Spelman’s Board Evolves, Building on the College’s Mission

Of the 24 members of the Spelman College board of trustees, 40 percent are alumnae. Representing such varied industries as retail, education, banking and finance, the board also includes the presidents of the Student Government Association, Faculty Council and National Alumnae Association of Spelman College as representatives that do not have voting privileges.

The board is chaired by Yvonne R. Jackson, C’70, who worked with trustees and the board affairs committee in establishing a chair-elect position last year to ensure a smooth leadership transition upon her retirement in 2010. Chair-elect Jerri DeVard, C’79, will become the fourth alumna board chair since Marian Wright Edelman, C’60, was elected as the first in 1979. Dr. June Gary Hopps, C’60, was elected as the second alumna board chair in 1997.

During a break from the October board meeting, Jackson and DeVard discussed the board’s roles and responsibilities and what it means to serve their alma mater at this particular time.

IS: Yvonne, what has been your primary focus in your role as board chair?

Jackson: My real interest over these past five years has been to focus on board governance practices. Not to say our governance process wasn’t good; it wasn’t great. The work of the board was happening and it was good work, but from a governing standpoint we could get better, and we did in terms of institutionalizing some best practice processes. Let’s face it, the world of governing has changed tremendously in the last seven years for profits and for nonprofits, including higher education.

IS: Jerri, what is your primary focus as chair-elect?

DeVard: I am starting to recognize what’s important to focus on as a chair-elect versus an individual trustee, and getting more involved in all of the work of the committees, as opposed to the ones I chaired or had a particular interest [in]. My lens has become a lot wider, and therefore my perspective points of view, thoughts, opinions, and decisions should be fully informed from a 360-degree view.

IS: What keeps you connected even when you get tired or things get difficult?

Jackson: The students—they keep you coming back, despite the energy or whatever — because we all were there and know where these young women are headed. It’s about making a contribution that gets them to the next stage in their life.

DeVard: Simply, my love of Spelman. It’s come full circle for me in terms of being connected. Who would’ve known that back when I was a first-year student?

Jackson: Especially after locking up the trustees.

(Laughter. Editor’s Note: In 1976, Spelman students and faculty protested the board’s failure to appoint a Black woman to succeed President Albert Manley by locking trustees inside a board room on campus, and demanding reconsideration of their decision.)

DeVard: The passion and energy I had for the decision around a woman being in a position to lead this institution was something near and dear to my heart at the age of 18 years old. I remember the sense of pride I felt around our activism, being able to rally together around something that was important to us. I also remember the sense of defeat when we weren’t successful in convincing the board to elect a female president. It didn’t happen then, but I think it played a role in where we are now, the fact that we have our third female president, a female board chair and chair elect.

IS: What are the biggest challenges facing the institution over the next five years?

Jackson: Delivering the new strategic plan and completing our $150 million campaign, but there are also big societal issues — one is the shrinking of the Black middle class. It’s huge. This economic crisis that we are in deeply affected the Black middle class. Forty-four percent of our students are Pell grant eligible — almost half of our potential students live in families with incomes below the poverty level.

DeVard: That’s why I always say all roads lead to fundraising. From the shrinking middle class, the creep in percentage of Pell eligible, and the financial crunch that prevents some of our students from returning for their sophomore or junior year, it is why this campaign is so important—not only to launch, but to execute well — meaning that we are successful in raising $150 million. It’s not the panacea, but it helps address these issues.

IS: What does it mean to the two of you to carry on the legacy of alumnae in the position of board chair, and especially for you, Jerri, as the first chair-elect?

Jackson: I can only say that I am very proud to have served in this role. I have given Spelman what I do best.

DeVard: Spelman has given us an outstanding education that has prepared us to be successful in many different arenas. As chair-elect, I am honored, excited and humbled. Yvonne has left a great legacy.

IS: Yvonne, what advice do you have for Jerri as rising chair?

Jackson: Jerri is a business person as I am, and the thing I had to learn is that the academy is a different culture. Professor Walter Allen helped me understand years ago that the culture of the academy is designed out of what happens in the classroom. A faculty member’s job is to create learning, knowledge, debate, and points of view to build analytical thinking, build critical thinking. Be patient. Second, you represent the collective thinking of a lot of people, so think about what you say and do. Listen and adjust.

IS: How would you describe this moment in time for the institution?

Jackson: The College is in great shape. We have a president who has been in place for the past seven, going on eight years. She and her team came through a tough year last year with tremendous leadership.

DeVard: We will continue that momentum and continue our focus on the new strategic plan. This will allow Spelman to remain in her leadership position, forever strong. — Tomika DePriest, C’89

To contact the board and read the full interview, including a detailed explanation of the board’s roles and responsibilities, please visit the board of trustees.