According to the Associated Press, Spelman College President Dr. Helene Gayle will not return from her leave of absence and is stepping down permanently, the historically Black women’s college announced Thursday.

The college has not disclosed why Dr. Gayle initially took leave or why she won’t return. Trustees are developing a plan to select the next president, with interim President Rosalind “Roz” Brewer continuing to lead.

Brewer, former chair of Spelman’s board of trustees and a part-owner of the Atlanta Falcons, praised Gayle’s service and expressed enthusiasm for her interim role.

Dr. Gayle, who became president in 2022, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and said she looks forward to her next chapter. Before Spelman, she led the Chicago Community Trust and worked extensively in global health and anti-poverty initiatives.

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