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America better. “We're in the process of refining our strategic vision and developing a strategic plan, but I think those are some of the themes and really building on what's unique about Spelman, an institution that has existed to create African-American women, women of African descent, who want to go on and contribute to changing our world,” Gayle said. “Our whole experience is not just wonderful, high-level educational experience, but how we are developing the mind, the spirit, the bodies, the whole woman so that she is able to go out and make a difference in the world.” According to the United Negro College Fund, about 25% of HBCU presidents are women, a somewhat lower percentage than the 33% of women presidents of
all U.S. colleges and universities. It can be a taxing job, as women presidents find themselves having to represent not only women, but also HBCUs, liberal arts colleges and more. “We wear multiple hats,” Gayle said. “And our intersectionality means that we often do double duty. Just as an example, I think about the number of higher ed affiliations and committees and working groups there are, that are important for me as a college president to be visible on and present at those convenings. But I also represent a women's liberal arts college. There's a whole ‘nother network focused on women's liberal arts. There's also the network of HBCUs. So just if you think about time and time management and how stretched you are with your
limited time. “So, number one is just how you balance those challenges,” Gayle continued. “And second is really just how do you, with grace, humility and poise, manage the fact that when you walk in the room, you know that oftentimes you are going to be second guessed, people will be looking for you to fail, and you will oftentimes have to carry messages that may not be the messages that people are used to hearing. “I never want to be that person who feels that I can't speak about the issues that I think I uniquely can represent,” she said, “but I also don't want to be the person in the room where people feel that's my only value.”
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