In 1888 Spelman’s Seminary was granted a state charter. The purpose of the charter was to “[establish] an institution of learning for [black] women and with special attention is to be given to the formation of industrial habits and of Christian character “(Read, 1961). A board of trustees was organized naming Sophia B. Packard as Spelman’s College first president. She was chosen by the board of trustees because of her experience in leadership and teaching. She graduated from the Female Seminary in Charlestown, Massachusetts in 1850. Packard and her friend Harriet Giles opened a school called the Rollstone in 1854.
