Sept. 14: Spelman Moves Up Several Spots in U.S. News & World Report's Rankings, Remains No. 1 HBCU

Spelman Jumps Several Spots in U.S. News & World Report’s College Rankings, Remains No. 1 HBCU

Spelman College moved up on multiple 2021 U.S. News & World Report college ranking lists. The College has increased its standing from No. 57 to No. 54 in the National Liberal Arts rankings. Five years ago, Spelman was No. 77. The rise in rankings is a testament to the College’s continuing efforts to improve its academic outcomes.

Spelman is also listed as No. 4 on the list of Top Performers in Social Mobility, up from No. 6 last year. For the 14th year in a row, Spelman is the No. 1 historically Black college or university in the country. Up from No. 22 in 2020, the College has risen to No. 19 on the list for Undergraduate Teaching for National Liberal Arts Colleges.

Spelman jumped 13 places, from No. 76 last year to No. 63 this year, on the list of First Year Experiences and is No. 10 on the list of Most Innovative Schools of National Liberal Arts Colleges.

"U.S. News & World Report’s rankings acknowledge the quality academic experience our outstanding faculty provide our students," said Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., Spelman president. "We are especially proud of the recognition of undergraduate teaching, academic innovation and our ability to be effective as agents of social mobility."

CNBC Talks to One Spelman Student About What Issues Will be Important to Her on Election Day

While there are a number of issues Amoré Daniels, C’2023, will be considering when she goes to vote on Election Day 2020, there are two that will be front and center in her mind: women’s rights and police brutality.

This November, Daniels, a computer science major, will be voting for the very first time.

Recently, the 19-year-old appeared on CNBC where she shared her thoughts on the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, and why it is even more important today for her to exercise her right to vote.

"I would like to think that the right candidate would understand that descendants of those who built this country simply don’t want an apology for what has happened in the past," said Daniels. "But we would like acknowledgment from the country that will allow us to move forward and have success and progress as a community."

Daniels was among a group of first-time voters featured in CNBC’s, ‘The 19th amendment means everything’: 5 first-time voters on 100 years of women’s suffrage and the 2020 election." While the 19th amendment allowed women the right the vote, it was not until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that Black women, and all Black Americans in general, were granted voting rights.

To familiarize yourself with important upcoming election dates, including deadlines to register to vote and more, visit USA Vote Foundation.

Spelman to Highlight Black Corporate Women During "Courageous Conversations" Series

In recognition of the sea change around equity in the corporate landscape, Spelman is hosting a series of virtual conversations to highlight the roles Black women are playing in today’s shifting corporate environment.

"Courageous Conversations: Black in the C-Suite," will feature in-depth conversations with Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., president of Spelman, and distinguished guests.

The inaugural conversation takes place at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, and will feature Robin Washington, the former executive vice president and chief financial officer of Gilead Sciences, Inc., a research-based biopharmaceutical company.

Washington will share her corporate and personal journey, experience working through crisis and her insight on the opportunities for Black women leaders as equity becomes more valuable across professions.

For more information and to register for the event visit Spelman.edu.

Two Spelman Students Selected for American Heart Association Scholars Program

Jandolyn Washington, C’2022, and NaSiya Taylor, C’2023, have been selected to represent Spelman as members of the 2020-2021 class of the America Heart Association Historically Black Colleges and Universities Scholars Program.

"Spelman’s Health Careers Program recognizes the importance of applied experiences for students that help support both their academic and career development," said Rosalind Gregory-Bass, Ph.D., Health Careers Program director. "Spelman and the American Heart Association are committed to the training of future clinicians and thought leaders in healthcare."

The goal of the HBCU Scholars Program is to create a diverse pool of exceptionally prepared and academically strong students who are ready to engage in the health professions.

"This program aligns with my personal belief in the importance of getting more representation for African Americans in medicine while offering us both research experience and mentorship to improve our knowledge and skillsets," said Washington. "I am confident that this will be an amazing year, despite the circumstances."

Alumna Named to Distinguished Candler School of Theology Professor Position

Marla F. Frederick, Ph.D., C’94, was named the Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Religion and Culture at Candler School of Theology, Emory University during Candler’s Fall Convocation on August 27.

A leading ethnographer, Dr. Frederick employs an interdisciplinary approach to examine the overlapping spheres of religion, race, gender, media, politics and economics.

Asa Griggs Candler professorships were established to recruit and honor distinguished senior scholars with a history of outstanding research, teaching and service. Across Emory, 23 scholars hold this distinguished chair.

Dr. Frederick, who joined the faculty in fall 2019 after 16 years at Harvard University, is the first Asa Griggs Candler Professor at Candler School of Theology in nearly 30 years.