Central Baptist College (CBC) in Conway and Jacksonville College in Jacksonville, Texas, have entered into a new partnership designed to make continuing a Christ-centered education easier than ever before. United by a shared mission to prepare students for lives of faith and service, the two Baptist Missionary Association (BMA) institutions are expanding opportunities for students to pursue Christian higher education from associate to bachelor’s degrees.
Leaders from both colleges met on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Arkansas–Texas state line in downtown Texarkana to officially sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement creates a seamless pathway for Jacksonville College graduates to transfer directly into bachelor’s degree programs at CBC — whether on campus or through CBC’s online programs.
Both institutions are ministries of the BMA: CBC is owned and operated by the BMA of Arkansas, and Jacksonville College is a ministry of the BMA of Texas. The partnership strengthens long-standing ties between the two associations and reflects their shared commitment to Christian education that integrates faith, knowledge and service.
“This partnership is an exciting opportunity to help more students achieve their academic and spiritual goals,” said CBC President Dr. Jeremy Langley. “Both institutions share a deep commitment to providing Christ-centered, affordable higher education. By working together, we are making it easier for students to continue their education in an environment that reinforces their faith and prepares them for service.”
Founded in 1952, CBC has a long history of transforming lives through education that unites Christian faith and academic excellence. Located in Conway, Arkansas, the college offers more than 40 degree programs through traditional, PACE and online formats — all designed to prepare students for service in their chosen fields while living out their faith.
CBC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Claire Tucker emphasized the close alignment between the two schools’ missions. “This partnership provides a clear roadmap for Jacksonville College students who want to continue their studies in a Christian environment that upholds academic rigor and biblical values,” Tucker said. “Our goal is to make the transfer process as smooth as possible so students can focus on completing their degrees and fulfilling God’s calling on their lives.”
Founded in 1899, Jacksonville College is a four-year, Jesus-centered institution in Jacksonville, Texas, dedicated to preparing students for lives of learning, work and service. As a ministry of the BMA of Texas, the college seeks to make the advantages of a Christian education accessible to all who will work to obtain it. Jacksonville College offers associate and bachelor’s degrees through both on-campus and online programs.
The new agreement between the two BMA institutions outlines a defined transfer process and establishes a Transfer Credit Agreement Checklist that aligns Jacksonville College coursework with CBC degree requirements. The collaboration minimizes credit loss, simplifies advising, and ensures a smooth transition for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees.
In addition to academic cooperation, the MOU includes provisions for athletic participation. Student-athletes transferring from Jacksonville College may try out for CBC teams that correspond to their previous sports, subject to institutional and athletic association policies.
“This partnership gives students clear pathways to achieve their educational goals through two faithful, conservative Christian colleges,” said Jacksonville College President Dr. David Erickson. “There is a renewed spirit of cooperation, and it is a joy to join with our friends at Central Baptist College to advance God’s kingdom through higher education.”
Jacksonville College Academic Dean Michelle Kearney expressed enthusiasm about the future of the relationship between the two institutions. “We are looking forward to seeing the fruits of this partnership,” Kearney said. “The agreement opens new doors for our students, and we are excited to walk alongside CBC as we help them pursue their callings.”
The agreement will be reviewed annually by academic leaders from both colleges and promoted through joint marketing and recruitment initiatives, ensuring continued alignment and growth. Together, CBC and Jacksonville College are strengthening the BMA network and providing clear, Christ-centered educational pathways for students who seek to serve the Lord through their studies and future callings.
