Julianne Malveaux To Step Down as Bennett College President

History: Bennett College began as a teacher’s college to provide to education to newly emancipated slaves. It became a women’s college in 1926. Bennett’s brother school is Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. Recently Bennett implemented three new programs to increase global awareness of successes and struggles of women including: Womanist Religious Studies, Global Studies, and Africana Women's Studies

Dioni L. Wise of the Greensboro News & Record, reported on 24 June 2011 that "Bennett College's accreditation under review,"--GREENSBORO — Bennett College for Women learned Thursday that its accreditation was placed on a six-month probation for financial instability.

Thursday’s judgement came two years after SACS reaccredited the college for a 10-year period.

President Julianne Malveaux said the probation will not affect financial aid, and the college is not at risk and continues to be accredited.

She said she is confident that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges, which accredits institutions in 11 southern states, will reverse its ruling. The college has seen unprecedented expansion over the last four years, she said.

“We were most disappointed that, in the midst of this phenomenal progress, SACS has chosen to place us on probation for one-time occurrences in 2010,” Malveaux said in a statement.

The college plans to demonstrate in an October meeting that the occurrences, which were not explained, “are not part of our permanent fiscal picture.” (source: News & Record)

HISTORY:  Bennett College is a private, United Methodist Church affiliated, four-year liberal arts institution for women. Founded in 1873 as a coeducational institution with the first sessions held in the basement of St. Matthews United Methodist Church (then Warnersville Methodist Episcopal Church North), the school was founded through the inspiration of newly emancipated slaves.

During then next few years, African-American members of the Methodist Church attempted to raise funds for land and a school building. However, when contributions fell short of the goal, a businessman from New York named Lyman Bennett donated $10,000. Shortly thereafter Bennett died of pneumonia, but in memoriam, the institution was renamed Bennett Seminary and it's first building named Bennett Hall. Bennett was reorganized in 1926 to become a College for Women. (source: Soul of America )

Dr. Julianne Malveaux To Step Down as Bennett College President in May 2012

Dr. Julianne Malveaux, president of Bennett College, announced Tuesday that she will be stepping down as the school’s chief executive on May 6. Malveaux, who has led the Greensboro, N.C.-based women’s college since 2007, indicated “her desire to pursue other challenges as the reason for her resignation,” according to a Bennett College statement.

“As I reflect on my accomplishments and of the college’s growth and transformation during my tenure, I realize that it is time for Bennett, and for me, to embark on a new chapter,” Malveaux said. “Five years is the longest time I’ve ever held a job in my life, and, while I remain committed to HBCUs and the compelling cause of access in higher education, I will actualize that commitment, now, in other arenas.”

An economist by training, Malveaux is an author and popular speaker.

Charles Barrentine, chairman of the school’s board of trustees, praised Malveaux for her service and pointed out Bennett’s progress under her leadership.

“During her tenure, an ambitious $21 million capital improvements program renovated existing facilities and erected four new buildings—the first new construction on campus in 28 years,” Barrentine wrote in a Feb. 28 letter to Bennett alumnae. “She increased enrollment to a historic high of more than 735 students in 2009, expanded alumnae involvement, and enhanced the curriculum with a focus on women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, excellence in communications and global awareness.”

Greensboro North Carolina NC 1930s view of Carrie Barge Hall at Bennett College.

Also under Malveaux's leadership, Bennett's accreditation was reaffirmed December 2011 through 2014 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Malveaux has created a 2020 Master Plan, which recommends construction of a new high-tech library. (source: Diverse Staff , February 29, 2012 )

Greensboro Ministers Support Bennett College