Business Details
Philander Smith University: Empowering Future Leaders Through Academic Excellence
Founded in 1877, Philander Smith University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and social justice. As a private, historically Black institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), we have dedicated over 145 years to empowering students through transformative education. Our mission centers on graduating academically accomplished individuals grounded in advocacy for social justice, equipped to reshape global communities. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and 100% focus on undergraduate and graduate programs, we cultivate personalized learning environments that prioritize critical thinking, leadership development, and community engagement.Our Little Rock, Arkansas campus serves as a hub for innovation in liberal arts education while maintaining deep ties to cultural heritage. Through rigorous academic standards, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to accessibility, we prepare students to excel in professional fields while upholding our founding principles of equity and service.
Services
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
School of Allied and Public Health
Continuing Education
Dual Degree Programs
Highlights and features
- We maintain a 12:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized academic support
- Our UNCF affiliation expands access to educational resources and scholarships
- We offer Arkansas' first Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at an HBCU
- Our curriculum integrates social justice advocacy with professional preparation
- We provide career-focused continuing education and dual degree opportunities
Associations and certifications
- Higher Learning Commission
- Arkansas State Board of Nursing
What people say
Warm faculty
Life-changing opportunities
Strong community connections
Personalized attention
Social justice focus
Services
Undergraduate Programs
Philander Smith University offers four undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Social Work. These programs emphasize critical thinking, ethical leadership, and community engagement while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Students benefit from specialized instruction in five core academic divisions.
Graduate Programs
Our Master of Business Administration program prepares professionals for leadership roles through advanced coursework in strategic management, organizational behavior, and ethical decision-making. The curriculum integrates real-world applications with theoretical foundations to develop business leaders committed to social responsibility.
School of Allied and Public Health
This school addresses healthcare disparities through innovative nursing and allied health programs. Recently approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program trains culturally competent professionals to strengthen Arkansas' healthcare workforce and address minority health inequities.
Continuing Education
The Center for Continuing Education offers flexible learning options including accelerated degree programs, weekend courses, and online degrees. These programs cater to non-traditional students seeking career advancement through accessible, high-quality educational opportunities aligned with workforce demands.
Dual Degree Programs
Our 3/2 Engineering Program partners with the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, allowing students to complete three years at Philander Smith followed by two years in engineering. This articulation agreement provides a pathway to earn both a liberal arts degree and engineering credentials through collaborative academic planning.
People
Dr. Maurice D. Gipson
President & CEO
Dr. Gipson brings extensive higher education leadership experience to Philander Smith University. A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Harvard Law School, he has dedicated his career to advancing HBCU missions and student success.
Dr. Cynthia A. Bond Hopson
President
Dr. Hopson serves as President of Philander Smith University with a focus on academic innovation and institutional advancement. Her leadership emphasizes student-centered education and community engagement while maintaining the university's historic mission.
Dr. Annie Winkler Williams
Director of Institutional Effectiveness
Dr. Williams leads strategic planning and assessment initiatives at Philander Smith University. With expertise in institutional effectiveness, she ensures academic quality and compliance with accreditation standards through data-driven decision-making.
Questions
What makes Philander Smith University unique?
As Arkansas' only UNCF-member HBCU, we combine rigorous liberal arts education with social justice advocacy in a supportive 12:1 student-faculty environment.
What academic programs are available?
We offer 21 undergraduate majors, an MBA program, nursing degrees, continuing education, and dual-degree partnerships including a 3/2 engineering program.
What financial aid options exist?
We offer scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Our financial aid office helps students maximize funding through federal, state, and institutional resources.
Is campus housing available?
Yes, our Residential Life Center provides modern amenities including private bathrooms, high-speed internet, and cable access in a safe living-learning environment.
What accreditation does PSU hold?
Philander Smith University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and maintains specialized approvals like Arkansas State Board of Nursing for our nursing program.
