Central Baptist College will celebrate Homecoming on Friday, January 16, and Saturday, January 17, inviting alumni, students, families, and friends to return to campus. A highlight of the weekend will be the announcement of the 2026 Homecoming Queen between the Lady Mustangs and Mustangs basketball games at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, in the A. R. Reddin Fieldhouse.
The 12 women selected for the 2026 Homecoming Court were chosen by their peers to represent CBC and exemplify leadership, involvement, and school spirit. This year’s court includes:
Back row (L/R): Faith Grantham (Junior), Shaylee Carver (Junior), Caroline Reams (Junior), Lily Brister (Senior), Emma Vest (Senior); Front row (L/R): Lauren Duncan (Sophomore), Ruthie Qualls (Sophomore), Ava Eakin (Sophomore), Sophia Bush (Freshman), Elyse Ortega (Freshman); Not pictured: Daisy Cline (Freshman) and Audrey Krisell (Senior)
• Sophia Bush, a freshman Elementary Education major from Greenbrier. She is a Pillar Student and a member of Tri Ziva and Tower Media. Sophia is the daughter of Ryan and Amanda Bush and attends Grace Bible Church.
• Daisy Cline, a freshman Worship Arts major from Little Rock. She is a member of the CBC Singers, Chamber Choir, Worship Choir, and Chapel Band. Daisy is the daughter of Drew and Lori Cline and attends South City Church.
• Elyse Ortega, a sophomore English major from Conway. She is a member of Tri Ziva. Elyse is the daughter of Luis and Lisa Ortega and attends Antioch Baptist Church and Camino De Vida Baptist Church.
• Lauren Duncan, a sophomore Elementary Education major from Greenbrier. She is a member of the Student Orientation Staff and the Student Activities Board and serves as vice president of Tri Ziva. Lauren is the daughter of Keith and Melissa Duncan and attends Immanuel Baptist Church in Greenbrier.
• Ava Eakin, a sophomore Communication major from Sheridan. She is involved in Tower Media. Ava is the daughter of Crystal and Ryan Eakin and attends Lost Creek Missionary Baptist Church.
• Ruthie Qualls, a sophomore Elementary Education major from Ozark. She serves as a Resident Assistant, Tower Media co-editor, Tri Ziva recruiting chair, and is a member of the Student Orientation Staff. Ruthie is the daughter of Randall and Sadie Qualls and attends West Park Baptist Church.
• Shaylee Carver, a junior Communications major from Bryant. She is a member of the Student Orientation Staff and Tri Ziva. Shaylee is the daughter of Michael and Tori Carver and attends Antioch Baptist Church.
• Faith Grantham, a junior Marketing major from Conway. She is a member of the Student Orientation Staff and Student Activities Board, and she plays in the CBC band. Faith is the daughter of Tim and Amanda Grantham and attends Needs Creek Baptist Church.
• Caroline Reams, a junior Health Science major from Dover. She is a member of the Student Orientation Staff and Tri Ziva and plays volleyball for the Mustangs. Caroline is the daughter of Billy and Christie Reams and attends Summit Church.
• Lily Brister, a senior Communications major from Conway. She is a member of the Student Orientation Staff, Chapel Worship Band, Rotaract Club, Tower Media, and Tri Ziva. Lily is the daughter of Dr. Aaron and Billie Jean Brister and attends Four Winds Church.
• Audrey Krisell, a senior Elementary Education major from Conway. She is a leadership scholar and a member of the Student Orientation Staff and Tower Media, and serves as treasurer of Tri Ziva. Audrey is the daughter of Eric and Kelly Johnson and attends Immanuel Baptist Church in Greenbrier.
• Emma Vest, a senior Elementary Education major from Greenbrier. She is a leadership scholar, a member of the Student Orientation Staff, and serves as president of Tri Ziva. Emma is the daughter of Scott and Courtney Love and attends Central Baptist Church.
Homecoming Weekend Schedule
Central Baptist College is looking forward to a strong turnout for Homecoming 2026. The weekend offers something for everyone, from long-time alumni to current students and families. Below is the schedule of events for Friday and Saturday:
• Annual Chili Cook-Off (Friday, Jan. 16; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Childers Dining Hall) — The annual Chili Cook-Off will take place during lunch. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend and sample a variety of homemade chili entries. CBC Dining Services will provide hot dogs to accompany the chili, and prizes will be awarded for best chili and overall presentation.
• Student & Alumni Hangout (Friday, Jan. 16; 6-8 p.m.; A.R. Reddin Fieldhouse) — Alumni and families are invited to enjoy a carnival-style evening featuring funnel cakes, games, face painting, and inflatables. This event is designed for all ages and is a great opportunity to reconnect and make new memories on campus.
• Homecoming Generational Family Breakfast (Saturday, Jan. 17; 9:30 a.m.; Mabee Student Center Community Room) — Homecoming Day begins with the Generational Family Breakfast, honoring families who have shared the CBC experience for more than 50 years. The morning will feature fellowship, storytelling, and a celebration of CBC’s rich legacy.
• Alumni Luncheon (Saturday, Jan. 17; 11 a.m.; Childers Dining Hall) — The annual Alumni Luncheon will recognize alumni award recipients, include door prizes, and provide time to reconnect with classmates and friends.
• Lady Mustangs vs. Columbia College (Saturday, Jan. 17; 1 p.m.; A.R. Reddin Fieldhouse)
• Homecoming Crowning (Saturday, Jan. 17; A.R. Reddin Fieldhouse) — Join us between the women’s and men’s basketball games for the announcement of the 2026 Central Baptist College Homecoming Queen, one of the highlights of the weekend.
• Mustangs vs. Columbia College (Saturday, Jan. 17; 3 p.m., A.R. Reddin Fieldhouse)
To register for any Homecoming events or to learn more, visit cbc.edu/homecoming. We invite all Mustangs, past and present, to come home and celebrate together.
