Image via Spelman College

By: Amaiya Mills, Staff Writer 

On Sept. 17, Spelman College was ranked first out of 77  Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Report. This marks the 17 consecutive years that Spelman College has held the top ranking. 

Spelman College’s excellence extends beyond just one ranking. The institution also ranks second for top performers in social mobility, is ranked 11th for learning communities, 15th among the most innovative schools, 19th for best undergraduate teaching, 39th in national liberal arts colleges, and 60th in best value schools.

The U.S. News & World Report uses both qualitative and quantitative metrics to assess  academic equity when they rank schools. Over half of the rankings are based on the institutions’ retention rates, graduation rates,  social mobility, graduate earnings and more.

Spelman students are ecstatic by the ongoing achievements of their institution. Their belief is that Spelman’s dedication to academic excellence is the driving force behind its positive reputation. 

“I think that Spelman has held the No. 1 spot for so long because of our persistence to be for the students utmost favor in academics,” said Genesis Price, freshman at Spelman College.

Students say the institution creates an atmosphere that nurtures the next generation of trailblazing Black women. 

“Spelman stands out as both an HBCU and an institution for Black women. Spelman encourages us to cultivate greater intellectual curiosity and reconstruct what is deemed as normal,” said Sasha Jason, junior at Spelman College.

Jason is a junior majoring in English and minoring in Education Studies. She is a Social Justice Fellow and a UNCF Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, focusing on education equity and researching the stigmatization of Black women sex workers. She serves as the vice president of the Spelman Chapter of the Georgia Association of Educators, community service chair of the AUC Philly Club, and is a member of the Ethel Waddell Githii Honors Program. 

“Almost behind every success story there has been a Black woman holding the reins. Spelman is a domain that is helping create more of these women who we know in the future will be at the forefront of success,” said Asia Moore, senior at Spelman College.

Stacy Abrams is a 1995 Spelman alumna with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She was the first African American woman to serve as the minority leader of the House in 2010. She is one of many prominent political figures and  passionate advocates highlighting the excellence that Spelman College represents.

The faculty and staff of Spelman cherish the institution in the same way the students do. The school provides them with an environment where they can truly make a difference.

“It is a rewarding experience to be at this prestigious institution because of the impact I am able to have on some of the most brightest and driven young people I’ve ever come across. It’s an honor to share my wisdom and knowledge with these young ladies and leave an indelible impact during their time at Spelman that will last a lifetime,” said Neal Scott, Director of Wellness Operations and Recreation at Spelman College. 

Scott, a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, has been a dedicated member of the Spelman community since 2018. His long standing commitment reflects his affection for the Atlanta University Center (AUC).

Spelman employs approximately 180 full-time professors who teach more than 27 different majors. A significant 86% of the faculty hold a Ph.D., and a notable portion of them are also alumni of Spelman College.

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, Spelman fosters strong connections between students and faculty members.

Copy Edited by: Auzzy Byrdsell, Editor in Chief