About Us
History of the College
For over 140 years, Arkansas Baptist College has been a beacon of hope, education, and spiritual growth for generations of students.
Truth and Light Since 1884
Arkansas Baptist College (ABC) is a private, Baptist-affiliated, historically black college in Little Rock, Arkansas. Founded in 1884 as the Minister's Institute, ABC holds the distinction of being the only historically black Baptist school west of the Mississippi River.
The college was initially funded by the Colored Baptists of the State of Arkansas at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Little Rock, who recognized the critical need for educational opportunities for African Americans in the post-Civil War era. E.C. Morris, president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., is recognized as the founder. What began as a small institution for training ministers has grown into a comprehensive liberal arts college serving students from across the nation.
The Main Building on its campus, built in 1893, is one of the oldest surviving academic buildings in the state and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
140+
Years of Excellence
The Historic Old Main Building
A National Register of Historic Places Landmark
1893
Cornerstone laid after the original wooden structures were destroyed by fire
1976
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
SE
Second Empire architectural style with distinctive mansard roof
Our Journey Through Time
Key milestones in the history of Arkansas Baptist College
- 1884
The Beginning
Arkansas Baptist College was founded as the Minister's Institute by the Colored Baptists of the State of Arkansas. J.P. Lawson served as the first principal and teacher.
The Beginning
Arkansas Baptist College was founded as the Minister's Institute by the Colored Baptists of the State of Arkansas. J.P. Lawson served as the first principal and teacher.
1884 - 1885
A New Name
The institution was renamed Arkansas Baptist College, reflecting its expanded mission beyond ministerial training.
1885A New Name
The institution was renamed Arkansas Baptist College, reflecting its expanded mission beyond ministerial training.
- 1887
First President
Joseph Albert Booker became the first president, a position he would hold until 1926. Formerly enslaved, Booker was an influential educator who fought against segregationist policies.
First President
Joseph Albert Booker became the first president, a position he would hold until 1926. Formerly enslaved, Booker was an influential educator who fought against segregationist policies.
1887 - 1893
Old Main Building
The cornerstone for the Old Main building was laid on November 2, 1893. This Second Empire-style building remains the oldest surviving academic building on an HBCU campus in Arkansas.
1893Old Main Building
The cornerstone for the Old Main building was laid on November 2, 1893. This Second Empire-style building remains the oldest surviving academic building on an HBCU campus in Arkansas.
- 1913
Campus Expansion
The campus grew to include a 3-story boys dormitory, a manual training building, and the president's home.
Campus Expansion
The campus grew to include a 3-story boys dormitory, a manual training building, and the president's home.
1913 - 1947
First Accreditation
During President Tandy Washington Coggs' tenure, the college received its initial two-year accreditation from the Arkansas State Department of Education.
1947First Accreditation
During President Tandy Washington Coggs' tenure, the college received its initial two-year accreditation from the Arkansas State Department of Education.
- 1976
National Recognition
The Old Main Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the oldest building on a historically African-American college campus in Arkansas.
National Recognition
The Old Main Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the oldest building on a historically African-American college campus in Arkansas.
1976 - 1987
Full Accreditation
Arkansas Baptist College achieved accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, a significant milestone in its academic standing.
1987Full Accreditation
Arkansas Baptist College achieved accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, a significant milestone in its academic standing.
- Now
Continuing the Legacy
Arkansas Baptist College continues its mission as the only Baptist HBCU west of the Mississippi River, providing quality education rooted in faith.
Continuing the Legacy
Arkansas Baptist College continues its mission as the only Baptist HBCU west of the Mississippi River, providing quality education rooted in faith.
Now
Presidential Legacy
Leaders who have shaped the vision and direction of Arkansas Baptist College
* Denotes interim appointment
Joseph P. Lawson
Principal
1884-1887
Joseph Albert Booker
President
1887-1926
Bishop J.H. Reynolds*
Interim President
1926-1928
Allen Richard Griggs*
Interim President
1928-1929
Osborne Perry*
Interim President
1929-1937
Tandy Washington Coggs
President
1937-1955
Dr. Jurdine P. Rogers*
Interim President
1955-1962
James C. Oliver
President
1962-1982
Dr. Charles O. Ross*
Interim President
1982-1985
William Thomas Keaton
President
1985-2001
Dr. Mary E. Benjamin*
Interim President
2001-2003
Dr. Bobby L. Berry*
Interim President
2003-2004
Dr. Joseph H. Johnson*
Interim President
2004-2006
Omon Fitzgerald Hill
President
2006-2016
Dr. Fitz Hill*
Interim President
2016-2018
Dr. Calvin McFadden Sr.
President
2018-2024
Dr. Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon
17th President
2024
Mr. William L. "Bill" Walker, Jr.
President
2025-Present
Notable Alumni
Arkansas Baptist College has produced graduates who have made significant contributions to society across various fields.
- LJ
Louis Jordan
Legendary musician and bandleader, pioneer of rhythm and blues
- MD
Michael Dyer
Professional football player
- LL
Lorenzo P. Lewis
Mental health advocate and entrepreneur
“Arkansas Baptist College has been a beacon of hope for generations, providing not just education, but a foundation of faith and service that prepares students to transform their communities and the world.”
-- Arkansas Baptist College Mission
Become Part of Our History
Join the legacy of excellence at Arkansas Baptist College.