-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/22593/archive/files/9934ece6b8eb5886230b664c9ac69ca1.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=ozpUyf1treKtL%7E2TrN%7EXjYPDFHzOKgwyVGNicP1rCPRedWAOcI5fGnxg6sM04WErG4Zl9YvXzvL5lSWVQxHm03gSubT146jA-0569heoz5fILG7AVkZE4Q314nMjHeek2VYtTsWm%7Eny7NxqaTDAiPjkWzyOycf4xWw7d5Pg-rYqf8ksLIB133quYKyRCNGlxwY2eqPwQCaNs0cgFNFe%7ETmPHqTlXwH4AOpD2R1u%7E6%7ErsYyS%7E4HNjKfCdu55HfDpl-94erLJca0UdkILwuRssxMMYumsSMw5WEGY6zs2-7KBi9%7EyVMU8lQuQ7UprthC77-pk0Le8KMNjC9n4WA0N5qA__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
32b4bebf4288c3537d1708266b833adf
PDF Text
Text
PHILANDERFORWARD
ALUMNI, STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF WHO ARE MOVING PHILANDER FORWARD FALL 2017
6
4
$100 Million Vision
for the Future
Save the Dates
2017
UPCOMING EVENTS
VISIT THE PSC WEBSITE FOR
MORE INFORMATION:
Oct. 9-13
Mid-Term Examinations
Oct. 16
Fall Break (No Classes)
Oct. 19
Bless the Mic Lecture Series
April Ryan
2017
HOMECOMING FESTIVITIES
HIGHLIGHTS
10
8
2017 S.T.A.R.T Summer Bridge Program Grows to
212 Students
PSC’s LSAMP Scholars Attend ARKLSAMP Annual Conference.
2016-17 SGA
President
Michelle Green
Pins Arkansas
Governor in Honor
of PSC's 140th
Anniversary
“Dr. Smothers,
I continue to be
impressed with
your Students
– they are
exceptional in
every way.”
-Governor Hutchinson
The Royal Coronation of Mister and
Miss Philander Smith College
Fall 2017 Greek Neophyte New Member Presentation
Bless the Mic: Homecoming Edition / MC Lyte
Welcome Home Picnic
Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet
Lady Panthers-vs-Rhema Bible College
Panthers-vs-Rhema Bible College
Annual Alumni Mixer
Careers & Conversations Brunch
Nov. 12-18
Hunger and Homelessness
Awareness Week
Nov. 25-27
Thanksgiving Recess
Dec. 4-8
Final Examinations
Dec. 18, 2017 – Jan. 1, 2018
Christmas/Winter Break
Campus Closed
Top: 2016-2017 SGA President Michelle Green shakes hands with
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson.
Bottom: PSC Students Kevontae Carter, Michelle Green, and
Russell Williams, III pose for a photo with Arkansas Senator Linda
Chesterfield and Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. They are also
joined by President Roderick L. Smothers, Sr. and Mr. Christopher
Smith, Special Assistant to the President.
Meet the 2017-2018 SGA Leaders
�2
Message from the President
In this issue
Moving The Legacy Forward
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
STUDENT SUCCESS: PRIORITY #1
THINK JUSTICE 2.0
RESULTS OF PSC'S SIGNIFICATE KEY AREAS
LONG-RANGE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
129TH COMMENCEMENT
2017 SUMMER S.T.A.R.T. PROGRAM
YOUTH THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
HONORS CONVOCATION
LSAMP CONFERENCE
10 NEW STUDENT INITIATIVES
CYBER TECHNOLOGY DAY
ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM LAUNCHES
WISE-P3 PROGRAM'S FIRST INITIATIVE
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
SNAPSHOTS
SNAPSHOTS
SGA PRESIDENT PINS ARKANSAS GOVERNOR
PHILANDER FORWARD is about the people who are
contributing to the forward movement and success of
Philander Smith College.
PHILANDER FORWARD is published by the Philander
Smith College Office of Institutional Advancement, 900
Daisy Bates Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas, 501.370.5221.
WE NEED YOU to send us your ideas, comments and
thoughts, along with your news and information. Send to
Jennelle Primm at jprimm@philander.edu.
For up-to-the minute information about the College, go to
www.philander.edu or visit Philander on Facebook.
philander.edu
Philander Smith College
900 Daisy Bates Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
501.370.5221 1.800.446.6772
Roderick L. Smothers, Sr., Ph.D.
President
Darnell Williams, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President
Zollie Stevenson, Jr., Ph.D.
Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs
Joey Stoner
Interim Vice President for Fiscal Affairs
Sericia Cole
Acting Vice President, Institutional Advancement
Dakota Doman, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment
Management
David J. Lewis
Chief of Staff
Ronnie Miller-Yow
Dean of Religious Life and Campus Culture / Chaplain
Brian Clay
Chief Information Officer
Nathan Cochran
Director of Athletics
LaTonya Hayes
Associate Vice President for Fiscal Affairs
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Glennon Design Group
glennondesigngroup.com
PHILANDER
FORWARD
W
elcome to the Summer/Fall 2017
Edition of the Philander Forward
Newsletter – an executive sharing
medium created to maintain a
continuous cycle of communication
with all of the College’s constituents.
As we continue with our institution-wide theme of “Moving
Philander Forward,” we do so with great excitement and optimism
for the College’s future. The excitement and optimism carry over
into our gearing up for the final three months of our year-long
celebration of Philander’s 140th Anniversary. As with previous
Forward Newsletters, this edition features a number of examples
of how faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends are Moving
Philander Forward. From the unveiling of the new 10-Year LongRange Strategic Plan to the outstanding accomplishments of our
talented students who represent the future of PSC, we continue
to produce measurable evidence of our ability to return PSC to a
position of national prominence and international acclaim.
In the spirit of Moving the Legacy Forward, during the
2017 Fall Faculty and Staff Institute, I shared with the Campus
Community that this year we will focus more intricately on our
Campus Culture Transformation Initiative – a Forward Initiative
conceptualized to create a campus culture that supports our
new vision for the future, while simultaneously elevating our
service level to our students (our priority customers). As such, I
introduced a new leadership model titled APA (Accountability,
Proximity and Action) that I hope will permeate our business
practices, transform our student experience, and enhance our
ability to be a model institution of higher education.
Under the egis of the Campus Culture Transformation
Taskforce, the APA Style of Leadership calls for greater
accountability to the students whom we serve and for their future
successes as graduates of Philander Smith College. This bold vision
mandates that we recommit ourselves to work defined by our
unique mission. This vision, buttressed by our mission, articulates
Philander’s ability to take students from where they are, immerse
them in deep, transformative learning experiences, and send them
out to change the world for the better.
This academic year is a significant milestone for my
presidency and leadership in the PSC Community. 2017-2018
welcomes my third incoming freshman class, marked by yet
another year of enrollment growth for first-year students. Since the
2015 Fall Semester, we have been blessed with consistent growth
with respect to the number of students and the geographical
make-up of our incoming class. Upon my appointment, I made
a commitment to not only stabilize our current enrollment, but
to also diversify our recruitment pipelines to position the College
for future growth for years to come. With an understanding
of our unique financial circumstances, enrollment stabilization
and growth remain top priorities for my administration. In the
2017 Fall Semester, we welcomed a freshman class of nearly
350 scholars – a 19% increase from the 2016 Fall Semester.
Preliminary data revealed that we continued our enrollment
growth pattern, as evidenced by our current enrollment of 875
students! We are Moving Philander Forward.
In addition to growing our community, we have been
diligently working toward commitments made to the student
body that will enhance our collegiate culture – many of
which will be in place before the end of this academic year! A
few of these include: the establishment of the Panther Pride
Marching Band; a laptop leasing program for students; and
a significant increase in online course offerings. Also, the
Freshman Colloquium Curriculum has been revamped, and
the overall student leadership development experience has been
strengthened. Along with the highly anticipated launch of our
re-imagined focus on social justice – Think Justice 2.0 – we
continue to position ourselves for responsiveness to emerging
workforce trends. A full slate of courses in our Allied and Public
Health Division, as well as the formation of a Pre-Engineering
Program, are but examples of our efforts in this regard. When
our students speak, we not only listen...we also act!
Through each year and through every season we experience,
I am reminded of the words I committed to during my
appointment as the 14th President of Philander Smith College:
“We are Moving Forward.” Our work has been progressive, yet
there is still much to accomplish. Our rich legacy, our current
impact, and our future potential depend on our commitment
to and unwavering support for forward movement. In this, our
140th year, Philander Smith College remains a beacon of hope – a
place where hardship and persistence are still prevailing themes. At
our Dear PSC, we are still serving as a foundation for many big,
bold and sometimes scary dreams. u
Roderick L. Smothers, Sr., Ph.D.
President
�’Round Campus
Student Success: Priority #1
T
HE SPRING 2017 Semester was not without its challenges.
With several Philander students at-risk of not returning
due to low academic performance, the administration
worked to develop the Academic Success Achievement
Program (A.S.A.P). The Program was designed to foster
collaboration among students leaders and 100 students at risk of not
returning in a campus-wide retention effort. The average GPA of the
identified, on-campus, at-risk population was less than 1.5. At semester’s
end, more than 75% of students had doubled their GPA, and once again
set to further their matriculation.
The Program hinged on the concept of peer coaching, designed
to develop student leaders, foster panther pride, and increase academic
achievement. To do this, the Social Justice Institute issued a call for resumes
from student leaders. More than 45 students applied to become peer coaches.
The Institute interviewed all 45 students, organized a small committee to
review each applicant, and selected 10 students to become peer coaches. What
followed was an intensive, off-campus training and orientation weekend at the
Butler Center for Arkansas Studies. The peer coaches had expert trainers and
facilitators who presented on varying topics, including servant leadership, peer
coaching, and team building.
Split into groups referred to as “peer pods,” each coach was tasked with
organizing his/her 6-8 person, gender-specific pod, and hosting nightly coaching
SJI Interim Director Tristan Wilkerson facilitates one of the weekly A.S.A.P.
lessons.
RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANT
INCREASES IN KEY AREAS
Enrollment Up 14.8%
3
THINK JUSTICE 2.0:
sessions during the week. By design, this
mandate helped to ensure students were both
studying and had the support of each other
in their process. Additionally, staff identified
the need to inject leadership development
into the Program. Hence, “Leadership
Thursdays” was created to allow a space for
students and coaches to experience various
forms of leadership development. Each
week, a new speaker was invited to share
on a specific subject. Most notably was the
dream builders session with Mr. Patrick
Walker-Reese.
The retention effort has led the Student
Affairs Division to adopt peer coaching
over mentoring as a critical retention tactic.
Building upon the radical success of the
A.S.A.P Program, Student Transitions And
.
Retention Services (S.T.A.R.S.) was created
to streamline retention services and promote
peer coaching throughout campus. Stay
tuned for more success stories. u
PSC Student and ASAP Participant Jyra
Robinson engages with Mr. Patrick Walker
Reese in one of the Leadership Thursday
Sessions.
The Blueprint
THE PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE Social Justice
Institute (SJI) now has a Think Justice 2.0 Blueprint
from which to guide its official unveiling in the 20172018 Academic Year.
At this phase, the SJI has identified five long-term
goals over a three-year period. The set of objectives
associated with each goal has specific actions required to
achieve them. The goals are as follows:
• infuse the institutional culture of Philander Smith
College with a social justice/equity lens;
• convene local and regional faith-rooted social
justice leaders;
• establish a social justice resource center;
• encourage quality student social justice
programming on campus; and
• launch an annual Justice Forward Conference.
In addition to these goals, the SJI Partnership—
Philander Smith College, Winthrop Rockefeller
Foundation, and New York-based Auburn
Theological Seminary—will collaborate to
implement a fundraising program for the Social
Justice Initiative, with a goal of raising $1.5 million
over a three-year period. Funds will allow for staffing
the SJI, supporting faculty and programming, and
engaging in faith-rooted, leadership training. The
partnership will seek individual, corporate and
institutional sources of funding to ground and sustain
the Initiative for years to come. u
SNAPSHOT PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE ENROLLMENT DATA
2017
FIRST TIME FRESHMEN
2016
2015
2014
2013
344
300
174
112
135
Summer Bridge Class Celebrates a Record 212
Participants
NEW TRANSFERS
42
62
56
57
36
ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM
16
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Raised $500,000 in New Endowment Funding
TOTAL NEW STUDENTS
402
362
231
169
171
Launched New Online Criminal Justice Program
CONTINUING STUDENTS
473
400
353
398
384
Moved 8 Percentage Points in the 2018 HBCU
Rankings Published by the US News and World
Report College Rankings (from #39 to #31)
TOTAL STUDENTS ENROLLED
875
762
584
567
555
BUDGETED ENROLLMENT GOAL 850
650
600
550
645
FIRST TIME ENTERING
FRESHMAN RETENTION RATE
TBD
62%
63%
78%
Launched 4 New Academic Programs
TBD
�THE FORWARD
VISI
N
4
A $100 MILLION ROAD MAP FOR THE FUTURE
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2016-2026 LONG-RANGE PLAN
PSC, like the nation a whole, has reached a fork in the road. One path leads forward toward new heights and greatness,
the other toward mediocrity. We have unashamedly and unabashedly chosen the path Forward, toward greatness.
Develop a
$100 million
fundraising
plan to support
scholarships, faculty
incentives and capital
improvements.
1
Expand online
distance learning
opportunities in critical
career areas across the
region.
Incorporate
service-learning
2
into the College’s
START Summer Bridge
Program.
Complete
$55 million
in capital
improvements
to the include two new
suite-style residence
halls; completion
of the final stage of
the Campus Center;
construction of an
additional state-of-theart classroom building;
construction of the
Performing Arts and
Global Social Justice
Centers.
3
4
Create $1.75
million in new
positions to support
teaching and learning
in the School of Allied
and Public Health, as
well as in the Divisions
of Business, Education,
Humanities, Natural
Sciences and Social
Sciences.
5
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
STRENGTHENING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
To improve retention and recruitment efforts through
interdepartmental collaborations towards the goal of
increasing the student population and graduation rates
through holistic student development.
FOSTERING ACADEMIC DISTINCTION
To re-imagine the academic experiences for students
and faculty centered on social justice teaching and
learning in order to foster intellectual growth, develop
core skills and competencies, and other experiential
learning to produce global leaders.
IMPROVING OUR BUSINESS MODEL
To develop and implement an operational culture that
is built upon the pillars of accountability, transparency,
sound data, service, cohesion, and innovative
technology, complemented by a new and improved
physical infrastructure.
ENHANCING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
To engage the campus, local, and regional communities
by establishing meaningful relationships, creating
partnerships and promoting civic engagement to
improve quality of life.
BUILDING FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR THE
FUTURE To acquire the necessary resources to
meet the fiscal needs of the College by cultivating
relationships, expanding the donor base, and remaining
faithful stewards of gifts and donations.
Increase student
enrollment
to 1,200 by 2025-2026.
Use Philander
Smith College's
expanding footprint
to enhance
economic
development in
the Dunbar Community
surrounding the campus.
Begin master’s
degree programs
in business, teacher
education and
educational leadership.
Initiate transition
from Philander Smith
College to Philander
Smith University.
Expand
manpower
development initiatives
to meet employment
needs of Arkansas.
Establish a
Regional Center
for Global Social
Justice to service South
Central U.S.; develop a
Center for Humanities;
and expand the
Center for Educational
Excellence.
Develop majors
in fine arts and social
justice disciplines.
�5
’Round Campus
The 129th Commencement at Philander Smith College
ACCLAIMED JOURNALIST AND POLITICAL COMMENTATOR ROLAND S. MARTIN SERVED AS THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER
P
HILANDER SMITH COLLEGE awarded nearly 130 degrees during its
129th Commencement Ceremony at the Statehouse Convention Center in
Little Rock on Saturday, May 6, 2017.
The 2017 Commencement Speaker was Roland S. Martin, a nationallyrecognized journalist, author and political commentator. Martin is host of a
one-hour weekday morning news show, News One Now, which airs on the
TV One Network. The long-time CNN contributor and nationally syndicated columnist,
named Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists in 2013, had a
thought-provoking theme for his address: “Don’t just be present, but have a presence.” The
Houston, Texas-native challenged the Class of 2017 to not just go through life showing up,
but to make a difference.
Philander Smith College also presented honorary degrees to three distinguished
individuals: automobile scion Major General (Retired) Harold Gwatney; Rush Harding
III, CEO of Crews & Associates and First Security Finance; and posthumously to Bishop
Top left: Class of 2017 poses for their Official Class Picture on the steps of the Cox Building;
Top right: 2017 Graduate Ji’Vonne Freeman pose for a quick candid photo during the 2017
Commencement Ceremonies; Bottom left: 2017 Commencement Speaker Roland Martin pose for
a photo with outgoing Board Chairwoman Mrs. Pat Lile and Board Chairwoman-Elect Dr. Sherece
West-Scantlebury during the 2017 Commencement Ceremony; Center: The Ozell Sutton Medal of
Justice is one of the College’s highest honors. It is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated
the highest commitment to creating a more just society; Center right: 2017 Graduate Tiffany
Phillips-Peters pose for a photo before the 2017 Baccalaureate Ceremony; Bottom right: Some of
the Philander Smith College faculty pose for a quick photo while waiting for the start of the 2017
Commencement Ceremonies. Pictured (L to R): Mrs. Patricia Walker Swinton, Dr. Daniel Egbe, Dr.
Lia Steele-Marcel, Dr. Samar Swaid, and Dr. Kathryn Davis.
Felton May, a highly respected United Methodist Church leader and former Dean of the
Kendall Science and Health Mission Center at Philander Smith College. May passed away
in February at the age of 81. Both Gwatney and Harding are also former members of the
PSC Board of Trustees.
Additionally, PSC President Dr. Roderick L. Smothers, Sr. presented the Ozell Sutton
Medal of Justice to two outstanding advocates for social justice: Former United States
Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders, a 1952 Philander Smith graduate whose medical career
has been dedicated to closing gaps in healthcare disparities; and Commencement Speaker
Roland S. Martin, who has used the media as a platform to push for justice and equality for
marginalized communities. Since its inception in 2009, the Sutton Medal has been given to
outstanding individuals whose actions have helped to create a more just society.
For the fourth year, the PSC National National Alumni Association awarded its Senior
of the Year. Aleah B. Randolph, of St. Louis, Mo., was the 2017 recipient. Randolph
graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. u
�’Round Campus
6
The official 2017 S.T.A.R.T. Summer Bridge Program photograph.
T
HE GAMMA CLASS OF THE
PHILANDER S.T.A.R.T. (Student
Tuition Assistance and Readiness Track/
Pathways) Summer Bridge Program
ran from June 16, 2017-July 28, 2017.
A total of 212 students participated in the six-week
academic program designed to aid in the transition
from secondary to collegiate academics.
Throughout the Program, students were engaged
in a rigorous academic schedule with a myriad
of courses ranging from Developmental Math to
Trigonometry, and Composition to Biology. The
Program also included an Enrichment Period in which
students were taught the necessary skills of academia
(i.e., study skills, test-taking skills) and learning the
balance of maintaining a social and academic life.
The Enrichment Period brought speakers from Heifer
International, Wal-Mart Corporation, OneBanc,
notable alumni such as Dr. Sherman Tate, and previous
scholars from S.T.A.R.T. Cohorts 2015 and 2016.
The students were delighted to welcome Philander
Smith College’s Executive Vice-President, Dr. Darnell
Williams, and President, Dr. Roderick L. Smothers,
Sr., who challenged the students to embrace the
opportunities presented before them as they evolve into
Philander Men and Philander Women.
The students were paired with mentors and tutors
to ensure a successful six weeks in the S.T.A.R.T.
Program. The mentors developed alongside S.T.A.R.T.
Co-Director, Mrs. Raveen Job, intentional interactive
activities that gave the students a sample of college life.
Activities included “The “Do’s and Don’ts” Fashion
Show, S.T.A.R.T.’N Out (patterned after the television
show Wild’N Out), and Fear Factor, among other
recreational activities (movie night, cookout, basketball,
kickball, and flag football).
Veronica Lindsey of Sherwood, Ark., described
her experience in the S.T.A.R.T. Program as “being a
great experience. In reflecting on her experience, she
shared, “I took the time to actually give S.T.A.R.T. a
chance. It changed the way I thought about college,
which made me more confident. S.T.A.R.T. was one of
the best experiences that I’ve had attending Philander
Smith College. I was able to grow and learn so much
i
and for that I am beyond grateful.” Christian Hawkins
of Dallas, Texas shared, “This program allowed me to
make new friends and really understand what it means
to be an educated Black man. I appreciate how the
S.T.A.R.T. Program gave me structure on how to study
and have fun as a college student.”
The faculty of the S.T.A.R.T. Program recognized
that providing hybrid courses gave the students a
“sample of real college life.” The faculty commended
the collaboration between the tutors and mentors
who helped with the class attendance. Many faculty
members agreed that the students’ completion of the
Program was “impressive” and the requirement of a
mandatory study hall showed much improvement in
the students’ academic performance.
The Philander S.T.A.R.T. Summer Bridge Program
has seen tremendous growth in size and structure. The
support and transitional nature of the support students
receive is invaluable to their future success as college
students.
S.T.A.R.T. Students Care
for the Community
The Gamma Class of the Philander S.T.A.R.T.
(Student Tuition Assistance and Readiness Track/
Pathways) Summer Bridge Program participated
in the S.T.A.R.T. Cares Clean-Up. The clean-up
included all students, mentors, and tutors in the
S.T.A.R.T. Program through its respective tracks:
Honors, Ambassador, Christian, Community, and
Urban. Students helped spruce up the PSC campus,
Panther Village, and the Philander S.T.A.R.T. AdoptA-Streets (12th and 13th Streets from the blocks of
Chester Street to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive),
and collected over seven 30-gallon bags of trash in
the process.
For information on Philander S.T.A.R.T. 2018, contact
Christopher Smith at csmith@philander.edu.
“I really enjoyed being a part of something fun and
meaningful,” said Natalie Velazquez of Desoto, Texas.
“Cleaning up the campus helped myself and others see
the value in the Timeless Human Values of Respect for
PSC and Service. If it were not for S.T.A.R.T., I would
not be here; so, I would like to show my appreciation
by doing well in my classes and helping to keep my
campus clean.” u
S.T.A.R.T. students gear up to participate in the Annual
S.T.A.R.T. Cares Clean-Up during the Summer Bridge
Program.
Veronica Lindsey
Christian Hawkins
�7
Youth Theological Institute
AN INITIATIVE FUNDED
BY THE LILLY FOUNDATION
Summer 2017 Youth Theological Institute participants pose for a photo while visiting Hendrix
College during the 10-Day Immersion Experience.
P
HILANDER FORWARD’S YOUTH THEOLOGY INSTITUTE is an answer
to prayers for parents and program participants. The program curriculum,
designed by the Rev. Maxine Allen, Assistant Director of Mission and Ministry
for the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church, extended to rising
high school sophomores, juniors and seniors an opportunity to deeply explore
the sacred scriptures, and engage in theological reflection to further explore
God’s Call upon their lives. The theme of this year’s Institute was I’m Turnt! The Ecumenical
Institute, held June 2-11, 2017 on the campus of PSC, provided students educational
exploration of ministry and service using Mark Batterson’s book, All In, and rap artist Lacrae’s
book, Unashamed. Students were engaged in meaningful discussions; made site visits to
nonprofits, and participated in theological reflection.
During the course of the two weeks, daily rhythms of academic study and religious
reflection were balanced with worship, leadership and immersion experiences. Students were
exposed to different faith traditions, service opportunities, and diverse clergy across Little
Rock, Arkansas.
A retreat weekend at Camp Tanako, a UMC-related camp, was the culminating activity.
As a key component for connecting to God in nature, this experienced allowed the Institute’s
participants to enjoy zip lining, horseback riding and canoeing. Additional highlights
throughout the week included visiting the Arkansas Foodbank, Better Community
Developers, Mosaic Templars Museum, and Little Rock City Tour. The week-long activities
concluded with a message from gospel artist James Fortune. Reunion experiences are
also planned in order to enhance learning and to provide opportunities for continued
engagement with participants throughout the school year. u
Center photos:
The 2017 Institute
culminated with
a high worship
experience at
Wesley Chapel
United Methodist
Church.
PHILANDER FORWARD
YOUTH
THEOLOGICAL
INSTITUTE
I’m Turnt
GOING ALL IN FOR
God
Two-time Grammy Award-nominated gospel music artist James Fortune made a special appearance at the Closing
Ceremony and gifted each Institute participant with a copy of his newly released album, “Dear Future Me.”
�Moving Forward
8
President Roderick L. Smothers, Sr. joins honor students for the 2017 Honors Convocation photo. Over 300 students were recognized for academic achievement at the 2017 Convocation.
Honors Convocation Program Celebrates Academic Achievement
PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE held its Annual Honors
Convocation on March 30, 2017 in the M.L. Harris
Auditorium. Honors Convocation is one of Philander
Smith College’s most important academic traditions. It
highlights students whose academic performance has placed
them on the 4.0 List, the President’s List, or the Dean’s List.
The celebration also recognizes those who have been invited
into the Membership of Alpha Kappa Mu, a Distinguished
American Collegiate Honor Society which recognizes
academic excellence.
At the ceremony, over 300 Philanderians were
recognized. A new addition to this year was the awarding
of an academic medal to those scholars who achieved
a 4.0 G.P during the qualifying academic terms.
.A.
Current Miss Philander Smith College and President of
the Honors Student Association, Brittany Taylor, ‘18,
expressed pride upon receiving her medal. “I felt that my
hard work and dedication had paid off,” she remarked.
HBCU All-Star and Honors Academy Member, Tiaara
Anderson, ’18, expressed similar sentiments, saying, “I felt
LSAMP Conference Features PSC Scholars
THE ANNUAL ARKANSAS
LOUIS STOKES ALLIANCE
for Minority Participants (ARKLSAMP) Spring Research
Conference hosted by the
University of Arkansas at Pine
Bluff was held April 14-15,
2017. LSAMP students from
Philander Smith College were
among scholars from all over the
state who presented their STEM
research to their peers, STEM
PSC Faculty Members and the LSAMP Student Research Delegation at the
2017 Annual Arkansas LSAMP Conference.
faculty and judges. Only two
students in the ARK-LSAMP
Alliance were selected to give oral presentations at the research conference, one of whom was PSC’s Dustin Ford
whose presentation entitled, “Elucidating Serine Richness in Arabidopsis thaliana using the Exact Distribution
of Clump Statistics,” was well received. Additionally, three other LSAMP Scholars participated in poster
presentations, including Craig Steele Jr., Alejandra Gutierrez and RaQuedra Lee.
Briant Thomas gave the keynote address during the two-day conference. He inspired the ARK-LSAMP
Scholars to position themselves for greatness at every stage of their collegiate matriculation and career. Mr.
Thomas motivated the students to be more proactive with securing internships, keeping an up-to-date resume,
and taking ownership. SGA Vice President Brittany Lognion was especially moved by all she learned. “It was
an amazing experience, and I learned resume-building tips and self-esteem boosting tips,” she said. Overall, the
LSAMP Scholars left the conference motivated and confident to move forward in STEM research. u
a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. So many
people told me what I couldn’t do and what I wouldn’t
accomplish, but this was proof that no matter what
obstacles came my way, I could and would still be great.”
Carisssa Rodgers, a 2010 PSC graduate and former
Senior Pastor at the Quapaw Quarter United Methodist
Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, was the Convocation’s
Keynote Speaker. Her powerful message challenged
students to “Rise Up” to the challenges of the future and
embrace their roles of excellence and leadership. u
10 NEW STUDENT INITIATIVES
PSC administrators have been diligently working
toward commitments made to the student body
that will enhance the collegiate culture – many
of which will be in place before the end of this
academic year! A few of these include our plans
for the establishment of the Panther Pride
Marching Band, a laptop leasing program for
students, and a significant increase in online
course offerings as we fully integrate enrollment
and business transactions online.
You spoke; we listened!
Coming soon are other new
programs designed to enhance the
PSC Student Experience.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Collegiate baseball and softball teams
Laptop and iPad lease option for students
PSC Honors Village
100% increase in online courses
Pre-Engineering and Allied Health
Courses
The launch of Think Justice 2.0: A Global
Perspective
Revamped Freshman Colloquium
100% online enrollment and business
transactions
Revamped Leadership Development
Experience
�9 Moving Forward
Cyber Technology Day
The 2017 Cyber Technology Day was hosted in the Montgomery
Private Dining Hall. The event was attended by faculty members,
students, and IT professionals from across Central Arkansas.
PSC’S ANNUAL CYBERINFRASTRUCTURE (CI) DAY is
a one-day event designed to explore innovative approaches
to infuse computational thinking and advanced technologies
to improve STEM teaching and scholarly research. The
PSC CI Day is a vital mechanism to build a community of
practice around CI among teaching faculty, researchers and
IT professionals in Arkansas. It also promotes collaborative
working relationships and collective problem-solving.
Current students, as well as recent alumni, shared rave
reviews about the CI Day experience:
“As a computer science
student, anything related to
computers draws my attention.
Cyber Infrastructure Day
provided the atmosphere to
feed on information relating
to computational systems and
algorithms. Consequently,
it provided a practical
understanding of what I had
been studying in class.”
– Daniel Blankson, PSC
Student
PSC Student Domonique Crawford poses with his
research poster at the Annual CI Day event.
“Philander Smith College’s CI
Day is an excellent opportunity
to be exposed to the diversity
of research in this field. I would
highly recommend this event to
anyone looking to expand his/
her ideas. CI Day exposed me to
some amazing projects that would
eventually lay the ground work for
my curiosity in the field.”
– Mnsa Maat, ’17, Graduate
Student - Department of
Computer Science, North
Carolina A&T State University
“CI Day made a positive impact on
my academic and professional career.
During conferences, I was able to
use the skills I honed from CI Day
by communicating and presenting
effectively and efficiently. Academically,
I was introduced to a wide variety
of topics that could ultimately be
beneficial to my Ph.D. matriculation at
the University of Oklahoma. It has been
very rewarding to engage with others in
the STEM field.”
– Jasmine DeHart, ’17, Ph. D.
Student at the University of Oklahoma
PSC’s First Online
Degree Program
Launches!
APPROVED BY THE HIGHER
LEARNING COMMISSION in September
2016, the first-ever cohort of Philander Smith
College’s inaugural online degree program –
the Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal
Justice – was launched on July 3, 2017. The
online and on-campus components of the
program emphasize the context of crime,
research, and social justice considerations.
The online component includes the same
courses that on-campus students take to meet
degree requirements. This convenience affords
working individuals access to interdisciplinary
courses that prepare them to manifest skills
needed for graduate studies and careers in
criminal justice.
Carmen Johnson-Hardin, Ph.D. is the
first professor and Chair in the Criminal
Justice Department at Philander Smith
College. A Little Rock, Arkansas native, she
holds a Doctorate Degree in Public Policy
with a specialization in Criminal Justice from
the University of Arkansas. She also has a
Juris Doctorate from the William H. Bowen
School of Law at the University of Arkansas
at Little Rock, and a Bachelor’s Degree in
Psychology from Hendrix College.
Recognizing the need for criminal
justice staff and management positions in
Arkansas, the Criminal Justice major is a
key component of the Philander Forward
Movement, serving the College’s Mission “to
graduate academically accomplished students
who are grounded as advocates for social
justice, determined to change the world for
the better.” u
WISE-P3 Debuts Arkansas Coding Academy As Its First Initiative
THE PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE Center for
Workforce Innovation and Strategic Economic Public
Private Partnerships (WISE-P3) collaborates with an
alliance of business and education partners to provide
career and technical training to residents of Central
Arkansas. Keeping in step with its purpose, PSC’s first
WISE-P3 Program is the Arkansas Coding Academy
(ACA). In collaboration with the University of Central
Arkansas and area software companies, ACA addresses the
critical need for Information Technology (IT) employees.
With the explosion of data collection, companies need
experts capable of pulling insights out of raw numbers,
but there simply aren’t enough qualified people to
manage this deluge of information. “The Academy
focuses on creating a pipeline of talent for IT and ITrelated industries, including cyber security,” said Glenn
Sergeant, WISE-P3 Executive Director.
ACA offers short-term coding boot camps. Courses
are hands-on, immersing students in skills such as:
building flexible user interfaces for multiple device
operating systems (including Android and iOS), and
developing and debugging applications. Those who
complete the course are prepared for immediate placement
in careers such as: mobile device app developers, database
administrators, cyber security analysts, software code
developers, web application developer, and others.
According to Mary Dunlap, ACA Director, the
relationship between the Arkansas Coding Academy
and Philander Smith College is an extremely valuable
partnership. “Philander Smith has provided ACA an
opportunity to offer courses in Little Rock, which allows
our program the ability to serve multiple and differing
communities of students,” she remarked.
The first ACA cohort began classes on September 6,
2016, and completed the program on February 24, 2017.
The projected enrollment for the first cohort was 10;
actual enrollment was 14. Of this number, eleven were
males and three were females. Five African-Americans
were represented. From the first cohort, 10 successfully
completed the coursework, and six have transitioned to
new positions within the IT industry. The second cohort
began on September 26, 2017. u
Participants in the inaugural Arkansas Coding Academy
listen attentively during one of the learning events.
�Student Leadership
10
Student Government Association
The focus of the 2017-2018 Student Government Association (SGA) is
“Defining and Developing the Philander Man and Philander Woman.” One
of SGA’s points of pride is the increased number of members within SGA
who are new to campus leadership. The new members have expressed
much excitement about the opportunity to represent the PSC Student Body.
2017-2018 SGA OFFICERS
President
Russell R. Williams, III (Opelousas, LA)
Chaplain
Dustin Ford (Opelousas, LA)
Vice-President
Brittany Lognion (Opelousas, LA)
Chief of Staff
Damonte Saddler (Chicago, IL)
Vice-President of Finance
Sean Brandon (Brinkley, AR)
Director of Public Relations
Syntin Johnson (Little Rock, AR)
Secretary
Miyah Bell (Chicago, IL)
Constitutional Advisor
Aquann Williams (Houston, TX)
Sergeant-at-Arms
William Kelly (Kalamazoo, MI)
Philander Men and Women on the Move
Philander Smith College’s Pre-Alumni Council pose for a quick photo during the Annual UNCF
2017-2018 Mister and Miss Philander Smith College, John Bentley
National Alumni Council Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA.
and Brittany Taylor, pose for a photo during Chapel.
Top left: Philander Men Deshawn Dean, Joshua Lathan, Marquis Browder, and Jayln Jones
PSC Women Tiaara Anderson and
poses for a photo after the Philander Man Chapel; Top right: 2016-2017 SGA President, Michelle
Andrea Clark pose for a photo at the
Green, poses for a picture with 2016-2017 Mister and Miss Philander Smith College, Tarai Rolle
UNCF Headquarters in Washington,
and Nyashe Clark, after being presented with special gifts from President Roderick L. Smothers,
DC during their Summer Internship
Sr.; Bottom left: Philander Women Michelle Green and Aleah Randolph along with Philander
Experience.
Man Russell Williams, III participate in one of the Think Justice 2.0 Planning Meetings.
�11 Snapshots
Presiden
t Smothe
rs, in his
Coast Ath
role as P
letic Con
resident
ference,
of the Gu
CEO, and
with Jim
lf
Kent He
Carr, NA
nning, C
IA Presid
hair of th
ent/
e Counc
il of Pres
idents.
for Schools and
National Association
represents PSC at the
.
President Smothers
Meeting in Nashville
h (NASCUMC) Board
ited Methodist Churc
Colleges of the Un
Little
others with
President Sm
rs.
& Membe
Leadership
Rotary
Rock Metro
President Smothers
with Logan Hamp
ton, President of La
College, Rosalyn
ne
Clark Artis, Preside
nt of Benedict Un
and Kevin Rome,
iversity,
President of Fisk
College, at the 20
17
NAFEO Presidents
Summit.
h
invites Philander’s 11t
President Smothers
sident,
be Reed, and 12th Pre
Kib
President, Dr. Trudie
the College’s 140th
, back for
Dr. Walter Kimbrough
rs’ Day Program.
Anniversary Founde
President Smothers is honored with the Citation Award by The
National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.
Christian
the Southern
a panelist on
re with
rs serves as
othe
Pictured he
President Sm
HBCU Panel.
(Lane
ence (SCLC)
gan Hampton
ership Confer
Lead
College), Lo
Beckley(Rust
vid
llege)
Presidents Da
oyne Owen Co
ea Miller (LeM
ge) and Andr
Colle
LSRD Superinten
dent
Mike Poore visits
PSC in search of tea
cher candidates.
Raising PSC's Profile
The UNCF Members Presidents Prepare For A Day of Advocacy on Capitol Hill
Top: President Smothers in the
White House Briefing Room;
Right: President Smothers
Meets Vice President Mike
Left: President Smothers with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan; Center: President
Pence.
Smothers with Senator Tim Scott; Right: President Smothers with Secretary of Education
Betsy DeVos.
From Local Rotary to Washington D.C.
�Snapshots
President Smothers is
joined by Kimberly Pitt
s
(Daughter of Elijah Pitt
s) and Athletic Director
Nate
Cochran to present the
winning trophy at the
2017
Elijah Pitts Golf Tourna
ment.
.
with DC Area Alums
President Smothers
Alums Arne
ll Willis and
Dexter Booth
to the Philand
Pledge Supp
er Forward
ort
Vision.
2017 Living Legend
s
12
Honorees.
e for a photo
ML Harris Society pos
Members of the PSC
at the 2017 ML Harris
Society Dinner.
PSC Class of 1967
Celebrates 50 Years
.
ive
PSC’s Execut
.
ing Together
Cabinet Pray
the Ozell
Recipient of
Davis, 2017
dge Clifford
Alumnus Ju
al of Justice.
Sutton Med
The first reci
pient of the
Ozell Sutton
meets Mrs.
Endowed Sc
JoAnna Sutto
holarship, Ta
n and her da
rai Rolle,
Ward, Gene
ughter. They
ral Presiden
pose with D
t for Alpha Ph
r. Everett
i Alpha Frat
ernity, Inc.
ARD CHAIR
MEET OUR NEW BO
Moving The Legacy
ntlebury
Dr. Sherece West Sca
10 Years
(Center) celebrates
CEO of
as President and
feller
the Winthrop Rocke
tion with Community
Founda
kin (left)
Partners Heather Lar
Williams (right).
and Charlotte
Forward
Past Alumni Affair
s Director, Yvonne
Alexander, returns
with Alumni to vie
w African Art Exhib
it.
rman Davis
ociation President He
National Alumni Ass
i
gy with the new Alumn
s strate
visits campus to discus
for
Ficklin and Acting VP
Affairs Director Brenda
Cole.
Advancement Sericia
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
PSC Publications
Description
An account of the resource
The PSC Publications collection includes newspapers, journals, catalogs and annuals produced by the students, staff and faculty of Philander Smith College from 1899 to the present.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Philander Forward, Fall 2017
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Philander Smith College, Office of Institutional Advancement
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017
Description
An account of the resource
Philander Forward is a quarterly publication published by the Philander Smith College Office of Institutional Advancement. The newsletter was created to chronicle "the people who are contributing to the forward movement and success of Philander Smith College."
Subject
The topic of the resource
Philander Smith College (Little Rock, Ark.)
African American universities and colleges--Periodicals
Extent
The size or duration of the resource.
12 p.
Table Of Contents
A list of subunits of the resource.
<p>1. STUDENT SUCCESS: PRIORITY #1, THINK JUSTICE 2.0<br />RESULTS OF PSC'S SIGNIFICATE KEY AREAS<br />2. LONG-RANGE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES<br />3. 129TH COMMENCEMENT<br />4. 2017 SUMMER S.T.A.R.T. PROGRAM<br />6. YOUTH THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE<br />7. HONORS CONVOCATION, LSAMP CONFERENCE, 10 NEW STUDENT INITIATIVES<br />8. CYBER TECHNOLOGY DAY, ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM LAUNCHES, WISE-P3 PROGRAM'S FIRST INITIATIVE<br />9. STUDENT LEADERSHIP<br />10. SNAPSHOTS<br />11. SNAPSHOTS<br />12. SGA PRESIDENT PINS ARKANSAS GOVERNOR</p>
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
application/pdf
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
PhilanderForward_2017_Fall
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
<a title="Usage and Rights" href="https://pscdigitalarchive.omeka.net/use-and-rights-policy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">https://pscdigitalarchive.omeka.net/use-and-rights-policy</a>