New Spelman pres. on HBCUs, leadership and giving back to young Black women

Dr. Helene Gayle, the 11th president of Spelman College, receives an award during a taping of the Black Girls Rock award ceremony at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Saturday, March 28, 2015, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

The top woman now charged with leading Spelman College says the popularity of HBCUs is rising and it’s proof that the institutions are important.

Helene Gayle, who has held various leadership positions including president and CEO of the Chicago Community Trust and Atlanta-based care, was recently named the 11th president of the all-women liberal arts institution.

“It really is quite an honor and a privilege to be surrounded with these young Black women, all of whom have this passion and desire to make a difference,” said Gayle on Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look.”

During the conversation, Gayle, who is also a recipient of the Black Girls Rock’s 2015 Social Humanitarian Award, said that her passion to give back was ignited in her at a young age by her parents.  

She further explained that the measurement of her success as president of Spelman will be measured by the success of the women enrolled at Spelman.

Gayle says some of her top goals, include building off the work of previous presidents and giving back to the West End neighborhood through economic development and a partnership with Morehouse College that provides local entrepreneurs with resources.