According to a recent report from KARK.com, Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon has resigned as president of Arkansas Baptist College after less than one year of service. She has been at the helm of the historically Black college since November 1, 2024.
In accepting Dr. Rodriguez-McClellon’s resignation, Arkansas Baptist College board chairman Bill Walker stated, “We are grateful for Dr. McClellon’s efforts. 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.”
While the college searches for Dr. Rodriguez-McClellon’s successor, George Herts has been selected to serve as interim president of Arkansas Baptist College. He previously served the HBCU as interim vice president of academic and student affairs. Earlier in his career, he was dean of academic and student affairs at Shorter College. He also served in several roles at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
