Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, former chair of the Spelman’s board of trustees, is now serving as interim president for the college.

“I join the trustees in extending my gratitude to Dr. Gayle for her service to this amazing institution,” Brewer said in a video announcement, per the Associated Press. “I’m also excited to continue my service as your interim president.”

Brewer, who’s also a part-owner of the Atlanta Falcons, said she thanks “the larger Spelman community for this magnificent opportunity to serve as president.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the outstanding students and future world leaders who have chosen to attend Spelman College,” Gayle said in a statement the college released, per the AP. “I look forward to my next chapter.”

Brewer served as chair of Spelman’s board of trustees for 12 years. She also held several prestigious positions in business, including president and CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, as well as chief operating officer of Starbucks and CEO of Sam’s Club.

Gayle, who previously served as president of the Chicago Community Trust, took over as Spelman’s president in 2022, replacing Mary Schmidt Campbell when she retired. Gayle also worked as an epidemiologist for decades, focusing part of her effort on fighting AIDS and HIV.

As Blavity previously reported, Gayle took a leave of absence in October, but the reason for leave wasn’t given.

“We can assure you that Spelman will continue to operate seamlessly moving forward in the spirit of our core values of care, commitment, integrity, reliability, and trust,” the school stated at that time, per WSB-TV. “Our utmost priority remains the well-being of everyone in our community, as we strive to cultivate confident, responsible, and accountable students committed to personal development and success.”

Spelman is a member of the Atlanta University Center, which includes four historically Black schools.