Philander Smith University

SITUATION OVERVIEW:

ZRG has been engaged to recruit a Vice President for Institutional Advancement for Philander Smith University, a small, privately supported, historically black four-year liberal arts institution related to the Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the UnitedMethodist Church.

ABOUT PHILANDER SMITH UNIVERSITY:

Founded in 1877, Philander Smith University is a small, privately  supported, historically Black, four-year liberal arts institution related to  the Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. The University currently offers four undergraduate degrees -- the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Business  Administration, and the Bachelor of Social Work -- and one graduate degree,  the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Its mission is "to graduate academically accomplished students,  grounded as advocates for social justice, determined to change the world for  the better." As the only United Negro College Fund member institution in Arkansas,  Philander Smith University strives to provide a quality education for all  regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin or ethnic background. Philander Smith University is the result of the first attempt west of  the Mississippi River to make education available to freedmen (former African  American slaves).

HISTORY

In 1882, Dr. G.W. Gray, president of Little RockUniversity, the institution for the Arkansas Annual Conference of the UnitedMethodist Church, met Mrs. Adeline Smith, widow of Mr. Philander Smith of OakPark, Ill., while soliciting funds. The late Philander Smith had been a liberal donor to Asiatic Missions and had developed an interest in the work of the church in the South. In making her gift to Dr. Gray, Mrs. Smith designated$10,500 for Walden Seminary. The trustees accepted the gift and gave it special recognition by changing the name of the struggling Walden Seminary to PhilanderSmith College. A new site for the school had already been purchased at Eleventh and Izard Streets. The gift made by Mrs. Smith was a significant contribution towards the construction of Budlong Hall, the first brick building on the new site.

Chartered as a four-year college in1883, the institution awarded its first baccalaureate degree in 1888. Over the next several decades, leadership passed from its first president, Rev. ThomasMason, to successive presidents including Rev. James Monroe Cox and Rev. GeorgeCollins Taylor, who helped shape the college’s early growth.

Under Dr. M.L. Harris, who became president in 1936, the campus expanded significantly, including the purchase of the adjacent Little Rock Junior College site in 1948, and the college achieved full accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in1949. Leadership continued to evolve with Dr. Roosevelt David Crockett, Dr.Earnest Dixon, Dr. Walter R. Hazzard, Dr. Grant S. Shockley, and Dr. Hazo W.Carter guiding the institution through mid-20th-century growth. Dr. Myer L.Titus, Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed—the college’s first female president—and subsequent leaders, including Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough and Dr. Johnny Moore, carried the college into the 21st century.

In recent years, Philander Smith expanded academically and institutionally. The college launched its first graduate program, the MBA, in 2023, and in August 2023, it officially becamePhilander Smith University, the only HBCU in Central Arkansas with university status. Leadership has continued to evolve with interim presidents, includingCynthia A. Bond Hopson, Ph.D., in 2023 and Dr. Maurice D. Gipson in 2024, guiding the university through this new chapter in its history.

POSITION:

The Vice President for Institutional Affairs will be responsible for directing an effective and cohesive unit that includes development, alumni affairs, sponsored programs, public affairs, including college-wide marketing and communications, and special events. This senior administrator ensures a coordinated approach to development and public affairs among the departments, supporting the top strategic priorities.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

• Manage all giving programs, which include: capital, annual, alumni and planned gifts;
• Increase fundraising through capital campaigns, scholarship endowment, major gifts, planned gifts, and alumni cultivation;
• Develop a comprehensive fundraising unit that integrates faculty, staff, students, and Board of Trustees in multiple fundraising initiatives;
• Supervise directors and staff members in the Office of Institutional Advancement;
• Identify donor prospects as well as provide appropriate and timely follow-up;
• Cultivate donor prospects for the President’s participation;
• Develop a comprehensive Alumni Giving Program;
• Assess the full scope of fundraising, as well as provide annual evaluation and goals for periods of one, three and five year plans and programs;
•  Attend convocations, faculty and staff meetings as well as other official meetings of the College; and
• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Institutional Advancement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• A history of demonstrated success in development, including capital campaign  experience, preferably in higher education;
• High level communication skills to express, both orally and in writing, the mission and fundraising goals of the college;
• Experience with managing a budget;
• Strategic planning skills and competencies in advancement planning, capital campaign oversight, endowment and fiscal management, stakeholder cultivation, as well as personnel management;
• Demonstrated success in building programs and initiatives for sustainable donor relationships;
• Ability to work effectively with campus administrators and campus constituencies;
• Experienced in managing all fundraising roles with particular emphasis on fundraising activities of the President;
• Experience and demonstrated success with integrated marketing and communications,
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with the president, trustees,  cabinet members, deans, faculty, administrators, students, alumni, community leaders, volunteers, and donors;
• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively as a member of the college’s senior  leadership team;
• Ability to travel and be present for special events on evenings and weekends;
• Ability to develop effective long and short range strategic plans. Intellectual depth, moral integrity, vision, energy, and creativity;
• Enthusiasm, drive, motivational ability, willingness to take risks, and competitive spirit; a passion for relationship building and fund; and
• Understanding of and experience with marketing and communications.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•  A Doctorate Degree is preferred, but not required;
• Applicants will have a minimum of 10 years experience in higher education fundraising or fundraising in a non-profit environment;
• A minimum of five years in a senior level administrative position;
• Outstanding relationship building and collaboration skills to work with a diverse constituency;
• Knowledge of best practices and the ability to apply them ininnovative ways;
• Success identifying and securing individual and foundation support;
• Strong supervisory experience that demonstrates the ability to lead, coach, and develop staff;
• A self-starter who seeks and seizes opportunity;
• Experience with on-line fundraising and social media;
• Command of knowledge and behaviors relating to legal aspects offundraising and obligations to donors;
• Understand and interpret the needs of Philander Smith Collegethrough multiple venues, including the Board of Trustees, President’sAdministrative Council, faculty, staff, students, alumni, community partners,and other appropriate constituent groups;
• Success identifying and securing individual and foundationsupport; and
• Experience with on-line fundraising and social media.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT:

Dr. Maurice D. Gipson
President and Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Maurice D. Gipson was appointed the15th President and CEO of Philander Smith University in May 2025, after serving as Interim President starting in August 2024. He previously spent four years on the Philander Smith Board of Trustees, where he held leadership positions including Chair of the Governance Committee and Vice Chair of the Board.

Dr. Gipson most recently served as theVice Chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity at the University ofMissouri and was a faculty member in the Department of History and theDepartment of Black Studies. In this role, Dr. Gipson served as an executive for the 30,000-plus student flagship campus in Columbia, Missouri.

Additionally, he directed and led the activities of the Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity with a staff of over 120 and a multi-million budget. Prior to that, he was the Vice Chancell or for Diversity and Community Engagement and an instructor of history at ArkansasState University in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Dr. Gipson boasts over a decade of experience in higher education executive leadership and has worked in almost every facet of higher education administration. As both a researcher and practitioner, he has focused on student success, access initiatives, faculty recruitment/retention, and strategic leadership. His efforts have culminated in numerous awards and recognitions.

Besides his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Gipson has been an active faculty member teaching classes on the Black Freedom Struggle, History of Black Nationalism and AfricanAmerican History. Most recently, he presented his scholarship at the international conference on Black Power in Frankfurt, Germany and is currently working on his first book which chronicles the Black Freedom Struggle in Arkansas.

A native of Ferriday, Louisiana, Dr.Gipson is a graduate of Louisiana State University and received his JurisDoctor from Southern University Law Center with an emphasis on civil rights. In addition to being a licensed attorney, he holds a master’s degree in history from Missouri State University and a Ph.D. in history from the University ofMississippi. Along with his leadership experiences at the University ofMissouri and Arkansas State University, Dr. Gipson has worked in different capacities at several universities, including the University of Texas-Austin,Wiley College, and Huston-Tillotson University.

Outside of work, Dr. Gipson enjoys spending time with his lovely wife Jasmine, a Little Rock native, theirbeautiful daughter Morgan Marie, and their dog Nova.

WHY IS THIS A COMPELLING POSITION?

Joining Philander Smith University offers the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team advancing the mission of one of the nation’s historicHBCUs. Employees play a vital role in transformative work that impacts students, the community, and higher education at large. Philander SmithUniversity is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, welcoming talented professionals from all backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Working here means engaging in meaningful work within a supportive environment where every team member helps shape the future of the university and its students.

Philander Smith University is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within their workplace. They welcome applications from all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local laws. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, termination, and training.

LOCATION:

Little Rock, the capital city  of Arkansas, sits gracefully along the south bank of the Arkansas River.  Known for its rich history, the city played a pivotal role in the Civil  Rights Movement, most famously with the Little Rock Nine integrating Central  High School in 1957.

Today, Little Rock blends its  historic charm with modern growth, featuring a vibrant downtown filled with  cultural attractions, museums, parks, and a thriving food scene. The city  also serves as a hub for government, education, and business in the state,  offering a unique mix of southern hospitality and urban energy. Its scenic  riverfront, historic neighborhoods, and nearby natural beauty make it a  compelling destination for visitors and residents alike.

PHILANDER SMITH UNIVERSITY IN THE NEWS:

PSU Receives Historic $19 Million Gift fromPhilanthropist Machenzie Scott

Philander Smith University Receives HLCApproval to Launch Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

PSU Receives 10-Year Reaffirmation ofAccreditation from HLC

Maurice D. Gipson, J.D., PH.D. is Appointed15^th President & CEO of Philander Smith University

‘Dress for Success’ Collaboration Suits PSUScholars

INTERVIEW PROCESS:

ZRG provides our global Clients with a rigorous and patented assessment platform grounded in data and analytics. Our interview process includes the following:

1.  Initial interviews with ZRG

2. ZRG presentation of candidates to Client for calibration and discussion; Client selects candidates for consideration and initial interviews

3. Candidates complete ZRG’s on-line assessment

4. Finalist candidates advance to second and third round interviews with broader leadership team

5. Formal referencing

6. Offer extended

ABOUT ZRG PARTNERS:

ZRG is a global talent advisory firm that is changing the way companies hire and manage talent. ZRG’s data-driven approach to executive and professional search has been changing the way clients think about how to find top talent. The company’s digital Zi platform combines talent intelligence, candidate insights, and process improvement to dramatically deliver executive searches quicker and with proven better results.

Dakota Doman
Managing Director
ddoman@zrgpartners.com
+1.832.202.7281

 Dakota Doman is a dynamic and visionary executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning higher education administration, executive search, organizational strategy, and governmental affairs. He is a Managing Director in ZRG’s Education Practice, bringing a comprehensive perspective on leadership needs within academic institutions, especially Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

 Before ZRG, Dakota was the President andManaging Principal of TM2 Executive Search, the only search firm founded to provide executive talent solutions to HBCUs, where his work focused on inclusive leadership recruitment, strategic talent pipelines, and governance transformation, contributing to successful placements in C-suite and senior academic roles across the country. Under his leadership, TM2 was nationally recognized for reshaping the executive hiring landscape for historically underserved institutions, and Dakota was featured in the February Black HistoryMonth edition of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, a national publication spotlighting leaders advancing equity and access in higher education.

 Prior to leading TM2, Dakota was unanimously appointed by the Texas Southern University (TSU) Board of Regents as the Acting Chief Executive Officer.

He joined TSU initially as Chief ofStaff and Chief Governmental Affairs Officer, where he spearheaded critical university initiatives including legislative engagement at municipal, state, and federal levels, Title III program development, institutional effectiveness, strategic partnerships, and transformative planning.

 Across his career in higher education,Dakota has served as an executive administrator, strategist, academician, researcher, and public policy analyst. He is widely regarded for his ability to bridge the gap between institutional mission and strategic execution—especially in environments navigating complex change.

Dakota has served as an executive administrator, strategist, academician, researcher, and public policy analyst.He is widely regarded for his ability to bridge the gap between institutional mission and strategic execution, especially in environments navigating complex change.

 A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Dakota has delivered over 100 national presentations on topics including:

• The future of leadership at HBCUs
• Organizational transformation in higher education
• Talent acquisition and executive search strategies
• Student success and institutional effectiveness

His insights have helped boards, presidents, and senior leaders reimagine talent and leadership frameworks that foster innovation and inclusion.

Dakota earned both his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Lamar University, followed by a Doctorate in Higher EducationAdministration from Texas Tech University. He also holds an AdvancedCertificate in Executive Talent from Cornell University ILR School—under scoring his formal training in leadership assessment, executive search strategy, and talent development. He is also a member of several national organizations supporting inclusive excellence in executive hiring practices.

Outside of work, Dakota is an avid golfer and passionate snowboarder, finding both challenge and renewal in these pursuits. His balance of professional rigor and personal joy reflects his holistic approach to leadership and life.

Link to complete bio for Dakota Doman.

‍

Jerel Booker
Principal
jbooker@zrgpartners.com
+1.512.203.1938

Jerel Booker is a senior executive and talent strategist with more than two decades of leadership experience driving organizational performance, strengthening leadership pipelines, and advancing mission-critical priorities across higher education, K–12 systems, government, and the nonprofit sector. He most recently served as Associate ManagingPrincipal and Chief Operating Officer at TM² Executive Search, where he led national searches, particularly for Historically Black Colleges andUniversities (HBCUs), and oversaw enterprise operations, aligning people, processes, and technology to accelerate firm-wide growth and deliver measurable client impact.

Jerel’s career includes influential leadership roles across state and institutional systems. He has served asAssociate Vice President at Coppin State University, Executive Director ofStand for Children Texas, and Associate Commissioner for Educator Quality andStudent Policy Initiatives at the Texas Education Agency. Earlier in his career, he served on the staff of the Governor of Maryland, where he was responsible for government relations policy related to K–12 education, higher education, criminal justice, and minority business development. He also served as Assistant Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Higher Education CoordinatingBoard, directing division operations, staffing, and statewide institutional compliance across core statutory areas. His leadership portfolio spans program budgeting, human capital, technology, contracts, marketing, and enterprise risk management, reflecting a career dedicated to building systems, improving performance, and expanding equitable opportunities at scale.

Jerel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master ofScience in criminology from the University of Baltimore, and a Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law.

Link to complete bio for Jerel Booker.

‍