Philander Smith College, the historically black institution in Little Rock, has announced by news release today the abrupt resignation of President Johnny Moore to pursue “other personal and profesional opporutnities.” He’d been president only since July 2012. The college has supplied me with the news release.

Lloyd Hervey will be interim president.

There’ve been rumors in recent days of controversy at the college. I’m seeking College Board Chair Artee Williams for further information. The Board met today and established a search committee for a replacement.

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UPDATE: Williams returned my call. In response to my questions about reports received here of potential issues of controversy, he said: “All is well.” He said the campus is moving forward with all its initiatives, including completion of a new campus center, and that enrollment was growing. 

He referred questions to Moore, who’s no longer on campus, on reasons for his giving notice. I asked about possible budget issues. Williams said: “There is not a budget issue. Every small private college has budget challenges. So do public institutions. That’s standard.” Generally, he said of Philander currently, “We’re good.”

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The news release follows:

NEWS RELEASE

Dr. Johnny Moore has resigned as president of Philander Smith College in Little Rock to pursue other personal and professional opportunities. He had been working as president of Philander since July of 2012 and was formally invested May 3, 2013.

“While he is no longer president of Philander, Dr. Johnny Moore remains a valued alumnus and much-honored former athlete, with strong ties to our college,” said Board Chairman Artee Williams.

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The Board of Trustees will soon initiate a nationwide search for a 14th president for Philander Smith College. Interim President Lloyd E. Hervey, Ed.D., will work with faculty, students, alumni and donors to continue Philander’s mission to graduate academically accomplished students who are grounded as advocates for social justice, determined to intentionally change the world for the better.

Founded in 1877, Philander Smith College in downtown Little Rock is a private, residential, co-educational, four-year, historically African American undergraduate liberal arts college known nationally for its social justice initiative and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Philander Smith College has more than 500 students working toward four degrees: bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of business administration, and bachelor of social work.

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