Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole: A Trailblazer Who Redefined Leadership and Learning

She is a true pioneer in academia — a woman whose name commands respect across generations of scholars, educators, and changemakers. Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole has built a legacy rooted in leadership, scholarship, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others. A visionary in every sense of the word, Dr. Cole shattered glass ceilings throughout her illustrious career, most notably as the first African American woman to serve as president of Spelman College, the renowned historically Black college for women in Atlanta, Georgia (Spelman.edu).

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1936, Dr. Cole came from a distinguished family that valued education, civic duty, and social progress. Her great-grandfather, Abraham Lincoln Lewis, was Florida’s first Black millionaire and a staunch advocate for education and racial equality (NPR). At just 15, Cole began her higher education journey at Fisk University, later transferring to Oberlin College, where she graduated in 1957 with a degree in sociology (The New York Times). She went on to earn both her master’s and doctoral degrees in anthropology from Northwestern University, where she cultivated her lifelong interest in cultural identity, global interconnectedness, and women’s empowerment.

Before assuming the presidency of Spelman College in 1987, Dr. Cole taught at a number of prestigious institutions, including Washington State University, Hunter College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her academic work emphasized the intersections of race, gender, and culture, inspiring a generation of students to challenge societal norms and think globally.

During her decade-long tenure at Spelman, Dr. Cole transformed the college into a national and international symbol of Black excellence. She expanded academic programs, championed student research opportunities abroad, and launched major initiatives such as the Spelman College Mentorship Program, the Office of Community Service, and the Center for International Affairs (Spelman.edu). Under her leadership, Spelman led its most successful fundraising campaign in history — raising $113 million for the college’s endowment — and, in 1992, was named the #1 regional liberal arts college in the South by U.S. News & World Report.

Her ability to connect with students on a personal level was part of her enduring magic. Dr. Cole’s warmth and relatability helped foster an environment where young Black women could thrive academically and emotionally. She understood the dual challenge of pursuing excellence while confronting systemic barriers, and she used her platform to ensure that Spelman became a space where empowerment was not just taught but lived daily. Her leadership even reached pop culture — the campus became a backdrop for the hit NBC series A Different World, helping to introduce millions of viewers to the vibrancy of HBCU life (Essence Magazine).

After her years at Spelman, Dr. Cole continued to expand her impact. She became President of Bennett College, the only other historically Black college for women, and later served as the Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, where she advanced global appreciation for African culture and heritage (Smithsonian Magazine). Additionally, she chaired the Johnnetta B. Cole Global Diversity and Inclusion Institute in Atlanta and served as the Presidential Distinguished Professor of Anthropology, Women’s Studies, and African American Studies at Emory University.

Most recently, Dr. Cole appeared as a special guest at the 17th annual Disney Dreamers Academy, where she shared wisdom from her extraordinary life journey. According to Because of Them We Can, her presence was “nothing short of transformative.” As she spoke about her rise from the segregated South to the summits of academia, her words filled the room with emotion and inspiration.

“I have to express some gratitude. That I am here. That I am here with each of you—it is just a joy to be in a room that looks like the world that I dream of,” Dr. Cole reflected during the event (Because of Them We Can). Even at 87, she remains a passionate mentor, urging young dreamers to embrace courage, curiosity, and purpose in everything they pursue.

Dr. Cole’s story is not just one of personal triumph — it is a collective victory for generations of Black women who found in her an example of grace, intellect, and fearlessness. She has authored several influential works, received over 50 honorary degrees, and continues to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion across all sectors (Smithsonian Institution Archives).

As we celebrate Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole’s monumental contributions, we also honor the broader legacy she represents — one of resilience, cultural pride, and visionary leadership. Her journey reminds us that when determination meets education and heart, transformation follows. Because of her, countless young women have dared to believe that their voices matter and their dreams are achievable.

Dr. Cole, we salute you. Your brilliance continues to light the way for future leaders. On your shoulders, we stand taller — and because of your courage, the future of education, equity, and empowerment shines brighter than ever.