President's Office

Message From Dr. Kimbrough

While browsing at a Barnes and Noble, I walked past a table of new business-related books. I came across one that stood out: RenGen (Renaissance Generation). The tagline of the book read, “The rise of the cultural consumer - and what it means to your business.”

I thought I’d take a chance on this book. After reading the first couple of chapters, I knew this was a wise choice. The author, Patricia Martin, defined a renaissance as a movement or period of robust creative and intellectual activity that is associated with a rebirth of civilization. Her book is about the rise of this new American renaissance generation, or RenGen, defined as “an emerging strata of enlightened individuals who are hungry for ideas and ways to express them.” When I arrived in December of 2004, and after several months of getting to know people on campus and engaging them in discussions, I believed that Philander Smith College could enter a renaissance era.

If you don’t already know, Philander Smith College truly has a wonderful history. I often say that pound for pound, very few colleges or universities have produced the kinds of giants that we have, which include Former Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders, Harlem Globetrotter legend Geese Ausbie, creator of Black liberation theology Dr. James Cone, and the father of Black psychology Dr. Robert Williams. But we could not simply rest on our laurels; now we are developing a new cadre of leaders to address the pressing needs within our communities. We may live in an era of hyper-capitalism and excessive consumption, but everyday people around the globe are looking for people to help them live their fullest lives. A new generation of leaders is needed now, a generation that will “Think Justice.”

So that is our mission at Philander Smith College, to produce academically accomplished students, grounded as advocates for social justice, determined to intentionally change the world for the better.

I often brag that we are the most progressive institution in the nation. Our faculty engages students in and out of the classroom. Our staff serves as role models and mentors, assisting students as they find their purpose. Our students are involved in the community, providing meaningful service. Our Board of Trustees and alumni continue to serve as pillars in this community and others across the nation.

We invite you to visit us at any time. Please attend one of the events of our world renowned Concert Chorale or our high-spirited Chosen Generation Gospel Choir. Check out our athletic teams as they compete to win. Come to a student organization event or a chapel program. Don’t miss the exciting Bless the Mic lectures that have brought the likes of Cornel West, Michael Eric Dyson, Judge Glenda Hatchett, Ann Coulter, and Ward Connerly to this campus.

We are the renaissance generation, hungry for ideas and finding ways to express them. We welcome to become part of our community.

Walter M. Kimbrough, Ph.D.