Meet the
President
Dr. Maurice D. Gipson was appointed Interim President and CEO of Philander Smith University effective August 1, 2024. Most recently, he served as the Vice Chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity at the University of Missouri and was a faculty member in the Department of History and the Department of Black Studies. In this role, Dr. Gipson served as an executive for the 30,000-plus student flagship campus in Columbia, Missouri. Additionally, he directed and led the activities of the Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity with a staff of over 120 and a multi-million budget. Prior to that, he was the Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Community Engagement and an instructor of history at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Dr. Gipson boasts over a decade of experience in higher education executive leadership and has worked in almost every facet of higher education administration. As both a researcher and practitioner, he has focused on student success, access initiatives, faculty recruitment/retention, and strategic leadership. His efforts have culminated in numerous awards and recognitions.
Besides his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Gipson has been an active faculty member teaching classes on the Black Freedom Struggle, History of Black Nationalism and African American History. Most recently, he presented his scholarship at the international conference on Black Power in Frankfurt, Germany and is currently working on his first book which chronicles the Black Freedom Struggle in Arkansas.
A native of Ferriday, Louisiana, Dr. Gipson is a graduate of Louisiana State University and received his Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center with an emphasis on civil rights. In addition to being a licensed attorney, he holds a master’s degree in history from Missouri State University and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Mississippi. Along with his leadership experiences at the University of Missouri and Arkansas State University, Dr. Gipson has worked in different capacities at several universities, including the University of Texas-Austin, Wiley College, and Huston-Tillotson University.
Outside of work, Dr. Gipson enjoys spending time with his lovely wife Jasmine, who is a native of Little Rock, their beautiful daughter Morgan Marie, and their dog Nova.
A Message from
the President
Greetings, blessings, and welcome to the amazing Philander Smith University (PSU)! For more than 147 years, PSU has been a source of inspiration, a beacon of light and hope, a refuge, an incubator for big dreams, and fertile soil for visionary and transformational leaders, thinkers, and doers. When it comes to critical thinking, innovation in science, computers, mathematics, the liberal arts, allied health, engineering, or preparation for tomorrow's careers, our world-class faculty and staff are poised to empower, encourage, and embrace you to lead strategically, courageously, and honorably.
When we hear our students and alumni declare, "I didn't choose Philander; Philander chose me, and we're family," it's more than just words. To us, each and every student is a cherished gem, receiving our unwavering care, substantial investment, nurturing, and empowerment to triumphantly fulfill their potential. So, if you hear us calling your name and you're dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, whether you're in search of a place to belong or ready to soar, know that we are fully prepared for your arrival! Simply give us a call at 501-375-9845, drop by for a visit, or take the plunge and enroll online today at philander.edu. The moment is yours, and we're eagerly waiting to welcome you into the Philander Smith University family!
Book A Speaking
Engagement
Office of the President Staff
Anita Hatley
Senior Executive Assistant to the President
ahatley@philander.edu
Vanessa Parker
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
vparker@philander.edu
Kabryn Grayson
Administrative Assistant/Switchboard Operator
kgrayson@philander.edu
Main Office
president@philander.edu
Phone Number: 501-370-5275
Location: Harry R. Kendall Center
