Like you, the Spelman College Board of Trustees is excited for the start of a new academic year. With new student orientation and the first week of classes completed, I thought it would be a good time to send greetings on behalf of the Spelman Board of Trustees and to share our enthusiasm for the start of a new academic year.
We want to add our voice to the chorus welcoming and applauding the Class of 2028. We know that you are remarkable women and outstanding learners. Congratulations to you and the circle of supporters (including many
alumnae) who helped get you through the Spelman gates.
To our sophomores, juniors, seniors, faculty and staff, we hope you enjoyed a restful and productive summer and are ready to tackle the ambitious agenda you have set for yourselves. The Spelman Board is also ready to enter this new year cognizant of the challenges and opportunities we face as a community fueled by the historic, current and future conditions that shape Spelman’s progress and promise. We look forward to fulfilling our duties and passion-driven commitment in partnership with you and the many stakeholders who help us fulfill our mission.
We are also excited about the launching of the new strategic plan, ElevatED: Empowering Excellence | Inspiring Change. Under President Gayle’s leadership and engaging our campus community, we have a vision for our future that we believe will continue to propel Spelman to even greater excellence. This year marks the initial phase of implementing this ambitious plan. I encourage all of you to take hold of the vision and help us make it a reality.
As an alumna, I am especially delighted to serve as
the Chair of the Board of Trustees. We have a Board made up of individuals who love Spelman and believe strongly in our mission. Leading by example, 100% of our trustees make a generous donation on an annual basis. They contribute their time and talent to fulfill the Board’s responsibility for the assets of the College including its human capital, property, business and financial affairs, as well as the overall fulfillment of the College’s mission and strategic direction. Equally as important, they are Spelman champions spreading the news of our remarkable students, faculty and alumnae and the collective impact of our choice to change the world.
Please join us in welcoming one new trustee and three new representatives to the Board. We have appointed newly elected Faculty Trustee, Dr. Angela Farris-Watkins, C’86, associate professor of psychology and director of Leadership and Civic Engagement Program (LEADS) here at Spelman to serve a three-year term. She succeeds Dr. Karen Brakke, who served the College with distinction. We are excited that Dr. Daria Valentine, C’2000, president of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College (NAASC), Ms. Simone Moales, C’2025, president of the Spelman Student Government Association (SSGA) and Dr. Danielle Dickens, C’2009, associate professor of psychology will serve as Alumna, Student and Faculty Representatives respectively. We look forward to the contributions these individuals will make to our deliberations and expect them to continue making a significant impact on the present and future of Spelman through their volunteer service.
Finally, I want to thank each of you who support the College in a variety of ways as donors, thought partners, volunteers, advocates and visionaries. We sincerely appreciate all that you sacrifice to make our beloved Spelman College one of our country’s renowned and transformative institutions. I look forward to continuing our work together.
Let’s have a positive, productive and prosperous year! Sincerely,
Lovette T. Russell, C’83 Chair, Spelman College Board of
Trustees
Office of the President 350 Spelman Lane Atlanta, GA 30314 Phone: 404-270-5001 Fax: 404-270-5010 presidentsoffice@spelman.edu https://www.spelman.edu/
