Philander Smith University

Philander Smith University Philander Smith University is a small, private HBCU established in 1877; located in Little Rock, AR. Clinton Presidential Center.
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Philander Smith University is a private, residential, co-educational, four-year undergraduate liberal arts university affiliated with the United Methodist church and a founding member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). Philander is classified as a baccalaureate (liberal arts) college by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university is nestled near the progressive ep

icenter of downtown Little Rock which encompasses the thriving cultural and business River Market District and the William J. Little Rock is the state capital of Arkansas, and is located at the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains and on the south bank of the Arkansas River. Philander Smith University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, Association for Collegiate and Business Schools and Programs, and the Council on Social Work Education and currently offers four degrees: the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Business Administration, and the Bachelor of Social Work.

It’s Soul Food Sunday!🍴Remember today to patronize our featured alumni business, “It’s Time to Eat”, located at 415 Wayn...
06/14/2026

It’s Soul Food Sunday!🍴

Remember today to patronize our featured alumni business, “It’s Time to Eat”, located at 415 Wayne Street in North Little Rock from noon until 4PM today.

Owned by PSC/U alum Craig “Big Chef” Taylor, ‘94, go by and check out their delicious menu, and let’s prove the Power of the Panther Dollar!

*note revised time is 12-4PM*

The first wave of the Class of 2030 has arrived!💚💛Today, students participating in Philander Smith University’s 2026 S.T...
06/13/2026

The first wave of the Class of 2030 has arrived!💚💛

Today, students participating in Philander Smith University’s 2026 S.T.A.R.T. Summer Bridge Program moved into residence halls, completed registration, connected with mentors, and took their first steps toward college life.

Over the coming weeks, these budding scholars will build community while strengthening their academic skills — transitioning to the college experience before the fall semester begins.

Welcome to the yard, S.T.A.R.T ‘26. We’re glad you see yourself at !

This week, Philander Smith University welcomed participants of the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling...
06/11/2026

This week, Philander Smith University welcomed participants of the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC) Sweet Tea Tour to our campus.

Representing schools, organizations, and communities across the Southeast, these college access professionals experienced firsthand the academic programs, hands-on learning opportunities, historic campus, and student-centered environment that make our University distinctive.

Through interactive demonstrations, campus tours, and conversations with staff, guests gained a closer look at the Philander experience.

Thank you to SACAC for including us among this year’s Sweet Tea Tour institutions.

Philander Smith University senior Taiwo-Oluwanifemi Fashina has been selected as a member of the inaugural HHMI Cech Fel...
06/10/2026

Philander Smith University senior Taiwo-Oluwanifemi Fashina has been selected as a member of the inaugural HHMI Cech Fellows Program, a highly competitive national summer research opportunity designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in biological and biomedical sciences.

Chosen as one of just 176 undergraduate students nationwide, he will spend nine weeks conducting hands-on research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, one of the nation’s premier scientific research institutions.

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute created the Cech Fellows Program to provide talented undergraduate researchers with opportunities to contribute to real scientific discovery while working alongside world-class scientists and mentors.

Selected from institutions across the nation, Taiwo-Oluwanifemi joins a distinguished cohort of undergraduate researchers contributing to the future of biological and biomedical science.

Join us in congratulating our scholar on this outstanding achievement! 💚💛

Introducing the Power of the Panther Dollar Alumni Business Spotlight. 💚💛Throughout June, Philander Smith University alu...
06/09/2026

Introducing the Power of the Panther Dollar Alumni Business Spotlight. 💚💛

Throughout June, Philander Smith University alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends are encouraged to support Panther-owned businesses across our community.

Our first spotlight visit on Thursday, June 11 features Steve Leeks, '16, owner of Pokey D's 2, a family-run restaurant specializing in barbecue, soul food, and home-style cooking.

Join us as we celebrate community connections and invest in businesses led by fellow alumni.

Together, we can make an impact—one purchase at a time.

In our community, mission, culture, and religion are woven throughout the experience. From the moment you step foot on...
06/07/2026

In our community, mission, culture, and religion are woven throughout the experience. From the moment you step foot on our campus we encourage growth in faith, leadership, service, and scholarship.
—
Wishing you all grace and peace on this blessed Sunday. 💚💛

Congratulations to our alumna Selandria Jackson, ’91 on the release of her new book, “Raising Excellence: Empowering Our...
06/06/2026

Congratulations to our alumna Selandria Jackson, ’91 on the release of her new book, “Raising Excellence: Empowering Our Sons and Daughters to Lead, Love and Leave a Legacy.”

Jackson and co-author Richelle A. McCoy will host a book signing and celebration on Saturday, June 6, at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock.

📚 Book Signing & Celebration
📍 AMFA
📅 Saturday, June 6
⏰ 3:00 PM

Join us in congratulating Selandria on this accomplishment.

Every student’s college journey begins with a first step.For Philander Smith University student John Parker, that step w...
06/05/2026

Every student’s college journey begins with a first step.

For Philander Smith University student John Parker, that step was the S.T.A.R.T. Summer Bridge Program.

Designed to help first-time freshmen transition successfully to college, S.T.A.R.T. begins June 12 and provides academic support, mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities to build community before the fall semester begins.

By the end of the six-week experience, students can earn college credit, develop lifelong connections, and gain the confidence needed to navigate their higher education journey.

Programs like S.T.A.R.T. reflect Philander Smith University’s commitment to student success from day one.

Learn more and APPLY NOW at philander.edu.

This fall, if anyone asks what we did this summer, we’ll be able to say we worked hard to give the RLC some TLC.Millions...
06/04/2026

This fall, if anyone asks what we did this summer, we’ll be able to say we worked hard to give the RLC some TLC.

Millions of dollars are being invested to modernize the University’s Residential Life Center (RLC) through updated showers and bathroom spaces, enhanced common areas and other facility upgrades. These improvements are part of our commitment to creating environments that support student success, well-being and community.

A college education extends beyond the classroom. That’s why we’re continuing to improve the places our students call home.

Address

900 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Drive
Little Rock, AR
72202

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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