Changes in rules and social behavior marked this period. David B. Truman began his presidency amid the tensions of race relations and the anti-war movement. Economic and social pressures forced the college to reexamine and reaffirm its commitment to educating women in 1971. The college also began a concerted effort to increase the diversity of its student, staff and faculty populations. In 1978 Elizabeth Topham Kennan became president and Joanne V. Creighton followed her in 1996. The push for diversity can be seen in conversion of several space to increase cultural and community spaces on campus.