Jacksonville College and Central Baptist College Unite to Expand Christ-Centered Educational Pathways

By JESSICA FAULKNER
Assistant Vice President for Communications & Marketing

​TEXARKANA—United by a shared mission to prepare students for lives of faith and service, Central Baptist College (CBC) in Conway, Arkansas, and Jacksonville College in Jacksonville, Texas, have entered into a new partnership that makes continuing a Christ-centered education easier than ever before. Leaders from both institutions met on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, at the Arkansas–Texas state line in downtown Texarkana to officially sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement creates a seamless pathway for students completing associate degrees at Jacksonville College to transfer directly into bachelor’s degree programs at CBC—whether on campus or through CBC’s online programs. 
 
Both institutions are ministries of the Baptist Missionary Association (BMA): Central Baptist College is owned and operated by the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas, and Jacksonville College is a ministry of the Baptist Missionary Association of Texas. The partnership strengthens long-standing ties between the two associations and reflects their shared commitment to Christian education that integrates faith, knowledge, and service.
 
“This partnership is an exciting opportunity to help more students achieve their academic and spiritual goals,” said Dr. Jeremy Langley, president of Central Baptist College. “Both institutions share a deep commitment to providing Christ-centered, affordable higher education. By working together, we are making it easier for students to continue their education in an environment that reinforces their faith and prepares them for service.”
 
Dr. Claire Tucker, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Central Baptist College, emphasized the alignment between the two institutions’ academic missions. “This partnership provides a clear roadmap for Jacksonville College students who want to continue their studies in a Christian environment that upholds academic rigor and biblical values,” Tucker said. “Our goal is to make the transfer process as smooth as possible so students can focus on completing their degrees and fulfilling God’s calling on their lives.”
 
The agreement outlines a clear transfer process and establishes a Transfer Credit Agreement Checklist aligning Jacksonville College coursework with CBC degree requirements. The collaboration minimizes credit loss, simplifies advising, and ensures a smooth transition for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees. In addition to academic cooperation, the MOU includes provisions for athletic participation, allowing student-athletes transferring from Jacksonville College to try out for CBC teams that correspond with their previous sports, in accordance with institutional and athletic association policies.

“This partnership gives students clear pathways to achieve their educational goals through two faithful, conservative Christian colleges,” said Dr. David Erickson, president of Jacksonville College. “There is a renewed spirit of cooperation happening right now and it is a joy to join with our friends at Central Baptist College to advance God’s kingdom through higher education.”
 
Michelle Kearney, Academic Dean at Jacksonville College, expressed excitement about the future of the relationship between Central Baptist College and Jacksonville College. “We are looking forward to seeing the fruits of this partnership. The agreement provides further opportunities for our students and we are excited to walk alongside Central Baptist College.”
 
The agreement will be reviewed annually by academic leaders from both institutions and promoted through joint marketing and recruitment initiatives.
 
Founded in 1952 and located in Conway, Arkansas, Central Baptist College is owned and operated by the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas. CBC is a private, four-year, Christ-centered institution committed to transforming lives through education that integrates Christian faith and academic excellence. The College offers more than 40 degree programs through traditional, PACE, and online formats. Learn more at cbc.edu.

Founded in 1899, Jacksonville College is dedicated to preparing students for lives of learning, work, and service. The College is a four-year, Jesus-centered institution committed to making the advantages of a Christian education accessible to all who will work to obtain it. The College offers associate and bachelor degrees through both on-campus and online programs. Learn more at jacksonvillecollege.edu.

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