After over 30 years of dedicated service, Dr. Gary McAllister, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Central Baptist College, has retired. His last day of service was Dec. 31.
McAllister has been a pivotal figure at the institution since he joined the faculty and staff in 1992, leaving behind an enduring legacy of academic excellence and innovative programs. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1981, followed by a Master of Arts from Northeast Louisiana University in 1990. He earned his Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration and Teaching from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2007. Throughout his career, he held various roles at CBC, including registrar from 1992 to 1998, and he has served as vice president for Academic Affairs since 1998.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I have had to help students and work alongside a great group of dedicated, talented and caring faculty,” McAllister said. “It has been an honor and a privilege to be part of such a supportive and faith-centered community. My time at CBC has left an indelible mark on my life. I will never forget the kindness, love and support showed to me. It was not a job — it was a family. May God continue to bless Central Baptist College.”
During his tenure, he made significant contributions to CBC, including organizing the Academic Affairs Committee to enhance institutional governance, establishing the Office of Institutional Research and playing a key role in launching the PACE (Professional Adult College Education) program, an accelerating adult degree completion option. He also successfully guided the college through multiple accreditation processes with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), now the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). He helped increase the number of full-time faculty and expanded various four-year degree programs while developing concurrent enrollment agreements to support high school students pursuing college credits.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, McAllister has actively engaged with the community as a former member and officer of the Conway Noon Lions Club, treasurer for the Conway Alliance of the Arts, and a board member for the Single Parent Scholarship Fund. He is also a proud member of Central Baptist Church in Conway.
