Arkansas Matters.com January 5, 2018 Arkansas Baptist College Names Interim President * "Howard Gibson, Ph.D., an experienced and respected administrator within higher education, has been selected as the interim President of Arkansas Baptist College," announced Dr. Harris, Chair of the Board of Trustees. "We are so pleased that Dr. Gibson accepted our invitation to return to Arkansas Baptist College to lead us during this difficult time," continued Harris. "Dr. Gibson's business and accounting background as well as his experience in guiding us in the preparation for our previous review with the Higher Learning Commission, have uniquely prepared him to lead us at this time." Dr. Gibson majored in accounting, then completed his Masters of Business Administration degree before pursuing and receiving his Doctorate of Philosophy with an emphasis on Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University, in Jackson, Mississippi. Previously, Gibson served Chief Academic Officer of Arkansas Baptist College, Dean of the School of Business and Director of the Scott Ford Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development. With over 14 years of experience in business and higher education, Dr. Gibson has both administrative and teaching experience, which have prepared him to meet the educational and personal needs of students from diverse populations. Dr. Gibson began his new position with Arkansas Baptist College on December 19, 2017 under challenging circumstances with the institution experiencing financial difficulties after several years of stability and a promising future. The financial difficulties escalated quickly under the 15-month tenure of Dr. Joseph Jones, who was terminated for cause, related to a rapid decline in students and a lack of transparency with the board of trustees, which placed the institution and the board in jeopardy. "The current challenges will be resolved with hard work and paying attention to the basics," said Dr. Gibson. "We are in a difficult position, but we have a plan to restore the institution to its previous strong financial standing within the year. If the board had not acted when they did, we may not have had the opportunity to rebound," added Gibson. Arkansas Baptist College is designated as a Historically Black College/University. The college was established in 1884. The original campus was constructed by children of former slaves for the purpose of providing their children a quality education. Today, in addition to its traditional student population, the institution places an emphasis on serving socially disadvantaged men and women who are committed to pursuing a better life through higher education. The college offers both traditional and innovative degree programs as well as highly regarded programs in sports, music, and the arts. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/