President

Spelman College seeks an inspirational, innovative, and strategic leader to serve as the institution’s 12th president, a president who will honor Spelman’s historic legacy and build upon its historic legacy and achievements.

As the nation’s top-ranked HBCU for 19 consecutive years, Newsweek’s Best College for Women, and the premier undergraduate institution for women of African descent, Spelman College (“Spelman”) serves as a leading center of intellectual inquiry on global issues, particularly those affecting the African Diaspora. Founded in 1881 as a historically Black women’s college, Spelman remains deeply committed to the education and empowerment of women of African descent. Recognized as one of the nation’s top liberal arts institutions, Spelman College is a top choice of students, admitting 25 percent of applicants each year through a highly selective admissions process. This commitment to academic excellence supports a rigorous and empowering educational experience for approximately 2,700 students. Spelman’s 203 full-time and 89 part-time faculty, supported by more than 400 dedicated staff members, help cultivate a vibrant campus community grounded in intellectual rigor, personal development, and holistic support, ensuring that students are challenged, nurtured, and fully prepared to contribute meaningfully to a diverse and rapidly evolving global landscape.

At a time when many colleges and universities face significant fiscal and operational challenges, Spelman stands on a strong financial footing with decades of prudent financial management and balanced budgets. The College’s endowment is $577 million, and it operates with an annual operating budget of $185 million. With total assets and related investments of approximately $1 billion, Spelman is well-positioned to sustain its mission, advance its strategic priorities, and continue providing transformative educational experiences for future generations.

Spelman College seeks a leader who can shape a bold vision for its future, secure vital resources, strengthen both operations and academics, and uphold Spelman’s legacy of cultivating exceptional, ethical, and service-driven graduates prepared for an ever-changing world. In addition, the next president should fully immerse themselves in the Spelman community, take the time to understand what it means to be a Spelmanite, and build authentic, personal connections with students.

The 12th president should be an inspiring and forward-thinking individual who exemplifies a lifetime commitment to excellence, is ready to build on Spelman’s foundation, and ensures the College’s long-term success. This role requires robust executive experience, expertise in finance and operations, a track record in fundraising, and proven leadership in driving change, managing risk, and developing high-performing teams in higher education.

This extraordinary opportunity to harness Spelman’s momentum and continue to advance its historic legacy requires a leader ready to embrace the moment. The president will collaborate with a committed Board of Trustees, dedicated faculty, skilled administrators and staff, ambitious students, and engaged alumnae to guide the College toward continued excellence and impact.

TO APPLY

Spelman College has engaged Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist with this search. A detailed position profile, as well as submission portals for inquiries, nominations, and applications, are available below.

Keight Tucker Kennedy and Kate Barry are leading this search with Alycia Johnson and Alexis Scott.

Spelman College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.