students Monday through Thursday. Chapel is an incorporation of faith into a student’s daily routine and serves as a spiritual rest amidst the demands of college life.

Students can also participate in The Ridge Connection, an on-site campus ministry house which aims to engage students to dig deeper in their faith and experience an authentic Christ-filled community.

Numerous opportunities are provided throughout the school year to help students be more intentional in their faith, such as Project Reachout (an annual day of service), weekly Bible studies, student-led small groups, Thursday night devotionals, and a Fall Retreat.

DAKOTA CROSSNO

Assistant Professor of Bible Chapel Committee, Lectureship Committee M.A., Freed-Hardeman University

“Our aim is to implement Christ in every area of our lives so that no matter where we are or what we do in the future, we can all be ministers of the Lord. Taking little moments to remind ourselves of that goal is key to godly living.”

Go Pioneers!

PIONEER YOURGame

CRC offers elite level athletic competition across the country. CRC is a member of the NAIA, a small-college athletic association that has produced some of the world’s greatest talent. The Pioneers field nine athletic programs as part of the American Midwest Conference. All sports can offer scholarships to help ensure that students have the best education while representing on their respective field or court. For more information or to be recruited, visit www.crcpioneers.com.

SPORTS

SPORTS

CARISSA WINN

Head Volleyball Coach

Assistant Professor of Psychology

Ed.S., Arkansas State University

“We understand that our athletic abilities are God given, and we ultimately work to emulate Christ in all that we do while representing CRC in our respective sports.”

DISCOVER YOUR Community

Campus Life

The scenic campus provides a sense of home, quietly covering 150 acres of rolling hills across Crowley’s Ridge densely populated by pine and hardwood trees. With an on-campus 18-hole disc golf course, a full-time campus ministry house, a student center, fishing access, intramural sports, and a Student Government Association, there’s always something fun to do on campus.

Paragould

Paragould is one of the fastest growing communities in Northeast Arkansas and offers a low cost of living, leisure activities, recreational activities, worship, shopping, and dining. The citizens invest in the community, with a number of civic organizations. Paragould is proud of its state of the art Aquatics Center and Community Center, their historic Collins Theatre in the vibrant Downtown, and more. Outdoor activities are abundant in Paragould as well, including two state parks, an eight-mile walk/jog path, and lots of hunting, fishing, and athletic activities.

Arkansas: The Natural State

Beautiful mountains, towering forests, scenic rivers and rich farmland are just a few of the sights that give our state its nickname: The Natural State. CRC students have the opportunity to experience a fall and spring retreat, take backpacking and canoeing classes for credit, and so much more!

NATALIE HARRELL

Director of Marketing & Community Relations

M.Ed. Southern Arkansas University

“This

place cares deeply about its people, and is filled with organizations that give back. Growing up in NEA was an incredible blessing, and CRC truly is the college that feels like home.”

YOURFinances

College is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make but it doesn’t have to be the most expensive one. At Crowley’s Ridge College, we are committed to providing our students with a high-quality education taught from a Christian perspective at an affordable price. CRC also offers a variety of scholarships and financial assistance programs so that your finances can be the least of your worries during this significant time of your life. CRC provides a private school education at a public school cost!

Crowley’s Ridge College

Harding University

Freed-Hardeman University

Samford University

Hendrix College

Belmont University

Lipscomb University

Rice University

University of Tulsa

Rhodes College

Texas Christian University

Pepperdine University

Arkansas State University

Crowley’s Ridge College

University of Memphis

University of Mississippi

University of Arkansas

Texas A&M University

University of Alabama

University of Tennessee

University of Missouri

$13,740

Average

Early Bird:

CRC Scholarships

$500 if students apply by May 31st of their Junior Year in high school

Academic:

$1,500-$7,000 per year

Concurrent Enrollment:

$5,000 per year

Christian School Graduate:

$2,000 per year

Heritage: $2,500 per year

Christian Service:

$3,000 per year

Helping Hand:

$1,000-$2,000 per year

Transfer: $5,000

Student Ambassador: $1,000 working scholarship

Yearbook: $250

Bible Major: 50% off tuition

Athletic: Various amounts awarded at the discretion of the head coach

98%

$8,572 of CRC students are offered financial aid

average award for all CRC students Scan here to learn more about our scholarships and how to qualify.

PIONEER YOURHousing

Winters

Hall

An all male dorm with a supervisor living in the building. Student RA’s are also located on each floor. Shared laundry units in the building.

Wilson Hall

Male and female dorm wings separated by a shared common area. A supervisor lives in the building and RA’s are located on each floor. Shared laundry units in the building.

King & Johnson Honors Housing

On-campus apartment-style living for men and women in separate units. Residents must be at least a sophomore and in good academic and character standing to apply. A supervisor lives in the complex. Shared laundry unit.

Home Ridge Honors Housing

Off-campus apartment-style living offered to upperclassmen men and women in separate units. Residents must be in good academic and character standing to apply. Individual laundry units.

“CRC is just what you need to prepare for success as you challenge yourself to learn from a talented, experienced team of professionals who will put your educational needs paramount. Join us and take this journey of discovery!”

CRC President

Office of Admissions

100 College Drive

Paragould, AR 72450

crc.edu CrowleysRidgeCollege crowleysridgecollege CRCPioneers CRCPioneers