Spelman College has announced Helene Gayle, President and CEO of the Chicago Community Trust, as the institution’s 11th president.
An epidemiologist, Dr. Gayle has served in executive roles with the Centers for Disease Control, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and has been named among Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women.
In a release, trustees heralded Dr. Gayle’s career as a public health physician, government and nonprofit executive, and philanthropist.
Everyone expects Spelman’s president to be a leader and spokesperson on a range of topics including: higher education, HBCUs, women’s and liberal art colleges, gender equity and Black women’s leadership, as well as innovative thinking about teaching and learning. They expect that from the president, because Spelman College is regarded as a leader in these domains. At the same time, the Spelman community relies on the president to be the person who clears the way for them to achieve excellence, yet, who, also in times of crisis, selflessly, brings solace and comfort in a troubled world. As well, to balance the budget, maintain the college’s rankings, raise money and continue to keep the college ascending. Dr. Gayle meets these criteria.
Kaye Foster, Chair
Spelman College Presidential Search Committee
