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Spelman College: Pioneering Sustainability and Change Since 1881

01 April 2025 sandglass_2_line 2 minute read

Home Spelman College: Pioneering Sustainability and Change Since 1881

Spelman College has been a leader in sustainability and social change since its founding in 1881 as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary by Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles. The school, which began in the basement of Friendship Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Frank Quarles, has long been committed to ethical leadership and social justice. In 1884, the institution’s name changed to Spelman Seminary in honor of Mrs. Laura Spelman Rockefeller and her parents, Harvey Buel and Lucy Henry Spelman, longtime activists in the antislavery movement. This commitment continues today through Spelman's sustainability initiatives, community engagement efforts, and academic programs.

Understanding sustainability and how Spelman has prioritized sustainability since 1881 becomes clearer when viewed through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work and research at Spelman are deeply rooted in ethical leadership and social change, as reflected in our motto: "A Choice to Change the World." This guiding principle is a key reason why Spelman leads in sustainability and will continue to do so. Our message remains clear and consistent—we are an institution that produces and attracts global leaders who are committed to positive change.

Spelman's Contribution to the SDGs Through Academic Excellence

Spelman integrates sustainability into its curriculum to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address global challenges. Several courses accelerate sustainability and prepare students to lead in this field:

  1. Sustainable Development Course, taught by Kaiya Murphy, a leader in the energy and climate change sector, provides students with an in-depth understanding of sustainable practices and policies.
  2. Environmental Justice and Politics, led by Dr. Latoria Whitehead, PhD, MPH, explores the intersections of environmental justice, policy, and activism, preparing students to advocate for equitable environmental solutions.
  3. African Diaspora and the World, taught by multiple professors at Spelman, offers students a deeper understanding of the African diaspora, helping to eliminate biases that make sustainable development seem impractical or idealistic. By fostering a broader, more inclusive perspective, this course lays the foundation for equitable and effective sustainability efforts.
Continuing the Legacy of Service and Sustainability

The Bonner Office of Civic Engagement carries forward Spelman's legacy of community service by leading impactful engagement efforts that strengthen communities. Through its leadership, the campus has contributed hundreds of thousands of hours to initiatives that align with Spelman’s commitment to sustainability and social equity. Examples of Spelman’s community service initiatives include:

  • Spelhouse Tailgate Clean-Up, which promotes responsible waste management and recycling.
  • Sandwich Run with Lifting Our Voices AUC, addressing food insecurity and social equity.
  • Art on the Beltline Conservation Project, combining art, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.

Similarly, the Facilities Management and Services Department, under the leadership of Art Frazier, upholds Spelman's legacy of sustainability through green building projects and sustainable infrastructure initiatives. Key green building projects include:

  • Laura Spelman Dormitory, which houses our Social Justice Scholars.
  • The Wellness Center at Read Hall, home to the Sustainable Spelman Office.
  • Beverly Daniel Tatum Suites, Spelman’s first green building.
  • The Center for Innovation and the Arts, our newest green building.

Additional sustainability projects include our water cistern system that collects rainwater, LED lighting projects, campus-wide recycling programs, and composting initiatives in the cafeteria. Notably, Spelman in partnership with Bon Apetite and CompostNow has achieved a zero percent contamination rate for composting, meaning all the food composted is successfully converted into nutrient-rich soil.

Spelman College remains dedicated to sustainability, community engagement, and academic excellence. By integrating these principles into our curriculum and infrastructure, we continue to set a high standard for what it means to be a leader in sustainability and ethical leadership.