Spelman president taking leave of absence, ex-chair of board of trustees appointed as interim

Dr. Helene D. Gayle, who became the 11th president of Spelman College in July 2022, is taking a personal leave of absence effective immediately. In her absence, Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, the former chair of the school’s board of trustees and a new limited partner with the Atlanta Falcons, will step in as interim president. This announcement was made by the college on Friday.

Lovette T. Russell, chair of the Board of Trustees, emphasized the commitment to maintaining continuity during this transition, assuring that institutional operations will proceed as usual. In a letter to the Spelman community, Russell expressed gratitude for their continued support and indicated that any relevant updates would be shared as they arise. The college released a separate statement reaffirming its dedication to its core values and prioritizing the well-being of its community.

Details surrounding the reason for Gayle’s leave were not disclosed, and the college requested respect for her privacy.

Dr. Gayle, who is 69 years old, made history as Spelman’s first medical doctor to lead the institution, which is widely regarded as one of the top historically Black colleges for women in the nation. She previously held prominent roles, including as the CEO of CARE USA and contributed to federal COVID-19 vaccine outreach efforts.

Rosalind Brewer, a 1984 Spelman graduate, has an extensive background in leadership, having served as the former president and CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance and COO of Starbucks. During her tenure on Spelman’s board, she oversaw two of the college’s most successful fundraising campaigns and has worked with three presidents.

In her message to the board, Brewer emphasized her commitment to guiding Spelman through this transition, maintaining stability, and ensuring that the needs of students are met. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to an institution that has played a significant role in her own life.