Welcome

Greetings from Bennett College for Women, an oasis for women, a place where sisters are educated, celebrated, and developed into global citizens and twenty-first century contributors.  Welcome to our website and to our new 2008-2009 academic year!

David Dallas Jones, the ninth President of Bennett College for Women was known for walking up to young women on campus and asking them, “Young lady, what is your purpose”. It is our intention to help young women discover their purpose, embrace their dreams and possibilities, and move forward, with distinction, into our ever-changing world. And it is our intention to create a space that is safe, wholesome, supportive and sisterly, an oasis in our rapidly changing society.

Dr. Willa Player, the iconic leader who succeeded Dr. Jones, was known for her embrace of the civil rights movement, and for her strong support of students.  When a group of Bennett women were arrested for protesting segregation in Greensboro, a police officer who arrested several Bennett women harshly told them, “wethought you girls had a lot of culture, but you don’t know your place”.  Well, our place is every place!  We should have place in the boardroom, in the courtroom, in the halls of international adjudication, on the floor of Wall Street.  We should be everywhere, excelling, and that standard of excellence is our foundation.  We, Bennett women, are phenomenal women.

Our academic program fits the needs of students with both academic promise and academic prowess. Our dynamic faculty and dedicated staff work together to create a phenomenal experience for those women who chose Bennett as their academic home.  This year, we are excited to announce the creation of a new writing lab, and a focus on writing through our Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) that will emphasize writing in an increasing number of our classes, especially for new students.  The ability to communicate, an essential part of the ability to negotiate the contemporary workplace, is as aspect of the curriculum that is being strengthened at Bennett.

Additionally, this administration has chosen to emphasize global understanding, leadership and entrepreneurship as important parts of the curriculum.  We believe that an exploration of these areas will enhance students’ ability to navigate the future.  To that end, critical faculty are working on these areas, and we are expanding our global reach to provide opportunities for students to work and travel abroad.

For all our work on the curriculum, Bennett is not only an academic space.  For many, it is truly an emotional anchor, an oasis.  When I travel the country, I am pleasantly affirmed by the strong attachment that Bennett alumnae feel toward their school. Whether they were part of the class of 1958 or the recently graduated class of 2008, Bennett alums care passionately about their college, and about their sisters. Many form endearing relationships that have endured through the years, bonds of sisterhood, caring and cooperation that provide Bennett College for Women with a strong foundation of support.

Bennett is important to alumnae, but it ought to also be important to all people. One of two historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that focus solely on women, Bennett College has a special role in our nation’s civil rights history, as Bennett Belles were jailed when lunch counters were integrated in Greensboro. Bennett’s President Willa B. Player visited students in jail, taking them their assignments, supporting their decision to be both scholars and activists.  I call upon friends and colleagues, in the spirit of Bennett’s contribution to the world, to embrace our history and tradition, and to invest in our movement from good to great.  I’m on FIRE for Bennett, for our energy and possibilities, and for the many things that our students will accomplish in years to come.

Enjoy this website, and check back in from time to time. We plan regular updates  and an exciting and dynamic series of academic programs for the year.  We are exploring ways to communicate with parents and friends more regularly and welcome your feedback about the website.

Our website is not the only way you can get to know us.  You can come visit!  Our Admissions office conducts tours during the week, and our Friends and Family weekend is October 2-5 . You are welcome to join us! We need your continued interest, energy and support. You are a critical part of the Bennett family. If you are a prospective student, we are delighted at your interest in Bennett College for Women. Check us out! Come see us! Let us know that you would like to join this family, become part of this oasis, this place where we educate and celebrate 21st century contributors.

On behalf of the faculty, staff, students and Trustees of Bennett College for Women I welcome you to this website and this opportunity to explore our outstanding and historic institution.

On fire for Bennett,

Dr. Julianne Malveaux
President

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