Presidential Pioneers

Sophia B. Packard

Sophia B. Packard and the Birth of Spelman College

Harriet E. Giles

The Impact of Harriet E. Giles; Empowering Black Women

Lucy Hale Tapley

Lucy Hale Tapley's service to Spelman spanned 37 years and elevated the founders' mission of academic excellence for Black women.

Florence M. Read

Florence Matilda Read exemplified and embodied the audacious leadership skills necessary to continue the vision of Spelman College's previous presidents.

Albert E. Manley, Ph.D

Dr. Albert E. Manley became the first Black and the first male president of Spelman College in 1953.

Donald M. Stewart, Ph.D.

In 1976, Dr. Donald M. Stewart became Spelman College's sixth president and would continue the tradition of academic excellence and the cultivation of leaders during his decade in office.

Johnnetta B. Cole, Ph.D.

In 1987, Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Ph.D., became Spelman College's seventh president and the first Black woman to lead the College that was founded specifically for the education of women of African descent.

Audrey F. Manley, MD, C'55

Dr. Audrey Forbes Manley became the first alumna to lead her beloved alma mater when she was appointed Spelman College's eighth president in 1997.

Beverly Daniel Tatum, Ph.D.

On August 1, 2002, scholar, teacher, author, administrator and race relations expert, Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum became the ninth president of Spelman College.

Mary Schmidt Campbell

On August 1, 2015, Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell began her tenure as the 10th president of Spelman College.

Helene D. Gayle

Helene D. Gayle, M.D., MPH, began serving as the 11th president of Spelman College on July 1, 2022.