Crowley’s Ridge College — Organization Profile
Crowley’s Ridge College (CRC) is a private Christian, coeducational liberal arts college that offers Associate and Bachelor degrees in a Christ-centered learning environment. The college describes itself as church-affiliated (Churches of Christ) but autonomous, welcoming students of all religious backgrounds while maintaining a campus culture shaped by Christian convictions and spiritual formation. CRC emphasizes the integration of scholarship, critical thinking, service, and the spiritual dimension of life, supported by small class sizes and a philosophy of open enrollment.
CRC is based in Paragould, Arkansas, serving students from Northeastern Arkansas and the surrounding region. The campus location supports a mix of residential and commuter students, including both traditional and non-traditional learners. Academically, CRC organizes its degree offerings across four primary divisions—Arts and Sciences, Biblical Studies, Business & Technology, and Teacher Education—providing pathways for students preparing for ministry, education, business, and other fields.
A key expression of CRC’s mission is its Biblical Studies programming. The college’s Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies is designed to promote both academic and spiritual growth, equipping students to serve as spiritual leaders in church and community settings. Within the major, students can pursue concentrations such as Christian Leadership and Management and Youth and Family Ministry, and the division also offers minors that strengthen students’ biblical foundations alongside other majors.
CRC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), reflecting the institution’s stated commitment to recognized standards in higher education. The college also notes additional affiliations and approvals tied to distance education oversight and teacher education recognition within Arkansas, supporting its work across multiple academic areas while remaining rooted in its Christian identity and Churches of Christ heritage.
Student life at CRC includes opportunities beyond the classroom, including athletics through the Crowley’s Ridge Pioneers. The college’s history highlights a long-standing athletics presence, with participation in intercollegiate competition and a range of men’s and women’s sports programs. Alongside campus life and academics, CRC also hosts ministry-focused events and initiatives, including Bible lectureship activity connected to its Biblical Studies division.
People can engage with Crowley’s Ridge College in several ways: prospective students can request information, schedule a visit, and apply; churches and individuals can partner through giving initiatives that support student needs and campus priorities; and alumni can stay connected through college updates and opportunities to invest in future students. CRC’s stated direction includes strengthening programs, student support, and facilities while continuing its core purpose of providing Christian higher education in Northeastern Arkansas.
Key Links
- Website: https://crc.edu/
- Quick Facts / Mission: https://crc.edu/quick-facts/
- Admissions: https://crc.edu/admissions/
- Academic Programs: https://crc.edu/academic-programs/
- Division of Biblical Studies: https://crc.edu/biblical-studies-division/
- Accreditation: https://crc.edu/accreditation/
- Giving: https://crc.edu/giving/
- Online Donations: https://crc.edu/donations/
- Leadership: https://crc.edu/leadership/
- Pioneers Athletics: https://www.crcpioneers.com/
Contact Information
- Phone: 870-236-6901
- Phone: 800-264-1096
- Fax: 870-236-7748
- Mailing address: 100 College Drive, Paragould, AR 72450
Socials
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrowleysRidgeCollege
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowleysridgecollege/
- X: https://x.com/CRCPioneers
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CrowleysRidgeCollegeParagould
Leadership
- Dr. Richard Johnson — President
- Paul McFadden — Vice President for Student Affairs
- Jeremy Pierce — Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Brett Carlile — Vice President for Enrollment & Advancement
- Shelly Beasley — Director of Financial Aid
- Melissa Cassidy — Business Office Manager
- Dakota Crossno — Dean of Students
- Craig Cupp — Campus Manager
- Steven DeWitt — Enrollment Director
- Paige Glenn — Admissions Representative
- KristyAnn Grimes — Student Success Coordinator
- Natalie Harrell — Director of Marketing & PR
- Tim Wooldridge — Advancement Executive
