Philander Smith University Welcomes Dr. Maurice Gipson as New President: What This Means for the Future

Philander Smith University has selected Dr. Maurice D. Gipson as its 15th President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This decision was announced during a press conference on May 22 at the university’s downtown Little Rock campus.

Dr. Gipson stepped into the interim role in August 2024, succeeding Dr. Cynthia A. Bond-Hopson, who held the position from June 2023 to July 2024. The board of trustees conducted a thorough search to find the right candidate. They believe Dr. Gipson’s leadership skills and deep ties to the university make him a perfect fit for this role.

Dr. Tionna Jenkins, chair of the board and an alumna from 2001, expressed confidence in Gipson’s vision. “He has the experience we need at this time and a genuine understanding of what makes our university unique,” she said. “We believe his leadership will shape a promising future for our students.”

Gipson is familiar with the Philander Smith community. He previously spent four years on the board of trustees, where he held leadership roles, including chair of the Governance Committee.

Before becoming president, Gipson served as Vice Chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity at the University of Missouri, managing a large team and significant budget. He has also held positions at Arkansas State University and the University of Texas at Austin.

His academic focus includes African American history and the Black freedom struggle, topics he has taught and shared internationally, such as at the Black Power Conference in Frankfurt, Germany. Currently, he’s working on a book about the Black Freedom Struggle in Arkansas.

Raised in Ferriday, Louisiana, Gipson earned his degrees from well-respected institutions, including Louisiana State University and a Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center, focusing on civil rights. He also holds a master’s degree in history and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Mississippi.

Gipson expressed his passion for the role, saying, “I am honored to lead this historic institution during such a critical time. Philander Smith has always been a place for transformation for students and communities. As president, I will ensure that we continue to build on our momentum.” His inauguration will be scheduled for a later date, marking a significant moment for the university.

This appointment comes at a pivotal time in higher education, where diversity and inclusion are becoming even more essential. According to a recent survey from the American Council on Education, diverse leadership in colleges and universities correlates with improved student experiences and outcomes, emphasizing the importance of Gipson’s role in this changing landscape.

For more insights on the impacts of leadership in education, you can visit the [American Council on Education](https://www.acenet.edu).

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