A distinguished scholar, Johnnetta Cole (born 1936) has served on the faculties of Washington State University, University of Massachusetts, Hunter College, and Spelman College, the historically black women's institution in Atlanta where she was president.

Spelman College is the oldest, most respected institution of higher learning for black women in the United States. It is somewhat ironic, therefore, that 107 years of the school's history passed before a black woman filled its presidential office. Johnnetta Cole is that woman, and since taking responsibility for Spelman in 1987, she has proven to be a dynamic administrator, an energetic fundraiser, and a source of inspiration to both faculty and student body. At a time when historically black colleges have been deemed obsolete by some commentators, Cole has emerged as one of their most passionate advocates. Discussing Spelman with an interviewer from Dollars and Sense, Cole stated: "I think that our students are being...