Philander Smith College

According to the school, founded in 1877, Philander Smith College is a small, privately funded, four-year liberal arts, career-oriented institution supported by the Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. Through the holistic development of the students, they are able to reach their potential as human beings and as contributing members of society. The mission of Philander Smith College is to grant access to higher education to individuals who are, or who have the potential to be, academically talented, regardless of their social, economic, or educational background. The College fosters a love of learning, spirit of independent inquiry, free exchange of ideas, broad and active spiritual life, and concern for the world at large. Philander Smith College is proud of its legacy as a Historically Black College. While we remain true to our mission of educating deserving students from within the African American community as one of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), we are boldly embracing diversity to provide a real world learning experience for our students. Our campus is rich with diverse cultures, while our student body is 90 percent African American, students representing 18 countries throughout the world are enrolled at PSC. Neatly nestled on 25 acres in walking distance of downtown Little Rock, Philander Smith offers state-of-the art facilities near the heart of Arkansas’ economic, cultural, and governmental centers. New additions to the campus include the Donald W. Reynolds Library and Technology Center, Harry R. Kendall Science and Health Mission Center, Sherman Tate Student Recreation Center, and a new student residential life center. Students have a new place to live and learn at the Great Philander Smith College.