HISTORY
Crowley's Ridge College is a two-year college with a strong Christian heritage and a reputation of providing a quality liberal arts education to its local community and religious fellowship. Anticipating an increased demand for higher education, CRC was founded in 1964 as the "Baby Boomers" reached college age. College and media materials indicate the College was founded with great support from the religious and local community; for example, the Arkansas governor Orval Faubus participated in groundbreaking ceremonies.CRC is located in Paragould, Arkansas, near the crest of Crowley's Ridge. The scenic campus covers 150 acres of rolling hills densely covered by pine trees. For its first decade, CRC operated under the same governing board as Crowley's Ridge Academy, a K-12 Christian academy established in 1953. In 1975, the two institutions legally separated and now operate under separate charters and boards.
The driving force behind the College was founding president Emmett F. Smith, Jr. Dr. Smith's vision for Christian education in Northeast Arkansas was stimulated, in part, from the previous existence of two Christian Schools: MONEA Christian College, located in Rector, Arkansas, and Croft College located in rural Greene County. Both institutions had ceased operation by the 1930's, but Smith and other founders believed strongly that a need for Christian higher education existed in the area. The College has had a varied academic history. True to its mascot of the Pioneers, CRC began with an innovative system as an "accelerated institution of higher education." The academic year was divided in two sessions, each having 24 weeks. The sessions were divided into two twelve-week semesters each comprising two six-week terms. Under this system, it was possible to earn 64 semester hours credit in 48 weeks of residence, thus completing the A.A. degree in one calendar year. The accelerated program was discontinued in 1974 in favor of a four-semester system. The academic year remained 48 weeks, consisting of four twelve-week semesters. In 1980 the four-semester system was replaced with a standard two semester system, under which CRC currently operates. Six presidents have served CRC. Emmett Smith held that position from 1964 through 1973. Albert Lemmons served from 1973-1975. Dr. Smith returned as Chancellor to lead the College until 1979. Joe K. Alley became CRC's third president until 1982. From 1987 to 2001 Larry M. Bills led the college as president. He led the college for 14 years making him the longest serving president. During his presidency the college became regionally accredited. In 2001 Arvil E. Hill, became the first CRC alumnus to serve as president of the school. Since 2003 Ken Hoppe, another alumnus, took the helm of the college and has been guiding her safely and successfully to the present. Although a longtime goal of the College, efforts toward becoming affiliated with an accreditation body became a serious goal. A $2.1 million gift in October 1994 enabled the College to set about a course to improve its governance, human resources, educational programs, and learning resources. In 1995, the College took its first step toward affiliation with NCA when a visiting team recommended, and the Commission subsequently approved, Initial Candidacy at the Associate Degree level.
A 1995 visiting team stated a unanimous opinion that CRC would meet each of the Criteria for accreditation within the period of candidacy. Realizing a long-time goal that was included in the first Catalog in the mid1960s, CRC was granted accreditation by NCA in the summer of 2000.Throughout its history, CRC and Greene County have been good partners. CRC alumni often make Greene County their home, and CRC employees are involved in civic and volunteer organizations. CRC sponsored events, such as Spirit of America, have featured such well known speakers as basketball legend Julius Irving, radio celebrity Paul Harvey, comedian Jerry Clower, White House press secretary Jody Powell, Emmy Award winner Art Linkletter, and television commentator Howard K. Smith.CRC was founded not only with the intention of providing higher education opportunities for students, but also to support the work of area Churches of Christ and families. Its Board, Administration, and Faculty remain committed to that end. Reflecting the values of its local community, CRC is bridging the gap from a strong heritage to a promising future.
