Spelman College Board of Trustees has unanimously and enthusiastically elected Helene D. Gayle, M.D., MPH, as the 11th president of Spelman College. Board President Rosalind Gates Brewer shared the announcement on Monday, April 25th, with the Spelman community.
Dr. Gayle is currently president and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust, one of the nation’s oldest and largest community foundations. Her appointment is effective July 1, 2022, following the completion of Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell’s seven years of outstanding leadership and service.
“Dr. Gayle joins Spelman during a period of momentous change in higher education. The College’s unique history, mission, and proven success provide a solid foundation from which I am confident she will build upon and chart a clear and bold direction for the future. The next phase of Spelman’s growth calls for a visionary with a solid administrative track record to further elevate Spelman’s leadership on issues of critical importance to our nation and indeed our world. Issues such as college affordability, access, and success; technology innovation; the arts, entrepreneurship; the value of a liberal arts and sciences education; global integration; health and wealth disparities; social justice; and many more,” Brewer said.
Members of the Presidential Search Committee (PSC), led by Trustees Kaye Foster and Gena Hudgins Ashe, C’83, conducted a months-long search to identify a leader who embodies the Spelman mission of academic excellence and global leadership, and whose experience and expertise will build on the College’s momentum in key areas.
Brewer continued, “Dr. Gayle is a true scholar with exemplary skills to guide us as we fulfill our distinctive role of developing and supporting women leaders of African descent who intentionally make “a choice to change the world” in meaningful ways.”
Read more about Dr. Gayle’s Atlanta connections in Board Chairman Brewer’s full statement here.
**Photo Source: Spelman College
