The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, named a GW alumna as its new chair today.

Rosyln Brock, 44, earned a master’s degree in health services administration from GW after graduating from Virginia Union University. She is the youngest woman to be named chair of the NAACP’s Board of Directors.

The Washington Post reports that this is the first time in the NAACP’s history that both its chair and president are too young to have lived through legalized segregation. President Benjamin Jealous, 37, is the organization’s youngest president and CEO.

The last chairman, Julian Bond, had said he would retire from his position after the organization’s 100th anniversary last year. He served as chair for 12 years.

Bond was the keynote speaker for GW’s 2008 Commencement, despite controversy over his selection. Bond received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from the University for his leadership in advancing civil rights.