November 1, 2024 – Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon has been appointed as the 17th President of Arkansas Baptist College, (ABC) bringing over 25 years of experience in higher education leadership to her new role. Rodriguez-McClellon, most recently served as Senior Vice President of Student Experience at Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC. Her appointment was facilitated by TM2 Executive Search.
At Saint Augustine’s University, a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges-accredited HBCU, Rodriguez-McClellon spearheaded initiatives that significantly boosted student retention and graduation rates while enhancing overall student engagement. Her diverse professional background includes roles at HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, predominantly white institutions, and a nonprofit business school. She holds a Doctor of Education from Kansas State University, and both her Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s in Arts from Langston University, Oklahoma’s only HBCU.
Rodriguez-McClellon succeeds Regina Favors, who has admirably served as interim president three seperate times. Favors, a dedicated alumna and retired business executive, has consistently driven Arkansas Baptist College’s mission to expand opportunities for its students.
Reflecting on her new role, Rodriguez-McClellon shared, “Since our founding in 1884, the leadership, faculty, staff, and community of Arkansas Baptist College have always championed the promise of preparing our students for a better tomorrow. With the support of this dedicated community, I am confident that a bright future lies ahead.”
Arkansas Baptist College recently reaffirmed its accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission, moving off probation in March 2022, thanks to financial improvements that solidify its place in the federal financial aid landscape.
About Arkansas Baptist College
Founded in 1884, Arkansas Baptist College is a private, historically Black college in Little Rock, Arkansas. Established initially as the Minister’s Institute by the Colored Baptists of Arkansas, ABC was founded with a mission to provide education and leadership development for African Americans in the state. The college remains affiliated with the Arkansas Consolidated Missionary Baptist Convention, which continues to support its mission of empowering students to excel academically, spiritually, and professionally.