Former Fortune 100 CEO brings transformative vision to historic women’s college

When Rosalind “Roz” Brewer stepped through the gates of Spelman College this academic year, she wasn’t just another accomplished alumna visiting campus. She was coming home as interim president, carrying with her decades of Fortune 100 leadership experience and a vision that could reshape one of America’s most prestigious historically Black colleges and universities.

The chemistry major who graduated from Spelman’s Atlanta campus has transformed into one of corporate America’s most formidable executives. Her journey from student to C-suite leader represents more than personal achievement — it embodies the institutional promise that Spelman has delivered to Black women for generations.

Corporate leadership meets academic vision

Brewer’s transition from corporate boardrooms to academic halls represents a calculated move that benefits both worlds. Having served as president and CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, she understands the complex dynamics of leading through unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic tested her leadership mettle as she navigated supply chain disruptions, vaccine distribution logistics, and healthcare accessibility expansion.

Her corporate trajectory showcases strategic advancement across multiple industries. At Starbucks, where she served as chief operating officer, Brewer championed technological innovations that revolutionized customer engagement globally. The mobile ordering systems and digital payment platforms that customers now rely on were initiatives she helped develop from concept to implementation.

The Sam’s Club presidency demonstrated her ability to merge traditional retail with digital transformation. Under her guidance, the warehouse club chain developed e-commerce capabilities that positioned it competitively against digital-first retailers. Her emphasis on data-driven decision making and customer experience optimization became industry standards.

Breaking barriers across industries

As one of the few Black women to reach Fortune 100 CEO status, Brewer’s career trajectory has consistently challenged industry norms. Her board service spans technology giants like Amazon, aerospace leaders such as Lockheed Martin, and consumer brands including Molson Coors. Each position has expanded her strategic perspective while contributing to corporate governance evolution.

Her investment as a limited partner in the Atlanta Falcons places her among the few Black women with NFL ownership stakes. This milestone reflects not only personal financial success but also her commitment to increasing diversity in sports ownership, traditionally one of the most exclusive business sectors.

Educational leadership and community impact

Spelman College presents Brewer with challenges distinct from corporate environments yet requiring similar strategic thinking. The institution must balance tradition with innovation, maintain academic excellence while expanding accessibility, and prepare students for careers in rapidly evolving industries.

Her chemistry background provides practical understanding of STEM education challenges facing women and minorities. During her corporate tenure, she consistently advocated for educational partnerships that create pathways from classroom to career. These experiences inform her approach to curriculum development and industry collaboration at Spelman.

Philanthropic vision and strategic impact

Beyond corporate achievements, Brewer’s philanthropic involvement demonstrates sustained commitment to social advancement. Her board service with the KIPP Foundation addresses public education challenges, while her involvement with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture preserves and promotes cultural heritage.

Her interim presidency arrives during a critical period for higher education. Enrollment pressures, technological disruption, and changing employer expectations require innovative responses from academic leaders. Her corporate experience with digital transformation provides relevant expertise for modernizing educational delivery methods.

The skills she developed managing global operations at Walgreens translate to coordinating campus services and student experience. Her customer service focus from retail leadership applies to enhancing satisfaction and engagement. Strategic planning processes she implemented across multiple industries inform institutional development and resource allocation.

Legacy building through leadership

Students benefit from direct access to executive-level strategic thinking and industry connections. Faculty gain insights into private sector trends that inform curriculum development. The broader Spelman community benefits from enhanced visibility and partnership opportunities that her corporate network provides.

Brewer’s leadership style, developed through managing diverse global teams, emphasizes collaboration and inclusion. These principles align naturally with Spelman’s mission while introducing corporate efficiency and accountability measures.

As she navigates this pivotal role, Brewer continues demonstrating that excellence transcends industry boundaries. Her commitment to advancing opportunities for women and minorities remains consistent whether leading a Fortune 100 company or guiding a historic educational institution. The intersection of corporate leadership and academic stewardship in her current role suggests new models for institutional leadership that could influence higher education broadly.