15-04-2025
Arkansas Baptist College president Dr. Leslie McClellon resigns
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – On Monday evening, Arkansas Baptist College said that president Dr. Leslie McClellon has resigned from her position at the school. McClellon took over as president at the institution on Nov. 1, 2024.
In a release announcing McClellon's resignation, ABC officials also highlighted that the school is facing 'extreme financial challenges,' citing a decline in enrollment.
'We are grateful for Dr. McClellon's efforts,' Board Chairman Bill Walker said in accepting McClellon's resignation. 'However, we must immediately change the trajectory of this historic institution if we are to survive and thrive again. We are currently facing extreme financial challenges. We must recommit this institution to the mission of serving those who would not otherwise be served, or the doors of this college will be forever closed.'
Arkansas Baptist College employees say there's been delays in paychecks, officials say it's being 'addressed'
In the statement, the school said that 'Recent news media coverage regarding financial challenges at ABC are rooted in a decline of enrollment to the lowest the College has seen since 2006,' after some in Dec. 2024 that they and others hadn't been paid since Oct. 31.
ABC officials said the school's board has asked that former ABC employee Dr. George Hertz to serve as interim president.
'The college's previous successes in rebounding from significant fluctuations in enrollment is evidence of the significant demand and critical need for the purpose driven, quality education ABC delivers to the communities it serves,' Hertz said. 'No other institution in America is as committed to its students before, during, and after their time at ABC as our faculty, staff, alumni, and donors. ABC has consistently provided a quality educational program delivered in an environment of understanding and compassion that welcomes and supports our students no matter their circumstances. Once again, l expect ABC to respond appropriately, not only surviving but thriving as we continue to meet the needs of those we serve.'
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Arkansas Baptist College is a private college that was founded in 1884 as the Minister's Institute and is the only historically black Baptist college west of the Mississippi River.
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