News

We’re always up to something big.

The AICU is always working on the next great way we can change and improve the lives of students in Arkansas’ private institutions. Keep up to date with the AICU’s news, announcements, and milestones, as well as our affiliate organizations down below.

Hendrix College Receives $2.5 Million National Science Foundation Grant for Expanding the Scientific Workforce in Rural Regions

Mar 26, 2024 | Hendrix College has been awarded a six-year, $2,500,000 Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The grant will provide up to $15,000 in scholarships annually to students from economically limited backgrounds to pursue degrees in STEM fields at Hendrix.

Crowley’s Ridge College and Harding University Sign Formal Memorandum of Understanding

March 13, 2024 – CRC continues to pave new academic pathways through a new partnership with Harding University’s Center for Leadership and Development. In March 2024, Crowley’s Ridge College and Harding University agreed to and signed a formal memorandum of understanding. This agreement will provide the opportunity for CRC alumni and employees to pursue graduate level degrees at a discounted (15% off) tuition rate.

Hendrix College Receives CIC NetVUE Grant

March 11, 2024 | Hendrix College is among a select group of Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) members chosen to receive a Program Development Grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) to deepen vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students.

President of Central Baptist College Announces Plans to Retire

March 11, 2024 –Terry Kimbrow, who has served as the president of Central Baptist College (CBC) since 2004, announced Monday afternoon his plans to retire in May 2025.

Kimbrow’s announcement comes after serving as CBC’s ninth president since 2004. Kimbrow’s decision to step down comes with a heartfelt message of gratitude and optimism for the college’s future.

JBU Graduate Counseling Program Receives CACREP Accreditation

Mar. 8, 2024 – John Brown University’s graduate counseling program received accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

Construction Begins on New $27M Residence Hall

Feb 22, 2024 | – University of the Ozarks has begun construction this month on a new $27 million, four-story residence hall, one of the largest capital construction projects in the University’s 190-year history.

The 250-bed residence hall will be located on the east side of College Avenue, just north and adjacent to MacLean Hall. It is expected to be completed for the start of the 2025 Fall Semester.

JBU Adds Bachelor’s Program in Artificial Intelligence

Feb. 19, 2024 — John Brown University announced a new undergraduate degree in artificial intelligence, beginning in the fall of 2024, making it the first Christian university in the U.S. to offer a bachelor’s in the field.

Central Baptist College Announces New Trustees

Feb. 8, 2024 – The Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas, in their November 2023 annual meeting, elected four new members to serve five-year terms on the Central Baptist College Board of Trustees beginning in 2023. They are Bro. Doug Brewer of Moore, Okla., Mrs. Michele Corder of Plumerville, Ark.; Bro. Chris Vines of Hope, Ark., and Mr. Bobby Stoner of Conway, Ark. In addition, Mrs. Kelly Williams of McNeil, Ark. was elected to serve a three-year term to complete the term of the late Mrs. Jenny Lindsey.

CRC Hires Former Arkansas Senator to Administrative Staff

Jan 26, 2024 – Crowley’s Ridge College is pleased to welcome former Arkansas Senator Tim Wooldridge as Advancement Executive: Office of the President. He returns to CRC after serving in the Arkansas Senate, Arkansas House of Representatives, Arkansas Development Finance Authority, the Crowley’s Ridge Development Council, the Arkansas Association of Public Universities, and everywhere in between.

Gov. Sanders Visits WBU Campus to Learn About Williams Works, Tour Meat Processing Facility

November 16, 2023 | Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders visited the Williams Baptist University campus Thursday to discuss the Williams Works Initiative in a roundtable discussion that included university leaders, WBU students and leaders from the state of Arkansas to learn how both the state and school can better serve one another.

WBU Breaks Ground on Chapel Project, Approves Center for Healthy Families

September 26, 2023 | The Board of Trustees at Williams Baptist University took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of Startup Chapel Tuesday, Sept. 26. The board, meeting in regular session on the Williams campus, also gave its approval to creation of WBU’s Center for Healthy Families, which will foster a Christian understanding of communities and families.

U.S. News Ranks JBU as Top Regional University in Arkansas

September 18, 2023 | In the 2024 U.S. News Best College Rankings, JBU ranked No. 13 out of 135 regional universities in the South. Other Arkansas schools on the list included Arkansas Tech University (No. 73), Southern Arkansas University (No. 86) and Henderson State University (No. 110).

“While national rankings such as U.S. News don’t measure the full extent of JBU’s commitment to preparing people to honor God and serve others, it is encouraging to be recognized for our academic quality,” said Dr. Rob Norwood, JBU vice president for academic affairs.

WBU Earns High Rankings from U.S. News and World Report

September 18, 2023 | U.S. News and World Report has ranked Williams Baptist University as among the top colleges in the South, as well as ranking among top schools on Social Mobility and among the Best Value Schools list for Regional Colleges in the South.