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.