Cole, Johnnetta B. (1936–)
Cole, Johnnetta B. (1936–)
African-American educator and anthropologist. Name variations: often spelled wrongly as Johnetta. Born Johnnetta Betsch, Oct 19, 1936, in Jacksonville, Florida; attended Fisk University and Oberlin College; Northwestern University, MA and PhD in anthropology.
Taught at Washington State University; became professor of anthropology and Afro-American studies at University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she also served as associate provost of undergraduate education for 2 years; joined faculty of Hunter College (1984), as professor of anthropology and director of Latin American and Caribbean studies program; became the 1st African-American woman to serve as president of Spelman College (1987) and turned Spelman into a top-rated school (1987–98); named to President Bill Clinton's transition team; was the 1st woman elected to board of directors of Coca-Cola Enterprises; joined faculty of Emory University (1998); wrote Conversations: Straight Talk with America's Sister President (Doubleday, 1992).