Ex-Spelman president to lead Smithsonian’s African Art museum

Washington — A former college president and anthropology professor has been named director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art.

Johnnetta Cole will take over the Washington museum March 2. She currently heads the Johnnetta B. Cole Global Diversity and Inclusion Institute at Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C. She served as the school’s president from 2002 to 2007.

In announcing the appointment Monday, Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough, former Georgia Tech president, says Cole can help expand the African art museum’s reach. Sharon Patton resigned as the museum’s director in January.

Cole was president of Spelman College in Atlanta for a decade until 1997 where she completed a $113 million capital campaign.

Cole recently advised Smithsonian planners for the National Museum of African American History and Culture.