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For those of you are unaware, Dr.
Jane E. Smith, Executive Director
for Spelman's Center for Leader
ship & Civic Engagement
(LEADS), is a woman of immense
character, poise,and wisdom.She
has served as LEADS' Executive
Director for the past four years, creating a foun
dation for Spelman women to lead with a
purpose while constructing change in their com
munities at large. A graduate of the Spelman
class of '68, Dr. Smith has achieved many profes
sional goals and has set the standards for success
during her forty-year career.
Out of her many professional achievements,
Smith states that her number one accomplish
ment was following in the footsteps of her child
hood idol Mary McLeod Bethune and acquiring
the position of President and CEO of the National
Council of Negro Women, the organization
Bethune founded in 1935.
Along with paying homage to Bethune, Smith
utilizes and appreciates the month of March.
"It allows me to celebrate my successes in my
own personal lifejourney.lt allows me to remem
ber others, those who have been a part of my life,
and those who we know about through history.
When I say a part of my life, I don't just mean the
people I know personally, but those I have been
able to experience or observe during my lifetime,"
Smith said.
Always participating in the betterment and
advancement of others, Smith also works consis
tently to continuously develop herself.
"People would be surprised to know that my
most difficult job is the growth and evolution of
myself. Each day I work harder and longer on
making myself a good person than I do on
anything else. I'm always working on Jane. I don't
think people are aware of the fact that I am inten
tionally attempting to be better and better each
second and each day."
When Dr. Smith is not working or with family and
friends, she enjoys spending time alone. As a
patron of music, she loves jazz and classical music,
emphasizing the fact that John Coltrane is by far
one of her favorites.
Dr. Smith is a woman at the top of her game,
making it very difficult for just anyone to attract
her attention. When asked if she has a secret
celebrity crush, Smith girlishly giggles and states
with confidence and authority, "I'm in love with
Barack Obama, but I am a Hillary Clinton woman."
This statement speaks to Smith's character as an
African American and as a woman.
When asked what advice she could offer to
young women still searching for their purpose
and passion in life, she replied confidently, as if
she had asked this question during her jour
ney through life.
"Recognize that you have options and be
intentional about what you want,"said Smith.
Dr. Smith provides The Spelman Spotlight with
Five Things Everyone Should Do In Their
Lifetime:
1. Come to peace with yourself
2. Make amends with selected others
3. Read about, touch, and visit whatever
has your passion
4. Provide for and share with family and
friends
5. Create quality in the community you
live in, even if nobody ever knows anything
about it
3 Fun Facts about Dr. Jane E. Smith
1. Prefers drama and cop shows to reality TV
(Favorite shows include Law & Order and CSI)
2. Loves to dance by herself when she thinks
no one is watching
3. Favorite dining spot is the legendary
Paschal's Restaurant
HBCU Funding Is Cut By $85 Million
Khadijah Robinson Staff Writer krobin18@spelman.edu
tions by the 2007 College Cost Reduction and attempted to take on the Bush
Access Act (CCRAA). White House officials contend, Administration's responsibility in supporting
however, that funding cuts will have little effect on education. Organizations such as the National
the money currently allocated for HBCUs due to the Association for Equal Employment in Higher
passing of the CCRAA. Education and the United Negro College Fund
The sub-committee on education and labor of the have focused on strengthening HBCUs as a
House of Representatives held a special hearing on whole in recent years. Due to the slump in the
March 13,2008 to address the future of America's economy and the lack of government support,
Black Colleges and Universities. The presidents of such organizations have proven helpful,
Fisk, Kentucky State,and Morgan State were among although not enough to aid some institu-
The House of Representatives recently passed a HBCU leaders vehemently opposed to the funding tions.
budget proposal that will reduce the amount of cuts.The representatives citied the superior gradu- However, HBCUs are not the only institutions
government aid provided to Historically Black ation rate of African-American students, particu- to be affected by the budget plan. With the
Colleges and Universities by $85 million, a 35 larly in the science fields, as one of the reasons for withdrawal of a significant portion of federal
percent decrease from the previous year's financial the institutions' continued relevance. Throughout aid in education, the burden to finance both
plan. President Bush's fiscal year 2009 budget plan the hearing, committee members avoided the K-12 and higher education will fall to
will also eliminate at least 40 education programs, proposal's effects on HBCUs and instead steered individual states.
The proposal eradicates the $510 million funding discussion towards the importance of federal loans The budget passed with a vote of 212-207.
increase promised to HBCUs, Hispanic-Serving for students.
Universities, and other minority-educating institu Various extra-governmental organizations have
owy^iKnr
NEWS
Spelman Welcomes
New Residence Hall
Housing representatives highlight the
amenities and accommodations that will
be featured in the new, suite-style dormitory
currently under construction on Spelman’s
campus.
FEATURES
Celebrating Prominent
Black Women
In reflection of Women’s Appreciation Month,
the Spelman Spotlight recognizes four
exceptional Black females that have gained
recognition in the professional world.
A&E
Fine Arts Museum Opens
Experimental Film Exhibit
Spelman’s museum showcases artistry and
originality in the second portion of its
compelling film exhibit, Cinema Remixed
and Reloaded.
CAREER CORNER
Jobs & Scholarships
Be sure to check out the Spelman
Spodight’s listing of scholarship
and career opportunities available
for all majors and interests!
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