Meet Your Representative

Rogers

Kent Shaffer serves as the graduate and professional studies representative at the Rogers Center. He joined the team in June 2008 after eight years in non-profit administration, working for Cookson Hills Christian Ministries as HR manager and recruiter.

He received his Master of Science in Leadership and Ethics from JBU in May 2007, and earned his bachelor's degree in Human Services through the adult degree completion program at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX.

Kent and his wife, Becky, have been married 20 years. They have three daughters and have been fostering children for 17 years.

Please contact Kent (KShaffer@jbu.edu) with any questions concerning programs at the Rogers Center.

Chris Ray is the director of corporate and public relations for JBU’s Graduate and Advance programs. He is responsible for creating awareness about JBU’s programs for working adults to area businesses and organizations. Chris has been a member of the Graduate and Professional Studies recruitment team for over five years.

Chris has a bachelor's degree from Central Bible College, a Master of Science in Leadership and Ethics from JBU, and is currently pursuing a doctorate at Dallas Baptist University. He currently serves as an ambassador for the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.

Chris and his wife, Lori, are the parents of three sons.

You can contact Chris at CRay@jbu.ed.

Little Rock

Ann Young serves as the professional studies representative at the Little Rock Center. She served most recently at the Arkansas State Baptist Convention as the Ministry Assistant for the Missions Support Team. Previous to that, Ann served as a House Parent for Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, and has also served for nine years as a youth minister.

She received a Graduate Diploma in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Please contact Ann at AYoung@jbu.edu for any questions concerning JBU’s degree completion programs at the Little Rock Center.

Fort Smith

Ashley Ellis has been with JBU since May 2007 and is the professional studies representative at the Fort Smith Center. Ashley comes to JBU with five years of experience in higher education, including four years in enrollment management. She is a 2004 graduate of Arkansas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication.

Outside of working with JBU, Ashley is involved in the Fort Smith community. She is a member of the Junior League, Young Emerging Leader, and is a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.

Ashley and her husband, Larry, are happy parents to twins, Parker and Emma and their two dogs – Gunner (a miniature schnauzer) and Rebel (a yellow lab).

If you have any questions about professional studies in Fort Smith, please contact Ashley at AEllis@jbu.edu.