Share
 
 
Spelman College Breaks Admissions Application Record

Disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the swift move from in-person learning to virtual education did not deter students from completing college applications.

This year, Spelman College received more than 11,000 applications for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle. The number represents the highest application pool in the College’s 140-year history, and a 20 percent increase over last year.

"The increased interest in Spelman is a testament to the College’s reputation of graduating Black women with a competitive edge who rise to leadership roles across industries and impact positive change in their communities," said Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., president of Spelman. "Our admissions team has done an excellent job of sharing our stellar outcomes with prospective students from across the nation. We are excited that these bright young minds are seizing the opportunity to experience our unique liberal arts education by applying to Spelman."

The overall academic profile of applicants to Spelman remained consistent over previous years, with an average GPA of a 3.8 and an average SAT score of 1203 for those that chose to have their scores reviewed. The College also saw a four percent increase in applications from Georgia natives.

"From founding inaugural Black student organizations at their high schools to advocating for voters’ rights in the 2020 presidential election, this applicant pool has been civically engaged, committed to leadership and dedicated to the very mission of Spelman College," said Chelsea Holley, interim director of admissions.


Former Microsoft CEO to Discuss COVID-19 and Its Impact on Jobs During Virtual Lecture

Steve Ballmer, former Microsoft CEO and founder of USAFacts, will join Dorian Brown Crosby, Ph.D., C'91, assistant professor of political science, for a candid conversation about the State of the Union in Numbers.

The event, hosted by the Department of Political Science, takes place at 4 p.m. EDT, Monday, March 29, on the
Zoom platform and will also include Nia Dumas, C'2022, the current director of leadership and civic engagement for Spelman’s Student Government Association.

USAFacts is a comprehensive source for data that provides a non-partisan, nonprofit look at data and trends in U.S. spending, revenue, demographics and policy outcomes.

Ballmer
became Microsoft’s CEO in 2000. During his 20-year tenure, Ballmer steered Microsoft to become the third most profitable company in the United States.

To
register, or for more information, visit Spelman.edu.

Founders Day Festivities to Commemorate 140th Anniversary

Spelman’s upcoming Founders Day programming will celebrate the College’s 140th anniversary through a week of virtual events.

"While we mainly remain physically distant, we are planning to bring the ceremonies and events to our community globally through virtual formats, while upholding our traditions," said Alyson Shumpert Dorsey, C'2002, senior alumnae programs manager in the Office of Alumnae Engagement. "This year’s theme, Undaunted: Founders Day @ Home, is a testament to the spirit in which Spelman was founded."

The festivities kick-off at 12 p.m. EDT, on Wednesday, April 7. Alumnae will have virtual access to events like Founders Day Fun, which will feature Spelman faculty and staff sharing their unique talents, historical and interactive fun facts and giveaways.

During the Alumnae Celebration, the College will recognize Judge Brenda Hill Cole, C’63, as the honorary degree recipient;  Gwendolyn Harris Middlebrooks, Ph.D., C’61 as the Founders Spirit awardee, and Nettie Ware will receive True Blue award.

The week will close out at 1 p.m. EDT, on Sunday, April 11, with the 140th Founders Day Convocation. The event will be streamed live on Spelman.edu, Facebook and YouTube.

Campus Highlights

Raquel Hill, Ph.D., faculty advisor for SpelBots and chair of the Computer and Information Sciences Department appeared on WABE's "Closer Look with Rose Scott" to discuss the lack of diversity in engineering.

Dr. Hill joined Krista Walton, Ph.D., associate dean of research for the College of Engineering at Georgia Tech, and Kristina Caldwell, professional engineer, educator, engineering consultant and author, for the roundtable discussion during National Engineers Week.

During the conversation, Dr. Hill shared that she became interested in being a computer scientist before ever meeting one.

"There is still a lot of work to do. I am not just a computer scientist for me," she said. "I am a computer scientist for those who want to be computer scientist, but have not come across any who look like them. When a role model is not there, it is hard to envision yourself doing in any role."
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Alumnae Highlights

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pepperdine University has selected J. Goosby Smith, Ph.D., C’86, as the institution's inaugural vice president for community belonging and chief diversity officer.

Dr. Smith will join Pepperdine on Tuesday, June 1.

Dr. Smith is no stranger to Pepperdine having served previously as an assistant professor of organizational behavior in the Seaver College Business Administration Division from 2002 to 2006, and then as a tenured associate professor of organizational behavior in the same division from 2011 to 2015.

The selection of Dr. Smith is part of the university's initiative to cultivate a community of deep belonging, and to build, and model a diverse, informed, loving and unified community at Pepperdine.
Staff Among Those who Support Spelman Ascends

April King, special assistant to the provost, and Alyson Dorsey, C’2002, senior alumnae programs manager in the Office of Alumnae Engagement, are just a few members of the Spelman staff who support the College through their giving.

"I give because I believe in our mission," said King during the campaign launch. "I believe that we are educating Black women to lead in our nation and in our world."

With a goal of $250 million, Spelman Ascends is focused on the strategic initiatives of increasing financial aid, endowing faculty professorships, funding a technology infrastructure transformation and building a Center for Innovation & the Arts that houses programs in the arts, innovation and entrepreneurship.

"I give because I get to see my Spelman sisters turn from scholars into subject matter experts," said Dorsey. "I know my gift makes it easier for their matriculation without having to worry about the financial burden of tuition."

To watch the campaign launch or to learn more, visit Spelman.edu.

 
Events
Spelman Scenes
Tell Us Your Story
Spelman College is known for educating global change agents, who are leaders in the classroom, in the community and in their careers. If you have an idea for a news story about Spelman faculty, staff, students or alumnae, we would love to hear about it. Submit your story ideas to  spelmanconnection@spelman.edu. Check out the submission guidelines for the weekly e-newsletter.
Don't miss out on the Spelman Connection! Subscribe today!
Visit our archive to read past issues of the Spelman Connection.
 
 
 
 
 
 
www.spelman.edu | (404) 681-3643 | Unsubscribe
 

Email Marketing by ActiveCampaign