Cole to speak at Southern University

Johnnetta B. Cole, President Emerita of Spelman College, highlights the opening of Black History Month with her speech, “Black History and Black Herstory: Lessons from the Past for our Journey into the Future.
She is the first speaker of the spring semester’s Motivational Speaker Series.
“Dr. Cole’s distinguished background and positive influence makes her an excellent choice for the speaker series,” said Edna Hickman, chairperson of the Motivational Speaker Series.
Cole made history in 1987 by becoming the first African-American woman to serve as president of Spelman College. Under her leadership, Spelman received a coveted number-one rating by U.S. News and World Report in its 1992 “Best College Buys” issue. That same year, Cole was named to President-elect Bill Clinton’s transition team as cluster coordinator for education, labor and the arts and humanities.
In addition to 47 honorary degrees, Cole has received numerous awards, including the TransAfrican Forum Global Public Service Award, the Radcliff Medal, and the 1999 Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal.
Cole has recently resigned as Presidential Distinguished Professor of Anthropology, Women’s Studies and African-American Studies.
Since her retirement from university teaching and administration, Cole continues writing, speaking, consulting, and engaging in community service.
Cole will be speaking Wednesday, February 6, 2002 at 11 a.m. in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union Cotillion Ballroom.