Philander Smith College President Roderick Smothers has accepted a unanimous offer from the institution’s board of trustees of a five-year contract extension, and will withdraw as a finalist in the Alabama A&M University presidential search.
Smothers, who has served at Philander Smith since 2014, is credited with raising the profile and performance of Little Rock’s flagship private liberal arts Black institution.
Fundraising, enrollment increase and community outreach have been hallmarks of his administration and the catalyst for his appeal to other institutions, according the trustees.
“It is no secret that Dr. Smothers had been announced as a finalist for the presidency at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama,” said Sherece West-Sacntlebury. The Philander Smith College Board of Trustees is pleased, however, to share that following an extension of his contract that was voted upon at our meeting on Friday, September 24th, Roderick L. Smothers, Sr. will continue to helm the presidency at our institution.”
“By virtue of the fact that Dr. Smothers is an effective administrator with a proven track record of success, his skillset is sure to garner attention from other institutions. As such, we are delighted that the Board’s vote of confidence in the efficacy of his leadership has ensured that he will continue to work toward moving Philander Forward.”
Alabama A&M is expected to announce a presidential finalist after delaying the decision for two weeks following final public interviews with trustees.
