The Philander Smith College board of trustees has selected the vice president of advancement at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, as the new president of the Little Rock college.
Roderick Smothers, 41, will start in January and succeeds interim President Lloyd Hervey, who has led the historically black college since February. Hervey replaced Johnny Moore, who abruptly left the post after less than two years to "pursue other personal and professional opportunities."
"Over the last few months, Philander Smith College has had a mantra of 'Moving Forward.' Dr. Roderick Smothers is the right choice to continue the institution's forward movement, to build upon its rich heritage and to sustain its esteemed legacy," said Artee Williams, chairman of the college's board.
"With a stellar 20-year career in higher education -- a majority of which has been at historically black colleges and universities -- the board believes Dr. Smothers is ideally suited to lead Philander Smith College into a preeminent future."
Smothers earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Louisiana State University. In addition, he holds a master's in public administration with a concentration in higher education administration from Louisiana State University and a doctorate in educational leadership, research and counseling from Louisiana State University.
The appointment follows an extensive national search.
State Desk on 10/02/2014