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Spelman Welcomes Ninth President: Beverly Daniel Tatum
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n April 2002, the Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum as the ninth president of Spelman College. Dr. Tatum comes to Spelman from a 13-year career at Mount Holyoke College where she was acting president and dean of the college. “The Board, and especially the members of the Search Committee, have worked diligently to find the right woman to lead and inspire Spelman College,” says Trustee Chair Dr. June Gary Hopps (C’ 60). “We have selected the best and we are confident that Dr. Tatum will build on Spelman’s traditions and enhance Spelman’s mission to develop the intellectual, ethical and leadership potential of its students.” A scholar, teacher, author, administrator and race relations expert, Dr. Tatum is noted for her critically acclaimed book, “Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” And Other Conversations About Race. She is also the author of Assimilation Blues: Black Families in a
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum
White Community. She has been a featured lecturer on the subject of race relations and has appeared on several panels around the country, including President Clinton’s Initiative on Race. Prior to joining Mt. Holyoke, she was an associate professor and assistant professor at Westfield State College in West-
field, Mass. She was also a lecturer at the University of California at Santa Barbara in the Department of Black Studies. Raised in Bridgewater, Mass., Dr. Tatum is a fourth generation professor. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University in psychology, a master’s degree and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan. “Spelman holds a very special place in higher education. I am tremendously honored by my selection as the next president,” says Dr. Tatum. “I look forward to getting to know the entire Spelman Community – faculty, staff, students and alumnae. I want the President’s Office to be an open place because communication is key to the success of our initiatives. In order to be the best we can be, we have to have everyone rowing in the same direction. The more people feel connected, the more vested they will be in the success of the College.” Dr. Tatum assumed her official duties on August 1, 2002.
Quotes of Note: In Praise of Spelman’s President “In the selection of Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, Spelman College continues to be blessed with women of genius. Dr. Tatum’s capability and work in building an entire college community will serve Spelman well. Her impressive leadership talents and unique sense of academic mission are extraordinary.” - Yvonne Jackson (C’70), Search Committee Chair, Spelman Board of Trustees “Beverly Daniel Tatum is a prime example of the next generation of college presidents. Not yet 50, she is a talented
academic, an experienced administrator and wise in leading people. All of us at The Hollins Group, Inc. were excited by her as a candidate and expect great things from her presidency at Spelman College.” - Nancy Hall White, Vice President and Managing Director, The Hollins Group, Inc. “A gifted teacher and accomplished scholar, Beverly Daniel Tatum is also a natural-born administrator. She is an inspired choice for the presidency of Spelman. In her 13 years here, Dr. Tatum has exerted a powerful influence on this institution and worked very effectively to
expand our success as a diverse community. As a teacher, she has inspired countless students. As a scholar and writer, she has helped shape the national discussion on issues of race. And as an administrator, she has played an important role in maintaining Mount Holyoke’s leadership in the liberal arts. I am confident that Dr. Tatum will build on Spelman’s proud traditions with the same clear-sighted energy, courage and caring she has brought to Mount Holyoke.” - Joanne V. Creighton, Mount Holyoke College President
Contents Features 1 Spelman Announces New President 2 International Narrative Therapy and Community Work Conference 3 Environmental Focus Links Three Schools 3 The Spelman Scarf: A Symbol of Giving 3 New Names On Campus
Diversity/Reconciliation Key Themes At International Narrative Therapy And Community Work Conference
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pelman College was chosen as the first American site of the fourth International Narrative Therapy and Community Work Conference. The preconference began June 10, extending to the grand opening event on Wednesday, June 19, closing on June 21. Countries represented included Ghana, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Israel, Norway, Hong Kong and Mexico. The purpose of the conference was to provide learning and networking opportunities for psychologists, family therapists, doctors, nurses, mental health workers, counselors, teachers and community workers. Experts offered presentations on working with children, HIV/AIDS, mental health issues, survivors of violence and traumas, addictions therapy, gay, lesbian and transgender experiences and spirituality. The Grand Opening was of great historical significance. For the first time since the Trail of Tears in 1839, leaders from the United Keetowah Band of the Cherokee from Oklahoma and North Carolina returned to the land of their origin. Here on Spelman’s campus, the Cherokee nation welcomed the world to their first homeland. Conference planners indicated that the
Cherokee presence was essential to their ongoing mission of reconciliation towards minorities. The conference was co-hosted by Spelman College and the Dulwich Centre, based in Australia. The Dulwich Centre is known as the home of narrative therapy – a therapeutic approach utilizing the stories of individuals, families and communities to achieve healing and reconciliation. Co-founder Michael White delivered the keynote address and led workshops, discussions and seminars. Also in attendance were indigenous Australian, Maori & Samoan leaders in the field of health, as well as America Bracho, a nationally respected Latino health worker and African American family therapist Kenneth V. Hardy. Attendees gave Spelman high praises for its hospitality, beautiful campus, and in particular, for the College’s commitment to education, community service and the preservation of black culture. “I have felt incredibly honored to be hosted on this campus,” wrote one guest. “The integrity and passionate dedication to education and the uplifting of communities lives in every tree and breathes through the very walls of your history.”
350 Spelman Lane S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30314 EDITOR
Cathy Lee EDITORIAL STAFF
Tomika DePriest Trisa Long Paschal Jo Moore Stewart COPY EDITOR
Jan Barstow PHOTOGRAPHY
Wilford Harewood Bud Smith Craig Bromley Albert Thompson
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Inside Spelman is published three times per academic year for a readership that includes alumnae, trustees, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends of the College. The newsletter is dedicated to informing the Spelman College family about news, upcoming events and issues in the life of the College.
Decatur-based drummers Giwayen Mata join dancers from the Malcolm X Community Center for the opening ceremony.
The Spelman Scarf: A Symbol of Giving
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t a lavish event hosted by Atlanta Life Insurance Company, the President’s Reception recognized leadership donors and members of the Guardian Society. Special alumnae donors from reunioning classes were festooned with a beautiful Spelman scarf, hand-made of imported silk chiffon and embellished with 84 tiny Swarovski Crystals. The sapphire scarf was awarded to major donors and the ivory scarf was awarded to members of the Guardian Society. These generous women are helping to insure the Spelman legacy. Donors pictured clockwise, beginning upper right corner, are: Joy San Walker Brown, C’52, Hattimarie Parks Davis, C’47, Daisy Carroll Harris, C’47, Rose Harris Johnson, C’57, Bettye Lovejoy Scott, C’57, Jodie Clement Smart, C’82, Mildred Collier Walton, C’47, Tonya Harding Ward, C’92 and Mildred Ponder Stennis, C’47.
NEW NAMES ON CAMPUS
Tomika DePriest Spelman’s new Director of Public Relations, Tomika DePriest (C’89) officially joined the Institutional Advancement staff in February 2002. However, as both an alumnae and contributing writer for the Spelman Messenger, she is not new to Spelman. Tomika earned an M.A. in Africana Women’s Studies from Clark Atlanta University and served as a Poynter Institute of Media Studies Journalism Fellow. She received a Spelman College Alumnae Achievement Award in 1998. “My goal will be to position Spelman College as one of the top among historically black colleges and universities, as well as colleges and universities in general,” says Ms. DePriest. “I am a part of Spelman’s 121-year legacy of educating African American women. Now, I get to play a key role in promoting the institution.”
Dr. Deborah E. King Dr. King is the Director of Corporate Relations and Major Gifts and serves as a strategic partner in providing funds for capital, operational, programmatic and endowment needs for the College. Dr. King has over 15 years of experience in higher education and non-profit fundraising. She is the recipient of the prestigious Woodrow Wilson Fundraising Fellowship and has a Ph.D. in higher education, focusing on fundraising and evaluation.
Environmental Focus Links Three Colleges
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pelman College and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) have engaged in a three-year linkage with Mangosuthu Technikon ( Mantec), in Durban, South Africa. By establishing the framework for an Environmental Policy and Science Research Program, Spelman and FAMU will assist Mantec in strengthening its institutional capacity to provide increased access and quality educational opportunities for historically disadvantaged individuals in key areas. Both Spelman and FAMU will benefit from this project as they broaden their academic programs to include greater international opportunities for students and faculties. All three schools should benefit as they produce a more skilled and marketable workforce, expand service/learning opportunities for faculty, students and staff and begin developing a long-term strategic plan for future collaborations with a particular focus on environmental issues.
Spelman Celebrates 121st Commencement
Professor Barbara Nesin is the new Chair of the Fine Arts Program, coming to the College from Front Range Community College in Fort Collins, Colorado. An instructor in drawing and painting, Professor Nesin has a special interest in art that focuses on multicultural issues. She holds a B.F.A. from Pratt University, an M.B.A. from Long Island University and an M.F.A. from Indiana State University.
In The President’s Office Dr. Sherry Turner The new Assistant to the President and Secretary of the College is Sherry Turner, from Mt. Holyoke College. During her 12 years there, she served as Assistant Professor of Psychology, Assistant Dean of the College and Ombudsperson. Dr. Turner holds a B.A. in Psychology / AnthropologySociology, an M.S. in Developmental Psychology, a Masters in Theological Studies and a Ph.D. in Psychology.
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amed actor and community activist Danny Glover gave the address for Spelman’s 121st commencement on May 19 at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. During the ceremony, Mr. Glover, who is the current Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program, received an honorary degree. Mr. Glover encouraged graduates to become active, involved citizens, both locally and globally. He closed with a passage from the poem, “Interim” by Clarissa Scott Delaney, “ ‘…Another day will find me brave, And not afraid to dare.’ – That’s my charge to you, Spelman graduates. Be not afraid to dare.” Other honorary degree recipients included Dr. Eleanor Traylor (C’55), chair of the English department at Howard University, and Ambassador Bismarck Myrick, a career member of the United States Senior Foreign Service who presently serves in Liberia.
Professor Barbara Nesin
Yvonne Skillings also comes from Mt. Actor /activist Danny Glover served as this year’s commencement speaker and received an honorary degree.
Holyoke and now serves as the Executive Assistant and Office Manager to the President. Previously, Ms. Skillings served as a staff member who was also enrolled in the Frances Perkins Scholars Program. She served Dr. Tatum in the area of student affairs. WINTER 2001
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Spelman Salutes 2002 Presidential Awards Excellence in Teaching Award
Professor Jann Primus (C’81), her second award, this one posthumously. Dr. Kathleen Phillips Lewis, Associate Professor of History. Scholarly Achievement Award
Dr. Jeffrey Ehme, Chair of the Department of Mathematics. Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Margery Ganz, Chair of the Department of History. Dr. Cornelia Gillyard, Chair of the Chemistry Department.
Famed actress and activist Ruby Dee stars in Ayoka Chenzira’s stage production of Flying Over Purgatory. South African actress Mabel Mafuya also starred in the production, making this her first visit to the U.S. in 30 years. This was a culminating event celebrating the installation of Spelman College’s first Cosby Chair of Fine Arts, Professor Ayoka Chenzira. Premiering April 18 – 21, the performance was positioned as a fundraiser to generate money for the Spelman College Fine Art Department.
Emeritus Appointments Dr. Lois Moreland, Professor Emerita of Political Science in 1999. Dr. James Gates, Professor Emeritus of French in 2002. Dr. Etta Falconer, Professor Emerita of Mathematics in 2002. Dr. Norman Rates was named Dean Emeritus of Sisters Chapel in 2002.
Fanny Lou Hamer Achievement Award In recognition of her significant contribution to the community outside Spelman College, Dr. Victoria Durant Gonzalez received the Fanny Lou Hamer Achievement Award.
Scholarships Gifts to the following scholarships can be made by contacting Trisa Long Paschal at 404-223-1485. The Norman M. and Laura Lynem Rates Annual Scholarship
Established March 7, 2002, this scholarship will assist a deserving student majoring in religion or social science.
For years Merck has been an integral partner with Spelman to promote educational excellence in the sciences. For their generosity, the foyer in the new Science Center is named on their behalf. Pictured left to right are Dr. Gladys Bayse, Spelman; Jerry Bryant Jr., Ph.D., Director, Science Education Initiatives, The College Fund, UNCF; Susan Rhue Jenkins, Human Resources Consultant, Merck; John R. Taylor, Senior Director Public Affairs, Executive V.P. of the Merck Company Foundation; Danny Flannigan, V. P., Business and Financial Affairs, Spelman; Angela D. Knight, Director of Staffing Initiatives, Merck; and Dr. Al Thompson, Spelman.
Dr. Etta Zuber Falconer Endowed Scholarship In Mathematics
Upon the retirement of Dr. Etta Zuber Falconer, Calloway Professor of Mathematics, the Falconer family has established an endowed scholarship to be awarded to a full-time rising junior or senior mathematics majors.
In Memoriam Dr. James Gates, Professor Emeritus, Foreign Languages, died on May 29, 2002. He served on Spelman’s faculty for 35 years.
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