Alumnae
Arletta T. Brinson, Ph.D., C’74, to Receive Founders Spirit Award
Celebrated for a Lifetime of Service, Advocacy and Community Impact
Spelman College will honor Arletta T. Brinson, Ph.D., C’74, with the Founders Spirit Award during the College’s 145th annual Founders Day celebration. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership and service reflect the vision established by the College’s founders, Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles. Through her leadership, service, and advocacy, she has demonstrated a lifelong dedication to education, empowerment, and community engagement.
"You simply cannot ask more of a Spelman alumna who unites sisters within her professional calling, leads through volunteer service, and exemplifies philanthropic commitment at every opportunity. Dr. Brinson is truly the epitome of Spelman spirit, inspiring others towards excellence," said Linda Hart Patton, C’88, the director of Alumnae Operations in the Office of Alumnae Engagement.
Her work reflects the spirit of excellence and purpose that defines the Spelman legacy. For Brinson, the recognition connects her personal and professional ties to the College.
“This is truly a full circle moment. Not only am I an alumna, but I am also a granddaughter. My mother, Harriett Barker White, was in the class of 1946. Many of my first steps and orientation to culture were at Spelman; Christmas Carol Concerts, plays, hanging out with my mother and her classmates,” Brinson said. “I was blessed to attend Spelman and had a fantastic experience there as a student. From the moment I left, I had a burning desire to give back to the school. I received a full four-year academic scholarship, and without that, my life’s journey would have been much more difficult.”
A native of Atlanta, Brinson grew up in the city’s south Atlanta community and attended public schools during segregation, where many of her teachers were Spelman graduates. She entered Spelman in 1970 on a full academic scholarship and graduated in 1974 as salutatorian, earning a degree with summa cum laude honors. Brinson said her connection to the College has shaped how she approaches service and philanthropy.
“I wanted to consistently give back to Spelman. Giving back is not only in terms of money, but time and service. This award affirms the journey that I have been on since I left Spelman. I have truly tried to give back,” she said.
After graduating from Spelman, Brinson completed graduate studies at Georgia State University, where she became the second African American to earn a Ph.D. in school psychology from the program. She later worked with Atlanta Public Schools and Fulton County Schools, serving in several leadership roles during her career.
In 1999, she became the first African American director of Psychological Services in Fulton County Schools. In 2003, she was appointed executive director of the Office of Student Programs and Services for Atlanta Public Schools, overseeing multiple departments and staff. Brinson said the example set by Spelman’s founders continues to guide her work.
“Our founders had a bold vision; focused on education for women of African descent. Friendship Baptist Church grounded that vision from a spiritual perspective,” Brinson said. “Academic excellence has always been a priority for me personally and in the educational structures that I have attempted to build.”
Throughout her career, Brinson has also taught courses at Georgia State and served as a mentor to students and young professionals. She credits those relationships as the most meaningful part of her work.
“I am most proud of having been a mentor and motivator in whatever area of influence I’ve been in. My biggest impact is empowering others to be the best that they can be,” Brinson said.
Brinson continues her service through nonprofit and community work and remains active in Spelman’s alumnae community. She also serves as executive director of the Paradise Community Development Center and has taught as an adjunct professor at Clark Atlanta University.
“Generosity towards others goes a long way,” Brinson said. “This is the honor of a lifetime and I am excited!”