Spelman College Secures Sixth Schwarzman Scholar in Five Years

Event summary

  • Ava Noelle Johnson, a Spelman College economics major, named a 2026-2027 Schwarzman Scholar, one of 150 selected from 5,800 applicants.
  • Johnson is Spelman's sixth Schwarzman Scholar since 2021, reflecting the college's growing global leadership pipeline.
  • Schwarzman Scholars program offers a fully-funded master’s degree in global affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
  • Spelman College ranks No. 1 among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and No. 39 among all liberal arts colleges.

The big picture

Spelman College's consistent success in securing Schwarzman Scholars highlights its role as a top producer of Black women leaders in global affairs. The college's strategic focus on STEM, gender studies, and international collaborations positions it as a key player in addressing diversity gaps in higher education and leadership. The Schwarzman Scholars program itself serves as a critical bridge for understanding China's role in global affairs, making Spelman's participation strategically significant.

What we're watching

Global Leadership Pipeline
Whether Spelman College can sustain its record of producing Schwarzman Scholars and other high-profile global leaders.
China Engagement
How the Schwarzman Scholars program will evolve as geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China fluctuate.
STEM Diversity
The pace at which Spelman College can increase the number of Black women Ph.D.s in economics and other STEM fields.