LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Philander Smith University Board of Trustees announced the appointment of interim president Dr. Maurice D. Gipson as the institution’s 15th President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The announcement was made during a press conference held Thursday afternoon on the Philander Smith University campus.

Dr. Gipson had served as interim president since August 2024, following the service of longtime trustee Dr. Cynthia A. Bond-Hobson, who led the institution as interim from June 2023 to July 2024. The Board had previously engaged a national search firm to identify candidates for the role. Following a thorough and deliberate process, the Trustees affirmed Dr. Gipson’s appointment, citing his proven leadership and deep connection to the University’s mission.

“We are incredibly proud to name Dr. Maurice Gipson as our 15th President and Chief Executive Officer. He brings not only the experience and strategic insight needed for this moment, but also a heartfelt understanding of what makes Philander Smith University so special. We believe his leadership will help shape a bold and meaningful future for our students and our institution.” – said Board Chair Dr. Tianna Jenkins, ‘01.

Prior to coming to Philander Smith, Dr. Gipson served as Vice Chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity at the University of Missouri, where he was a senior executive for the 30,000-student flagship campus. Additionally, he previously held leadership posts at Arkansas State University and the University of Texas at Austin and served in various roles at Wiley College (now Wiley University) and Huston-Tillotson University. With over a decade of higher education leadership experience, Dr. Gipson is a seasoned administrator and accomplished scholar. His academic expertise spans African American history, Black nationalism, and the Black freedom struggle—subjects he has taught as a faculty member and presented internationally, including at the Black Power Conference in Frankfurt, Germany. He is currently working on a book chronicling the Black Freedom Struggle in Arkansas.

“I am deeply honored to lead this historic institution at such a critical time. Philander Smith University has long been a place where transformation takes roots—for students, for families, and for communities. As someone who has served as a trustee, a faculty member, and now as president, I am committed to ensuring that our momentum continues and that our mission is amplified,” – said Dr. Gipson, Philander Smith University President-Elect.

“We are delighted to congratulate the Philander Smith University Board of Trustees on their selection of Dr. Maurice Gipson as the institution’s 15th President and Chief Executive Officer. This is a pivotal moment for Historically Black Colleges and Universities like Philander, and we are confident that Dr. Gipson’s leadership and strategic vision will continue to shape the university into the premier institution it has always been. As he is no stranger to HBCUs, Dr. Gipson’s expertise will be instrumental in ensuring the success of students, faculty, and staff, and in navigating the evolving landscape of HBCUs. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to President Gipson on his appointment and we look forward to witnessing Philander’s continued growth and success.” – said Demetrius Johnson, Jr., Founder, President & CEO, HCF.

Dr. Gipson is a graduate of Louisiana State University and holds a Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center, with a civil rights emphasis. He also earned a master’s degree in history from Missouri State University and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Mississippi. He is a licensed attorney.

Following the resignation of Dr. Roderick L. Smother, Sr., in May 2023 after eight years of leadership, Dr. Gipson’s appointment marks a new era of stability and progress for the institution, reflecting a renewed commitment to academic excellence and student-centered innovation at this private, Historically Black College and University.

The University will plan an inauguration for Dr. Gipson at a later date.

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