Dawn Alston is the senior vice president for Business and Financial Affairs and chief financial officer and treasurer at Spelman College. This appointment in 2019 marked a new chapter in her distinguished 20-year career at the institution. In this significant role, Alston oversees the Division of Business and Financial Affairs, ensuring the College’s financial health and operational excellence.
Quick Read: Spelman College Chief Financial Officer Dawn Alston Named Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2026 CFO of the Year
A native of Washington, D.C., Alston has been with Spelman since 1999, initially joining as a research technician in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry. Over her 17-year tenure in the Division of Business and Financial Affairs, she was responsible for budgetary oversight of Administrative Support and auxiliary services. In her new role, she manages Facilities Management and Services, the Office of Human Resources, and the Office of the Controller. She also shares oversight of Public Safety and Dining Services with the Division of Student Affairs.
Before her tenure at Spelman, Alston served as a compliance officer at the Department of Defense and worked as an adjunct biology instructor at Wofford College and Tri-County Technical College. Her diverse background and extensive experience within Spelman have uniquely prepared her for this leadership role.
Alston’s strategic vision and financial expertise are expected to drive Spelman College towards achieving its strategic goals, ensuring the institution’s continued growth and success. Her leadership is instrumental in upholding the College’s mission of supporting stellar students, faculty, and staff, and fostering an environment of excellence.