Atlanta
It took 116 years for it to happen, but Spelman College
alumnae finally got their wish: One of their own, graduate Dr. Audrey
Forbes Manley, has been named as the eighth president of the
all-women’s college in Atlanta.
The acting U.S. Surgeon General, who begins work on July 1, faced
steep competition alongside candidates Claudia Mitchell-Kernan, an
anthropologist and vice-chancellor at the University of California Los
Angeles, and Attorney Hazel O’Leary, former U.S. energy secretary.
O’Leary withdrew her name in mid-April, officials said, without
explaining why.
“I am deeply honored, delighted and feel extremely privileged to be
selected as the eighth president of Spelman,” Manley said in a written
statement. “In addition to looking forward to meeting the challenges
ahead with commitment and dedication, I feel confident that the college
will continue to move forward in all areas.”
While many alumnae said they were thrilled with the decision, Dr.
Manley’s appointment did not sit as well with some students, who walked
out of class on April 21, just two days after the announcement, to
protest Dr. Manley’s appointment.
Some said they are concerned that the 1955 graduate’s promise to
restore many of Spelman’s “traditions” will stunt the progress. Others
are angered about the seven-month search process which, according to
some students, lacked their involvement.
“It’s pretty clear that they can’t rescind the offer, but we want
her to come to the school hear what we have to see and address our
concerns,” said student government member Heather Thompson. “The bigger
issue is not about Dr. Manley so much as it is the way she was
selected.”
