Philander Smith College

Philander Smith College is a private historically black college located in Little Rock, Arkansas, founded in 1877 by the United Methodist Church. The college is named after Philander Smith, a Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church who donated $10,000 to the Arkansas Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church to establish a school for African American students. The college has a long history of providing educational opportunities to students from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and other parts of the Southern United States. The college has been accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

● History

The college was founded in 1877 as Walden Seminary and was later renamed Philander Smith College in 1882. The college has a rich history, with notable events including the Little Rock Nine's attempt to integrate Little Rock Central High School in 1957, which was supported by the college's National Association for the Advancement of Colored People chapter. The college has also been involved in the Civil Rights Movement, with many of its students and faculty participating in events such as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the Selma to Montgomery Marches. The college has been led by several notable presidents, including Milton Pitts, Walter R. Murray, and Bobby L. Roberts. The college has also been supported by organizations such as the United Negro College Fund, the National Council of Negro Women, and the NAACP.

● Academics

The college offers a range of academic programs, including Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in fields such as Business Administration, Education, English, History, and Psychology. The college is also home to the Center for Social Justice, which provides students with opportunities to engage in Community Service and Social Justice initiatives. The college has a strong focus on Liberal Arts Education, with a curriculum that includes courses in African American Studies, Women's Studies, and Environmental Science. The college has also partnered with institutions such as University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Central Arkansas, and Arkansas State University to provide students with access to additional academic resources.

● Campus

The college's campus is located in the Dunbar Historic Neighborhood of Little Rock, Arkansas, and features a range of historic buildings, including the National Register of Historic Places-listed Gaines House. The campus is also home to the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, which showcases the history and culture of African Americans in Arkansas. The college has a range of facilities, including the Donald W. Reynolds Library, the Health and Wellness Center, and the Kingsley Weems Art Gallery. The college has also invested in Sustainability initiatives, including the installation of Solar Panels and the creation of a Community Garden.

● Student Life

The college has a range of student organizations, including the Student Government Association, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. The college also has a strong focus on Community Engagement, with students participating in events such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and the Arkansas MLK Commission's King Holiday Celebration. The college has also partnered with organizations such as the United Way of Arkansas and the Arkansas Foodbank to provide students with opportunities to engage in Volunteer Work. The college has a range of cultural events, including the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the Little Rock Film Festival.

● Athletics

The college's athletic teams, the Panthers, compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. The college has a range of sports teams, including Basketball, Football, Volleyball, and Track and Field. The college has also had success in Cheerleading and Dance competitions, with the Panther Cheer Squad winning several national championships. The college has a strong focus on Athletic Development, with a range of facilities, including the Health and Wellness Center and the Panther Stadium.

● Notable Alumni

The college has a range of notable alumni, including Joycelyn Elders, the former Surgeon General of the United States, and Lottie Shackelford, the former Mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas. The college has also produced several notable Business Leaders, including John W. Thompson, the former CEO of Symantec, and Rodney E. Slater, the former United States Secretary of Transportation. The college has also had several notable alumni in the fields of Arts and Entertainment, including Al Green, the Soul Music singer, and Dee Dee Bridgewater, the Jazz singer. Other notable alumni include Karl R. Free, the former President of the Arkansas State University System, and Calvin King, the former Commissioner of the Arkansas Department of Education. Category:Historically black colleges and universities