Maurice Gipson Appointed Permanent President of Philander Smith University

Having served as interim president since August 2024, Dr. Maurice Gipson, Esq. has been appointed to the post on a permanent basis following a national search.

Gipson previously held leadership positions at Arkansas State University, the University of Texas at Austin, Wiley University, and Huston-Tillotson University.

Like some other lawyer presidents, Gipson also previously served a four-year term on Philander Smith's Board of Trustees, where he chaired the Governance Committee and served as vice chairman.

He holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Mississippi, a Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center, a master's degree in history from Missouri State University, and graduated from Louisiana State University. He is a licensed attorney.

Marva Johnson Appointed Next President of FAMU

Marva Johnson was appointed as the 13th President of Florida A & M University in a controversial vote. She has been a corporate lobbyist and  the vice president of sate government affairs for Charter Communications, with significant political connections. However, because she has had no prior experience working in higher education, many opposed the appointment. Johnson has had significant public service including in 2014 former Florida Governor Scott appointed her to the Florida Board of Education.

Johnson earned her JD from the University of Georgia School of Law.

James B. Milliken Selected to Lead the University of California 10-campus System

An experienced “system” president, James B. Milliken has been appointed as President of the University of California beginning in August 2025.

Most recently, he served as chancellor of the University of Texas system, where he also held the Lee Hage and Joseph D. Jamail Regents Chair in Higher Education Leadership.   Prior to that, he was the chancellor for The City University of New York, and President of the University of Nebraska.

Prior to entering academia, Milliken was engaged in the private practice of law with Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP.  Milliken earned a JD from New York University School of Law.