September 27 : Spelman Recognized as 2022 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader

Spelman College, along with 18 other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), was recognized last week as a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years.The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) established the Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders Initiative to recognize and commend the strong partnership between the Fulbright Program and HBCUs. The program’s goal to encourage all HBCUs to increase their engagement with Fulbright to support studying and conducting research abroad and access valuable international experiences.To view the full release and learn more about the Fulbright Program, visit the ECA Highlights website.

This year, the Spelman College Education Department is commemorating 130 years of teacher preparation."Teacher training is one of the oldest major options on campus and has remained a consistent presence on campus since 1892," said Andrea Lewis, Ph.D., C’96, associate professor in the Education Department and director of the Student Success Program.To officially kick off the year-long celebration, the Education Department hosted a gathering last week to remember the history of teacher preparation efforts at Spelman while looking at the current state of the department and highlighting some of the College’s most memorable educators. In addition, the event featured a teacher induction program – a particularly meaningful moment at a time during the current nationwide teacher shortage."The United States is experiencing a decline in the number of Black teachers in districts across the nation," said Lewis. "Given the shortage of Black teachers, our programs will add quality teachers to classrooms across America."For more information, visit the Education Department page.

As part of the virtual 2022 HBCU Futures Conference (September 22-30), Spelman students are invited to participate in Student Success Day on Friday, September 30, 2022.During the day of informative programming, participants will have the opportunity to get valuable career and financial health tips from JPMorgan Chase while also learning about the company’s various internship, fellowship and career opportunities. In addition, registered students can receive a free lunch voucher and will be eligible for laptop and book scholarships.To register and learn more, visit the 2022 HBCU Futures Conference website.

As part of the celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Spelman Independent Scholars (SIS) Oral History Project presented Dancing with the Elders on September 16, 2022, on the Manley Patio during Market Friday.The event, offering attendees the opportunity to dance with the women of the Edeliegba Senior Dance Ensemble, not only offered a unique experience rooted in womanhood, but it directly tied to the work of the SIS Oral History Project.Founded on September 7, 2002, SIS is the only project in the nation that has published two student-edited anthologies of interviews with African American women elders of the South and an online journal of student research that opens the lens of age.For more information, visit the SIS Oral History Project page.

Three Spelman students recently competed on season two of NBC’s "Capital One College Bowl."In this exciting battle of the brains, Annaya Baynes, C'2023, Maya Leflore, C'2025, and Hailey Jones, C'2025, represented Spelman College against Albany State University for the game show trophy and $1 million in scholarships.There are 16 teams slated to represent some of the nation’s top institutions in a five-round tournament covering various subjects. Episodes will be available for streaming on Peacock. For more information on the competition, visit NBC’s Capital One College Bowl website.

Last week, Spelman students had the opportunity to attend two very special assemblies.On Thursday, award-winning actor, comedian and business owner Kevin Hart visited Spelman College to lead a heart-felt conversation on financial literacy, wealth building, career and entrepreneurship pathways. Hart shared his financial experiences to promote the importance of staying financially fit.On Friday, recording artists and producers, Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile graced the stage of Sisters Chapel to engage in the importance of civic engagement and the power of voting. The event, was sponsored by Femme It Forward and Live Nation as part of the Women and the United State of Women’s Beautiful Noise: When All Women Vote Week of Action in Atlanta.

For long-term leader and community mainstay, Margaret Rucker Sheftall, C’59, 2022 has been a year of receiving her flowers – and awards – for her commitment to serving others.The career educator and advocate, who served on the Maroon & White Court in 1958, was honored for her contributions in Bibb County, Georgia on April 16, 2022 – the date locally designated as Margaret Rucker Sheftall Day. In addition, Sheftall was presented The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her years of dedicated volunteer service on behalf of the Biden Administration.She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Bibb County Retired Teachers Association. She also served as a founding member of the Macon Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc.Coupled with her achievements, Sheftall stands at the helm of an extensive Spelman legacy of daughters and granddaughters, including Sheila Sheftall Cannon, M.D., C'83; Kim Sheftall Humphries, Esq. C’84; Candice Cannon Rudd, Esq. C’ 2011; and Raquelle Star Cannon, C’ 2021, as well as numerous nieces and cousins.