Spelman College announced the end of Helene Gayle’s two-year tenure as the college’s 11th president.
The decision, revealed Thursday, comes after Gayle’s sudden departure last month, when Spelman issued a statement indicating she was taking an immediate personal leave of absence. The college has not disclosed the reasons behind her absence or departure.
Alumna and seasoned corporate executive Rosalind Brewer will continue serving as interim president. Brewer, a Spelman graduate with a degree in chemistry, expressed her commitment to the college during this pivotal period.
“I join the trustees in extending my gratitude to Dr. Gayle for her service to this amazing institution,” Brewer said in a video shared on Spelman’s X account. “I’m also excited to continue my service as your Interim President. Spelman has given so much to me over the years. To have the opportunity to once again give back to Spelman fills me with joy.”
Gayle brought a wealth of experience to Spelman when she assumed the presidency in 2022, succeeding Mary Schmidt Campbell. A trailblazer in public health, Gayle spent over 20 years at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, led CARE, an international anti-poverty organization, and helmed The Chicago Community Trust, one of the nation’s largest community foundations.
Brewer, whose career spans leadership roles at Walgreens Boots Alliance, Starbucks, and Sam’s Club, is no stranger to Spelman’s leadership. Over 17 years of college leadership, including 12 as board chair, she collaborated with three Spelman presidents and led the two most successful fundraising campaigns in the institution’s history.
The college has yet to outline its timeline for appointing a permanent president, but with Brewer at the helm, many in the Spelman community remain optimistic about the future.
