Peril & Promise: A Conversation on College Leadership
with Drs. Beverly Daniel Tatum & Ruth J. Simmons
On Monday, November 3, 2025, the Trotter Multicultural Center, in partnership with the Central Student Government and the National Center for Institutional Diversity (NCID), will host Peril & Promise: A Conversation on College Leadership in Rackham Auditorium at the University of Michigan. This of a kind event will bring together two esteemed leaders in higher education:
Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, president emerita of Smith College, Brown University, and Prairie View A&M University, and a nationally respected voice on equity, access, and institutional change.
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, president emerita of Spelman College, psychologist, and best-selling author of Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?
This public conversation—moderated by Dr. Earl Lewis—will explore the promise and challenges of leadership in complex times, with particular attention to the role of student activism, institutional memory, and courageous decision-making. Both speakers bring firsthand experience navigating public discourse, student advocacy, and the responsibilities of institutional leadership across public and private contexts.
This event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Trotter Multicultural Center in partnership with Central Student Government, National Center for Institutional Diversity, CEW+, The Inclusive History Project, Rackham Graduate School, Alumni Association, The Program on Intergroup Relations, Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, Barger Leadership Institute, LSA First-Generation Commitment, Center for Social Solutions, Women In Science and Engineering, U-M Black Alumni Association, MLEAD, The Institute for Research on Women and Gender, Graduate Organization of Students in Higher Education, Black Undergraduate Psychological Association, Rackham Student Government, Black Graduate Student Association, Public Health Students of African Descent, and Women of Color & The Academy.
We also extend our special thanks to the The Office of Academic and Multicultural Initiatives, Caribbean Student Association, Black Graduate Psychology Association, and Support for Incoming Black Students whose partnership and commitment as a proud community partner help make this event possible.
Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, president emerita of Smith College, Brown University, and Prairie View A&M University, and a nationally respected voice on equity, access, and institutional change.
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, president emerita of Spelman College, psychologist, and best-selling author of Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?
This public conversation—moderated by Dr. Earl Lewis—will explore the promise and challenges of leadership in complex times, with particular attention to the role of student activism, institutional memory, and courageous decision-making. Both speakers bring firsthand experience navigating public discourse, student advocacy, and the responsibilities of institutional leadership across public and private contexts.
This event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Trotter Multicultural Center in partnership with Central Student Government, National Center for Institutional Diversity, CEW+, The Inclusive History Project, Rackham Graduate School, Alumni Association, The Program on Intergroup Relations, Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, Barger Leadership Institute, LSA First-Generation Commitment, Center for Social Solutions, Women In Science and Engineering, U-M Black Alumni Association, MLEAD, The Institute for Research on Women and Gender, Graduate Organization of Students in Higher Education, Black Undergraduate Psychological Association, Rackham Student Government, Black Graduate Student Association, Public Health Students of African Descent, and Women of Color & The Academy.
We also extend our special thanks to the The Office of Academic and Multicultural Initiatives, Caribbean Student Association, Black Graduate Psychology Association, and Support for Incoming Black Students whose partnership and commitment as a proud community partner help make this event possible.
