Central Baptist College

The value of Christian higher education is the value that has always under girded Central Baptist College’s mission statement. Since the institution’s inception in 1952, its mission has focused on educating the whole person — intellectually, physically, and spiritually.While many other colleges and universities subscribe to the notion of holistic education, it is the spiritual dimension of higher education that has made and continues to make Central Baptist College unique.

Central Baptist College is committed to transforming lives through education that integrates Christian faith and academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment.

There are many aspects to consider when choosing a college. We understand how important this decision is for your future and we want to help you achieve your goals. There are the Central Baptist College values that distinguish us as a higher education institution in the mid-south and the state of Arkansas. Located in Conway, AR, the heart of one of the fastest growing cities in the state and home to some of the most beautiful landscape in the region.

Central Baptist College is a community of learners. Our faculty and students work together to discover the truth.Learning is a process that involves knowledge of the discipline and faith. Both are vitally important and are reflected in the academic mission statement.

Whether you are entering college as a first-time freshman, or returning as a non-traditional working adult student, we have options to meet your educational needs and goals. Central Baptist College is a progressive four-year, private Christian college located in Conway, Arkansas. At Central Baptist, we are a community of learners committed to the integration of Christian faith and academic excellence. Since our founding in 1952, our mission has not changed and focuses on educating the whole person – intellectually, physically, and spiritually. Central Baptist is an accredited, liberal arts college that combines a passion for learning and spiritual development no matter your stage of life. At Central Baptist College, we offer enrichment opportunities for everyone.

Central Baptist College provides a challenging, engaging, and inspiring Christ-focused liberal arts education. Whether you have been called into ministry, serving in the mission field, or pursuing a career in the business world, CBC students may choose from an ever-growing number of degree options which are formulated to fit a variety of educational needs.

Do family or job obligations keep you from pursuing or completing a college degree? We can help! PACE is a Professional Adult College Education non-traditional program designed to give working adults an opportunity to earn a college degree.PACE is a great way to begin earning a college degree or finishing the degree you previously started.PACE focuses on delivering academic excellence with a high level of convenience & flexibility.Courses meet once a week from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and span a five week period. Online & Hybrid courses are taught virtually using our Canvas learning management system and Zoom technology to complete work & view classroom lectures from the comfort of your home. We offer flexible course schedules that include holidays and vacation times throughout the duration of the program. Courses can be taken in various modalities (in-class, online, and a hybrid of both), and are held at multiple locations, which include Conway and North Little Rock at Camp Robinson. We are also proud to support our military student population all over the world. See more testimonials of other adult students sharing their experience and how the PACE program has helped them reach their educational goals.

At the annual meeting of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention in 1891, a special committee was appointed to consider the founding of an educational institution for women. Colonel George W. Bruce was appointed the first Chairman of the Board, and property was soon acquired in Conway.Central College opened in a Baptist church in 1892, while waiting on construction of the Main Building on the beautiful fifteen-acre campus. The purpose of the institution was to train women for efficiency in home, church, business, and society.

Central College flourished for fifty-five years until its demise in 1947. Following its closure, the campus lay dormant for a number of years until it was purchased in 1952. The newly formed Arkansas Missionary Baptist Association purchased the property for $85,000, and Conway Baptist College opened its doors in September 1952 with Dr. D. N. Jackson serving as the first president of the college. The name of the institution was changed in 1962 to its current appellation, Central Baptist College.

From humble beginnings, CBC has grown from approximately two dozen students to more than 700. The number of faculty has increased from five to over fifty full-time and part-time instructors. In addition, the curriculum has expanded to include a wide variety of baccalaureate degree programs in areas other than Bible. Much progress has been made.Although many things have changed since 1952, Central Baptist College still remains committed to its mission and constantly strives to provide a quality, Christ-focused education for all its students.