Philander Smith University (PSU) has received formal approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, a major milestone for the institution and for healthcare education in Arkansas. The program will be housed within the Dr. Joycelyn Elders School of Allied and Public Health and represents the University’s continued investment in addressing the critical shortage of registered nurses across the state and region.
The HLC’s Institutional Actions Council granted approval in May 2025, affirming the University’s capacity to deliver a 124-credit-hour BSN program. The program will admit up to 50 students per year, with its first cohort expected to launch soon.
“This is a transformative moment in our institutional history,” said Dr. Maurice D. Gipson, Philander Smith University President and CEO. “The approval of our BSN program affirms both the urgent need for qualified nurses and our commitment to producing graduates who are equipped, empowered, and eager to serve. With this program, we are not only expanding our academic offerings—we are investing in the health and future of Arkansas.”
The BSN program arrives at a critical time. National and state-level reports cite severe nursing shortages, with Arkansas ranking among the lowest in healthcare access and quality. PSU’s program aims to strengthen the nursing pipeline with well-prepared, community-centered professionals who are ready to serve in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health settings.
Students will engage in rigorous academic coursework, clinical rotations, and a nursing apprenticeship program designed to provide mentoring and hands-on experience, particularly for PSU-trained CNAs advancing their careers. Generous scholarships, many of which include a service component to Arkansas, are also built into the program.
To date, the University has secured more than $8.3 million in philanthropic and grant support to develop and launch the BSN program. Major contributors include:
- Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church – $2 million
- Windgate Foundation – $1.75 million
- TAWANI Foundation – $1 million
- United Methodist Foundation for Arkansas – $250,000
- Additional support from The Frueauff Foundation, Blue & You Foundation, and Title III Funds.
PSU also received the Arkansas Linking Industry to Grow Nurses (ALIGN) grant, which provided nearly $392,000 in direct funding and $197,000 in in-kind support from Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
“This new degree program is a strategic response to a growing healthcare crisis,” said Dr. Shannon Clowney Johnson, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer. “We are building a bold and intentional pipeline of BSN-prepared nurses who will make a measurable impact in communities across Arkansas and beyond.”
Additional details regarding program launch, application timelines, and admissions will be shared in the coming week
