Tagged: Philander Smith University

An expert in pediatric endocrinology, Dr. Elders was the second woman and the first African American to serve as U.S. Surgeon General. She currently serves as a professor emeritus at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

MacKenzie Scott has made record-breaking donations to North Carolina A&T State University, Bowie State University, Philander Smith University, and Prairie View A&M University. In just the past two months, the billionaire philanthropist has invested nearly $800 million in direct support of historically Black colleges and universities.

“This is a transformative moment in our institutional history,” said Philander Smith University President and CEO Maurice D. Gipson. "With this program, we are not only expanding our academic offerings —we are investing in the health and future of Arkansas.”

For the past six years, Dr. Ford taught kinesiology at Prairie View A&M University in Texas. With degrees in computer science and health and human performance, she conducted extensive research on disability sport, racial and health inequities, the integration of AI in kinesiology, and culturally responsive teaching practices.

“It is an honor and privilege to join the Rust College family,” said Dr. Moore. “An HBCU education laid the foundation for my success in life, and I fully embrace this opportunity to contribute to the rich legacy of [Mississippi’s] first and most historic HBCU.”

Patricia Washington McGraw taught at three institutions throughout the state of Arkansas, including the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she was hired as the first Black faculty member in 1971.

“Philander Smith University has long been a place where transformation takes root — for students, for families, and for communities,” said Dr. Gipson. “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.”

Dr. Gipson's career in higher education has centered around institutional advancement, diversity initiatives, and community engagement. He most recently served as vice chancellor of inclusion, diversity, and equity at the University of Missouri.

Here is this week’s news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.

Here is this week’s roundup of African Americans who have been appointed to new administrative positions at colleges and universities throughout the United States. If you have news for our appointments section, please email the information to [email protected].

The faculty members in new roles are Earl Graham, Jr. at Philander Smith University in Little Rock, Arkansas, Sharon Uwanyuze at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, Stephen M. Avery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Antron Mahoney at the College of Charleston in South Carolina, and Carmen Lanos Williams at Arkansas State University.

Taking on new roles are Brandon A. Logan at Grambling State University in Louisiana, Melinda Spaulding Chevalier at Rice University in Houston, Jeremy Carter at Philander Smith University in Little Rock, Arkansas, Holly Rachel at Fisk University in Nashville, Marriel Hardy at Talladega College in Alabama, and Kenneth Elvis Jones at Wilberforce University in Ohio.

Founded in 1877, Philander Smith College was the first attempt west of the Mississippi River to make education available to freedmen (former African American slaves). Philander Smith College was chartered as a four-year college on March 3, 1883. The first baccalaureate degree was conferred in 1888.