Spelman College announced that its president, Dr. Helene Gayle, will not return after taking a leave of absence in October.
Interim President Roz Brewer recently provided a video statement announcing the new developments.
“I joined the trustees in extending my gratitude to Dr. Gayle for her service to this amazing institution,” Brewer said.
She did not give a reason for Gayle’s decision to resign.
Gayle became Spelman’s 11th president in 2022 after its previous president, Mary Schmidt Campbell, retired. During Gayle’s tenure, she developed an ambitious strategic plan and capital campaign fund to raise the all-female school’s endowment to over $1 billion.
She also helped Spelman maintain its 18th straight number-one ranking by U.S. News and World Report as the Best Historically Black College and University.
Brewer has been interim president of the institution for over 30 days and said that she has been on a listening tour gathering input on how to shape Spelman’s future. A former student, Brewer is the former CEO of Walgreen’s Boots Alliance and is Spelman’s Board Chair Emerita.
“Spelman has given so much to me over the years to have the opportunity to once again give back fills me with joy,” Brewer said in the statement.
In the video, she also emphasizes that the school is “financially sound.”
“My goal is to ensure we continue to prosper and thrive,” Brewer said. “There’s so much to look forward to, from new curriculum to updated infrastructure and technology, all designed to enhance academic and operational excellence for now and in the future.”
Brewer has agreed to remain interim president as Spelman prepares to launch a national search for its new leader.
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