Spelman College opens Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts
Spelman College recently announced the opening of the Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts.
The new building designed by Studio Gang, the international architecture and urban design firm led by Jeanne Gang, will provide students at the historically Black college with a cross-disciplinary and collaborative learning environment. Dedicated to the arts and STEM, the Center will create new opportunities for women of African descent to excel in fields where they are often underrepresented.
The Center is the first new academic facility at Spelman in nearly 25 years. It is also the first building located beyond the gates of Spelman’s historic campus and establishes new connections between the College and the Westside Atlanta community.
“We are beyond excited to officially open the Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts, a transformative space that will empower Spelman students and inspire the next generation of leaders poised to become the next technologists, inventors, and entrepreneurs,” said Rosalind ‘Roz’ Brewer, C’84, Spelman College interim president and chair emerita of the Spelman Board of Trustees. “By merging the arts and STEM, the Center will offer a dynamic, cross-disciplinary environment where creativity and innovation can flourish. This is not just a building — it is a statement of our ongoing commitment to excellence, modernization and community impact.”
— Derek Prall
New superintendent for MLK historic district speaks to Westside
Reginald Chapple became the new superintendent of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and Preservation District last August, succeeding Judy Forté, who retired after 17 years in that role.
Chapple, originally from Los Angeles, participated in a fireside chat with John Ahmann, president and CEO of the Westside Future Fund, at the monthly Transform Westside Summit on April 18. He spoke about the MLK Jr. Park’s acquisition and plans for 234 Sunset Ave., the house where the King family was living when the civil rights leader was killed in 1968.
The National Park Service was able to acquire both King’s birth home and 234 Sunset in 2016 thanks to a donation from Robert F. Smith, the Black billionaire who also gave the commencement address at Morehouse College in 2019 surprising graduating seniors saying he would pay off their student debt.
Chapple said the NPS hopes to have the house on Sunset fully operational by 2029 when King would have turned 100 years old. The plan is to turn it into a house museum, but first NPS is seeking input from the community about what the public would like to see. For example, should King’s car remain in the garage as it was when he was alive.
In all, the NPS King district encompasses 15 buildings, mainly along Auburn Avenue.
“The MLK national park is about preserving the places where Dr. King was born, lived, worshipped and worked,” Chapple said. “We know neighborhoods change. That doesn’t mean we can’t lay history on top of places.”
As for 234 Sunset, Chapple said: “We want it to be a beacon.”
— Maria Saporta
Ownership at Jackson Spalding becomes more diverse
One of the top public relations firms in Atlanta, Jackson Spalding, crossed a milestone when it named Monica Corbett as an owner and partner.
Corbett is the first person of color to become a partner in the firm, founded 30 years ago. Her addition to the firm also means women make up a majority of Jackson Spalding’s ownership group. Of the 10 partners, four are men and six are women. The Atlanta-based firm has about 150 team members across four offices.
Before joining Jackson Spalding, Corbett was a national public relations leader and spokesperson for GoFundMe, where she managed crisis communications and helped elevate human stories.
“Monica’s class, integrity and knowledge of the public relations industry and where it is heading are truly outstanding,” Glen Jackson, cofounder of Jackson Spalding, said in a statement. “She is an incredible asset for both our agency and the clients we are privileged to serve and counsel.”
Jackson Spalding’s top clients include major brands, such as Chick-fil-A, the Coca-Cola Co., Delta Air Lines, L.L. Bean, Norfolk Southern, Orkin, among others.
Here is the list of the firm’s 10 partners:
- Glen Jackson, co-founder and chairman
- Brian Brodrick
- Joanna Singleton
- Trudy Kremer
- Eric O’Brien
- Whitney Ott
- Randall Kirsch
- Chowning Hawkins
- Hayley Johns
- Monica Corbett
— Maria Saporta
Georgia Tech renames School of Public Policy after Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter
The Georgia Institute of Technology has officially renamed its School of Public Policy to honor former president and first lady Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.
The Carters were Georgia natives, with Jimmy Carter being Georgia Tech alumni. He and Rosalynn eventually founded The Carter Center, focused on human rights and improving the lives of people around the world.
President Carter, among his many achievements, was an early advocate for renewable energy — going so far as to install the first solar panels on the White House for a solar water heater during his presidency, as well as installing them on his personal Georgia farm.
“This renaming not only honors President and Mrs. Carter’s lifelong dedication to human rights, democracy and clean and affordable energy but also reflects the school’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking grounded in ethical leadership,” reads a press release from the school.
President Carter signed the U.S. Department of Energy into law in 1977.
— Mark Lannaman
FIFA seeking volunteers for 2025 World Cup
FIFA today issued a call for volunteers in Atlanta ahead of the FIFA 2025 Club World Cup™, which includes matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The announcement follows President Gianni Infantino’s celebration of FIFA’s one-millionth global volunteer at an event in Atlanta. Those interested in participating are encouraged to submit an application on the volunteers page at FIFA.com to be considered for volunteer roles.
— Derek Prall
Decatur breaks ground on $8.5 million transformation of historic square
The Decatur Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announced the start of an $8.5 million project to reshape Decatur Square, the epicenter of activity in Downtown Decatur.
First developed in early 2022, the plan includes expanding both the size of the Square and its green space, replacing the large bandstand by the Swanton Way MARTA entrance with a performing arts stage, expanding open spaces, creating a new children’s play area and adding permanent public restrooms.
“While the current version of Decatur Square has been a fixture in our city for nearly 30 years, the needs of our community have evolved,” said Angela Threadgill, the City of Decatur’s Assistant City Manager for Community & Economic Development. “After extensive conversations with our residents and local business owners, it became clear changes were necessary to support the type of programming that keeps Downtown Decatur vibrant.”
The changes are a key component of Decatur’s Town Center Plan 2.0, which was officially adopted by the City Commission in 2023 to address the changing needs of its downtown district. The project will be financed by SPLOST II funds through DeKalb County and is expected to take 10 months to complete, with the goal of a full reopening prior to the FIFA World Cup in June 2026.
“When considering this project alongside some of the other initiatives undertaken by the City – especially our small business improvement grants – we hope it sends a clear message that we aren’t resting on our laurels when it comes to making Decatur the best it can be for all stakeholders,” added Threadgill.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta Ballet 2025/26 Season announced
Atlanta Ballet Artistic Director Gennadi Nedvigin has unveiled an exciting and diverse 2025/2026 season lineup, headlined by “Frida,” a vibrant tribute to the legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, and “The Sleeping Beauty,” the timeless classical ballet. Both productions promise to deliver compelling storytelling and exquisite choreography at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
“These productions are a celebration of powerful storytelling, visual artistry, and technical brilliance,” said Nedvigin. “We are thrilled to bring both classic and contemporary masterpieces to Atlanta, offering something for every ballet lover.”
The season launches with a dynamic mixed repertory program Sept. 12 to 14, 2025, spotlighting works by two giants of ballet: George Balanchine and Justin Peck. Balanchine’s “Prodigal Son,” set to the dramatic music of Sergei Prokofiev, and “Emeralds,” a romantic gem inspired by his friendship with famed jeweler Claude Arpels, showcase the choreographer’s unmatched legacy.
Joining these works is Justin Peck’s “In Creases,” a groundbreaking piece known for its striking use of symmetry and movement. Set to Philip Glass’s “Four Movements for Two Pianos,” the ballet features eight dancers and two pianists on stage, weaving together tradition and innovation in a bold new format.
For tickets and more information, click here.
— Derek Prall
Law firm contributes to the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
Arnall Golden Gregory LLP (AGG), a nationally recognized law firm with offices in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., has given a $50,000 contribution to Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) in 2025 — on top of its existing $15,000 annual support. This gift puts AGG among AVLF’s top corporate supporters and reinforces the firm’s dedication to ensuring equal access to justice.
“At AGG, we believe that every person deserves access to justice, regardless of income,” said Sean Fogarty, Managing Partner at AGG. “AVLF’s legal representation and wraparound support services are crucial to protecting families, keeping communities intact, and ensuring people have the support they need to move forward. We are proud to stand with them in this mission.”
— Derek Prall
InCommunity expands leadership team
InCommunity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, recently announced two appointments to its leadership team: Shannon McClure as Chief Development Officer and Scott Hunter as Chief Financial Officer.
With a distinguished career in nonprofit leadership, fundraising and marketing, McClure brings experience in strategic growth initiatives and donor engagement across the spectrum of nonprofit industries. In her new role, she will oversee InCommunity’s fundraising efforts, corporate partnerships, and community engagement strategies to enhance the organization’s impact and ensure continued support for its programs.
Scott Hunter joins InCommunity as Chief Financial Officer, bringing more than 30 years of experience as a financial and operations executive in healthcare, manufacturing, and commercial banking. He’s not only a seasoned CFO but also a leader who brings the mindset of a COO—focused on building strong teams, optimizing cash flow, and designing processes to support long-term growth.
“We are pleased to welcome both Shannon and Scott to our leadership team,” said Meg Blackwood, CEO of InCommunity. “With their leadership, we look forward to strengthening our partnerships and enhancing our ability to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Georgia.”
— Derek Prall
RiverLands Gateway Park property officially transferred to Cobb County
The Trust for Public Land has officially transferred the RiverLands Gateway Park property to Cobb County.
The 12-acre park is the first regional trailhead planned for the Chattahoochee RiverLands, a bold regional vision to connect 20-metro Atlanta cities and seven counties to the Chattahoochee River, and represents a powerful investment in environmental equity and community revitalization. Over the next several years, Trust for Public Land will partner closely with Cobb County to transform the former industrial site into a vibrant public space for outdoor recreation, ecological restoration and community connection.
“The transfer of this property to Cobb County is a critical step in our shared vision to ensure equitable river access for all, and we’re excited to help turn this space into a beloved community asset,” said George Dusenbury, Georgia State Director at Trust for Public Land.
— Derek Prall
