Education

UPDATE: Agnes Scott president recovering from COVID-19

Agnes Scott College President Leocadia "Lee" Zak sits in a rocking chair on one of her favorite locations on campus. An inauguration ceremony was held on April 26, 2019, on the campus, located in Decatur. ERIC STIRGUS / ESTIRGUS@AJC.COM
Agnes Scott College President Leocadia "Lee" Zak sits in a rocking chair on one of her favorite locations on campus. An inauguration ceremony was held on April 26, 2019, on the campus, located in Decatur. ERIC STIRGUS / ESTIRGUS@AJC.COM
Updated Aug 19, 2020

Agnes Scott College President Leocadia “Lee” Zak has been released from a local hospital and is recovering at home after being diagnosed last month with COVID-19, officials said.

Zak was allowed to leave Emory University Hospital on Monday, the Decatur women’s college said in a statement.

Zak was the first college president in the Atlanta region to be diagnosed with the disease. Elizabeth D. Holder, chair of the college’s board of trustees, said last month in a message to students, faculty, employees and others that Zak “has been extremely cautious and careful regarding health protocols to avoid exposure.”

“As many of you know, our president always puts Agnes Scott first and works tirelessly for our community,” Holder’s message continued. “I have encouraged Lee to focus on her health at this time. I have every confidence that the campus leadership team, in consultation with Lee, will continue to advance the important work of planning for the fall semester.”

Agnes Scott had about 1,030 students last school year, federal data shows. The college is planning to teach courses remotely. Its fall semester begins Thursday.

Zak became the college’s president in July 2018.

About the Author

Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He is the newsroom's education editor. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.

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