Founded in 1877, Philander Smith University is a private, historically Black university in Little Rock and the only United Negro College Fund member institution in Arkansas. The university continues to play a vital role in developing Black professionals across disciplines, with this latest investment further positioning it as a pipeline for future healthcare leaders in the state and beyond.
Philander Smith University is set to expand its impact in healthcare education after securing a $7 million federal investment aimed at strengthening its health and science programs.
The funding, made possible through a Congressionally Directed Spending request led by John Boozman, will support critical upgrades to the Harry R. Kendall Health and Science Center and increase training capacity within the university’s nursing program.
The announcement came during a press conference held inside the Kendall Center atrium, where university leadership and community representatives gathered to highlight the significance of the investment.
The funding will be used for facility and equipment upgrades, as well as the addition of a mobile unit designed to enhance hands-on training opportunities for nursing students. The improvements are expected to strengthen workforce preparation and expand access for students pursuing careers in nursing and allied health fields.
“This investment to help establish the Health and Science Center will result in expanded hands-on training for future healthcare professionals,” Boozman said. “By supporting modern facilities and a mobile unit for the nursing program, we are ensuring students gain the skills needed to serve communities across Arkansas and meeting the growing demand for quality medical care.”
Representing Boozman at the announcement, Jimmy Harris joined university officials to underscore the broader impact of the funding, particularly as Arkansas continues to face a growing demand for healthcare professionals.
University President Maurice D. Gipson described the investment as a major step forward for the institution’s expanding health science programs.
“Philander Smith University has long been committed to preparing students to lead lives of service and impact,” Gipson said. “This investment strengthens our capacity to deliver high-quality training in the health sciences while expanding opportunities for students to gain the hands-on experience necessary to serve communities across Arkansas and beyond.”
Gipson emphasized that enhancements to the Kendall Health and Science Center, paired with the addition of the mobile training unit, will allow the university to provide more modern and experiential learning opportunities for students entering high-demand healthcare fields.