Spelman College president to retire at end of school year

One of metro Atlanta’s historically Black colleges and universities will be under new leadership starting next year.

Spelman College President Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell announced Tuesday that she will retire on June 30, 2022.

The Board of Trustees will begin the formal search process for the college’s 11th president in the coming months. An announcement for the new president will be made by the spring.

“When I joined Spelman in 2015, I felt called to come and do my part to make a meaningful contribution to the 140-year history of this extraordinary College,” said Dr. Campbell. “I have loved every minute of serving as the president of this phenomenal institution and am proud to retire having made meaningful impacts on our academic strength, financial future and physical campus. While the decision to retire was not easy, I feel confident that Spelman is well-equipped to continue the work of building this community of purpose and preparing Black women to become global leaders who will choose to change the world.”

During her tenure as the college’s 10th president, Campbell set a goal of fundraising $250 million for Spelman and quickly exceeded that goal. Spelman’s endowment growth is now approaching $500 million.

Two of the biggest donations made recently to Spelman includes donations from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott and an undisclosed amount from LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson for the college’s performing arts center.