Arkansas Baptist College
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Arkansas Baptist College (ABC) is a historically black college (HBCU) located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Founded in 1884 as The Minister's Institute, ABC was initially funded by The Colored Baptists of the State of Arkansas, and is the only Baptist HBCU west of the Mississippi River.
[edit] History
In 1885, Arkansas Baptist College took on its current name, with the primary objective of raising "the educational level of the Negro ministry." The centerpiece of the Little Rock campus is the building known as Old Main. Constructed in 1893, in addition to being a big part of the ABC campus, Old Main is a Little Rock and Arkansas landmark. Upon completion of Old Main, ABC began to draw attention statewide, including gaining financial support from historically white Baptist churches.
For much of its recent history, ABC has existed in Little Rock in relative obscurity. However, in recent years, ABC found its way into the Arkansas headlines, due to a declining student population, and financial and accreditation problems. ABC hoped to turn a new page in its rich history in 2006, when Dr. Fitz Hill was named president of the college.
An Arkansas native, Dr. Hill was best known in Arkansas for his stint as an assistant coach for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1991 to 2000, prior to being named president of ABC. Dr. Hill also served as head football coach for San Jose State University and Executive Director of Ouachita Baptist University's Ouachita Opportunity Fund, immediately prior to moving to ABC. Dr. Hill immediately went to work in repairing ABC's local and regional image, by ensuring the college was re-accredited, and by outlining plans to re-establish ABC's relationship with Baptist churches and the local community.
Dr. Hill also outlined plans to further promote the college through athletics, by promoting and forming men's and women's basketball teams, and a football team. Charles Ripley, an Arkansas coach well known throughout the region and the country, has agreed to be Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach on a volunteer basis, to help the athletic programs Dr. Hill announced.
Arkansas Baptist College offers its students a four-year liberal arts education with degrees in business administration, human services, criminal justice, and theology.
