Masters of Scale Rapid Response: Building a bridge over troubled waters, with Spelman College president Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell
Jul 18, 2020
Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, President of Spelman College and advocate for social justice, discusses the challenges of leading a historically Black college during the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares innovative strategies for maintaining community among students amidst remote learning and emphasizes the importance of equity in education. The conversation also touches on responses to social unrest, the emotional toll of racial violence, and the role of HBCUs in empowering underserved students. Dr. Campbell's insights provide a powerful perspective on navigating crises and driving change.
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Rapid Response to COVID-19
- Dr. Campbell recounts her experience during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- She describes realizing the virus's rapid spread and Spelman College's swift decision to transition to remote learning.
Adapting to Change
- Dr. Campbell emphasizes the importance of design thinking and organic evolution in adapting to change.
- She highlights Spelman's focus on maintaining community and sisterhood despite the challenges of remote learning.
Financial Implications of COVID-19
- Spelman College, being tuition-dependent, faced significant financial challenges due to the pandemic.
- The loss of room and board revenue necessitated careful expense reduction and difficult decisions like furloughing staff.