New Agnes Scott College president selected by board

Agnes Scott College named Leocadia I. Zak its ninth president.

Zak, 60, served seven years as director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. She was appointed by President Barack Obama to that position and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2010. She will become president of the Decatur college on July 1 by a unanimous vote of the college’s board.

A graduate of the all-women’s Mount Holyoke College, she received a law degree from Northeastern University School of Law. The new leader was announced in Tuesday in front of several hundred students, faculty, and staff -- many of whom donned the college’s signature purple color.

Zak takes over from Elizabeth Kiss, who announced last year she would step down in June after 12 years as president. Agnes Scott is one of four women's colleges in Georgia. The college was founded in 1889 and enrolled 937 students in the fall.

For more on Zak, including her thoughts about the future of women's colleges, read the full story here on MyAJC.com.

About the Author

Where to go for free back-to-school supplies in metro Atlanta

Metro Atlanta parents can find free backpacks, supplies and more at these back-to-school events in July and August.

Cobb school board won’t livestream public speakers anymore

Public comment will still be open to in-person attendees.

Morehouse College alum detained by ICE in Texas

Alex Maganda, a former Morehouse football player, came to the U.S. from Mexico at 5 years old, his attorney said. A hearing on his case is expected within the next two weeks.

The Latest

Credit: Courtesy of Councilwoman Helen Willis