Each of Arkansas' four historically black colleges has deep traditions in the state. The oldest of these is the University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff, which was founded in 1872 as the Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College. It is the largest of the schools, with more than 3,000 students. The other three HBC entities were founded in the years that followed. Philander Smith College was created in 1877. Arkansas Baptist College was founded in 1884, and Shorter College was established two years after that.
Throughout their history, the colleges have offered academic programs in a number of subjects. For instance, UAPB, as a land grant college, offers majors such as fisheries biology, agriculture, plant and soil science. Arkansas Baptist College and Philander Smith College, both Christian institutions, offer courses and degree programs in religious studies. Arkansas Baptist College also offers several programs designed specifically for African Americans striving for community leadership roles.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Arkansas Baptist College and Philander Smith College offer athletic programs that not only provide students with opportunities to excel, but also the community with events to attend. As the largest university of the four historically black colleges in Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has the largest program and is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. UAPB offers sports such as football, baseball, softball, volleyball, cross country, tennis and track and field. Arkansas Baptist fields teams in football, baseball, basketball, softball, track and field, softball and cheerleading. Philander students play sports such as basketball and volleyball.
Arkansas' historically black colleges have produced a number of noteworthy alumni. Among them are Danny K. Davis, a graduate of UAPB, who serves the 7th District of Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives. Dr. Joycelyn Elders, a graduate of Philander Smith, served the country as U.S. Surgeon General. Al Bell, also a Philander graduate, founded the famed Stax Record label in Memphis, Tennessee. Professional football players such as L.C. Greenwood and Greg Wesley both attended UAPB.