The Rejuvenation of Arkansas Baptist College

In 2006, Fitz Hill was hired as president of Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock. Hill’s previous position was head football coach at predominantly white San Jose State University in California. Hill, a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University, holds an educational doctorate from the University of Arkansas.

When Hill arrived in Little Rock, violent crime and drug dealing were rampant in neighborhoods near the campus. The college campus was surrounded by boarded-up buildings. There were only 150 students enrolled and the school operated on a budget of $2 million.

Now enrollments are up to 750 students and the school’s annual budget is $13 million. President Hill has announced a new $18 million building plan, which includes the renovation of Old Main at the center of campus, the construction of a 190-bed dormitory, and a new general education building.

Copyright © 2010. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. All rights reserved.