The James & Rosa McKissic Program
A faith-grounded, HBCU-rooted academic program honoring the legacy of the McKissic family's covenant with the Little Rock community — equipping the next generation of church leaders, educators, and ministry administrators for the glory of God and the good of the world.
Choose Your Path
You don't just enroll in Christian Studies — you enroll in a calling. Four distinct concentrations, one foundation of faith and scholarship.
Deep biblical knowledge, hermeneutics, and theological articulation grounded in the African American Baptist tradition.
ExploreHomiletics, pastoral theology, and the craft of leadership rooted in the African American preaching tradition.
ExploreCurriculum design, teaching methodology, and educational leadership for youth, church, and denominational contexts.
ExploreOrganizational leadership, intercultural competency, and strategic ministry management for a complex world.
Explore
Main Entrance · Est. 1884
The Buffalo · Campus Landmark
Little Rock, Arkansas
Dr. Nathanael A. Palmer
Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, ABC · Pastor, First Baptist Church Highland Park, Little Rock, AR
He studied here. He came back to teach here. And he's still preaching every Sunday — because at the McKissic School, the faculty don't just teach ministry. They live it.
"We don't just produce graduates; we produce leaders. Our faculty ensures you enter the room as a tested steward, not a neophyte. Being born is your first victory — your education here is the blueprint for managing that victory abundantly."
— Dr. Nathanael A. Palmer, D.Min. · ABC Class of 2010Called. Equipped. Sent.
Three movements of Christian formation. The arc of every McKissic Program graduate.
Called to Serve
"I arrived with potential, but I didn't have a plan. The McKissic Program taught me that my life is a victory I have to manage. I'm now leading with a 'sober mind' because I understand the 'thief' is real — but the Shepherd is stronger."
My Academic Journey
"I used to let cultural distractions steal my focus. This program gave me the blueprint to 'cast down imaginations' and prioritize my academic growth as a form of worship. I'm no longer a novice; I'm a professional."
My Championship
"Navigating modern social challenges requires more than just faith; it requires strategy. This program prepared me to enter high-level decision-making positions with the confidence of someone who has already conquered the odds."