Leaders devoted to Kingdom purpose.

Dr. Kevin D. Allen Sr. brings visionary leadership and decades of experience in theological education to Anchor Bay University. Under his guidance, the university has undergone significant organizational transitions while maintaining its commitment to academic excellence and spiritual formation.

His leadership philosophy centers on empowering students to become transformational leaders who can impact their communities and the world through faith-based service and academic achievement.

Dr. Ashley Johnson serves as Vice Chancellor of Anchor Bay University, where she provides strategic leadership in institutional development, academic innovation, student success, and organizational growth. As an educator, executive leader, author, and transformational coach, she is passionate about creating learning experiences that equip individuals to lead with excellence, purpose, and integrity.

Known for her visionary leadership and ability to bridge faith, education, and practical application, Dr. Johnson has empowered thousands through curriculum development, leadership training, executive coaching, and personal development initiatives. She is the founder of The Big Consortium and creator of the Evolve framework, an educational model designed to cultivate transformational thinking, lifelong learning, and purpose-driven leadership.

Dr. Johnson earned her Doctor of Theology with a focus in Theology and Transformational Leadership and is committed to advancing Christ-centered higher education that prepares students not only for careers, but for meaningful lives of influence and service. As Vice Chancellor, she is dedicated to expanding access to quality education, fostering academic excellence, and helping Anchor Bay University develop leaders who make a lasting impact in their communities and around the world.

Dr. Emily Thompson is an educator, instructional designer, academic leader, ordained minister, and Certified Confidence Coach committed to creating transformative learning experiences that unite academic excellence, innovation, faith, and purpose.

She holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with emphases in Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry/Physics and a Master of Science in Mathematics from Arkansas State University. She earned a Doctorate in Theology and Transformational Leadership from Anchor Bay University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Liberty University.

With experience in higher and secondary education, curriculum development, academic administration, and online learning, Dr. Thompson has served as a university mathematics instructor and online adjunct faculty member. She is skilled in developing curricula, assessments, digital resources, online courses, learning communities, automations, and Learning Management Systems.

Dr. Thompson is the founder of Math Be Mathin, an initiative helping students overcome math anxiety and build confidence in mathematics. She also created The Restored Wife, a faith-centered community supporting wives who are pursuing healing and restoration after betrayal without losing themselves in the process.

Ordained in 2020, Dr. Thompson has served in teaching, administration, youth leadership, discipleship, education, and creative ministry. At Anchor Bay University, she combines her expertise in curriculum, technology, academic operations, and ministry to help build innovative systems and Christ-centered learning environments that support students, faculty, and the University's mission.

Dr. Larry D. Johnson is a respected ministerial and business visionary, transformational leader, and devoted spiritual shepherd. For more than three decades, he has served as the senior pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Bald Knob, Arkansas, providing compassionate leadership and biblically grounded teaching to his congregation and the broader community.

Affectionately known as “Rev. J,” Dr. Johnson has carried his message of faith, healing, hope, and restoration across denominational, cultural, and educational boundaries. Through preaching, media, conferences, and traveling ministry, his motivational and inspiring messages have reached audiences throughout the United States and abroad.

Recognized by his congregation as “A Man After God's Own Heart,” Dr. Johnson is known for his warm personality, wisdom, and humorous, relatable approach to biblical exposition. Led by the Holy Spirit, he has a unique ability to meet people where they are while guiding them toward spiritual growth, personal restoration, and a deeper relationship with God.

Under his leadership, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church has become known for presenting impactful conferences and community-focused programs addressing the spiritual and practical needs of individuals and families. These initiatives have included marriage and singles conferences, men's gatherings, financial empowerment seminars, and pastoral and leadership development events.

Dr. Johnson is a graduate of North Little Rock Senior High School and Boyce Bible School of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and graduated cum laude from Memphis Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. In May 2023, he earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Ashland Theological Seminary.

Dr. Johnson is married to his best friend and partner in life and ministry, Patricia “Lady J” Kelly Johnson. Together, they have four children and seven grandchildren. He enjoys traveling, reading, fishing, playing games, and spending meaningful time with his family.