History of the College | Arkansas Baptist College 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. 1885 A 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. 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. 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. 1947 First 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. 1987 Full 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. Apply Now Schedule a Visit