By Jessica Faulkner, Director of Public Relations • Central Baptist College
Emma Vest, a junior at Central Baptist College, is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. A native of Greenbrier, she graduated from Greenbrier High School and grew up just outside of Conway. Raised in church by her parents, Emma has always known the truth of the gospel.
Her journey of faith has been marked by both deep loss and powerful transformation. In 2010, when Emma was just six years old, her brother Jake passed away from brain cancer. Learning that Jake had gone to Heaven stirred a longing in her young heart to go there too, and in 2011, she prayed to be saved, seeking the reassurance that she would see her brother again one day. As she grew older, however, Emma realized that her salvation had been rooted more in seeking assurance than in full surrender to Christ. Later, at a church camp, she rededicated her life to Him.
Even then, Emma’s faith was put to the test. The death of her grandmother from cancer in 2016 left her grieving and struggling to trust the Lord. She admits that during this season, she turned away from Him, searching for joy in the world instead of in Christ. Her perspective began to shift during her senior year of high school, when she met the man who is now her husband. On their very first date, he spoke truth into her life, encouraging her to find her joy in Jesus. Emma described that moment as if the Lord Himself were speaking directly to her, and from then on, she fully surrendered her life to Christ.
When it came time to choose a college, Central Baptist College was already familiar to Emma through events she had attended as part of her involvement with GMA (Girls’ Missionary Auxiliary), as well as her interest in the Leadership Scholarship program. Leadership had been a passion for her throughout high school, and with the encouragement of her parents, she applied. She was awarded the Student Ambassador Leadership Scholarship and chose to attend CBC — a decision she describes as one of the best she has ever made.
Emma’s time at CBC has been rich with both academic and spiritual growth. She credits her professors with investing deeply in students, praying for them and encouraging them to be their best. “I never fear failure here,” she shared, noting how her professors guide and support her through challenges. Beyond the classroom, Emma has been actively involved in Student Orientation Staff, Hall Wars and campus life in general. She encourages new students to get involved, saying that community and involvement make the college experience both more meaningful and more enjoyable.
One of the most impactful parts of her CBC journey has been co-founding Tri Ziva, a women’s ministry on campus. During her freshman year, Emma felt the Lord calling her to create a space where women could come together and grow in the gospel. Alongside fellow student Eden Brister, she launched what has now become a thriving ministry with 50 members. Tri Ziva has hosted gatherings of more than 130 attendees and, most importantly, has seen lives transformed. Emma recalls the joy of witnessing students accept Christ and take steps of faith through the ministry.
Looking ahead, Emma plans to pursue a career in education, starting as an elementary school teacher before pursuing a master’s degree in school counseling. She is excited about the ministry opportunities her career will provide and is deeply grateful for the ways CBC has prepared her socially, academically and spiritually. For Emma, Central Baptist College has not only been a place of learning but also a community that has shaped her leadership, strengthened her walk with Christ and equipped her to serve Him faithfully in whatever path He leads.
