Philander Smith University
Higher EducationArkansas, United States201-500 Employees
Philander Smith University is a private, four-year liberal arts institution located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Founded in 1877, it operates in the higher education sector and maintains affiliations with the United Methodist Church and the United Negro College Fund. The university's mission is to graduate academically prepared students who are grounded as advocates for social justice and equipped to effect positive change. It sits within a mid-sized academic environment serving the local and regional community. In 2025, the university received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to launch a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, marking an expansion into health care education. This development indicates an intent to broaden program offerings to support students pursuing professional tracks in nursing and other health-related fields.