Board of Trustees
On August 10, 2022, Dr. Gladys Ashe Robinson was elected Chair of the Bennett College Board of Trustees, effective immediately. Dr. Robinson will complete the current designated term of the chair, which ends on June 30, 2023. She is filling the vacancy left by outgoing Chair Kwanza Jones, who stepped down from the board on August 8, 2022 for family reasons. Ms. Jones, an entrepreneur and philanthropist has been a champion of Bennett and its multi-generational impact on women, families, communities and beyond. She will continue engagement with Bennett going forward, but in a less official capacity.
Dr. Robinson has served as a Bennett College Trustee since 2015. During an earlier tenure as Chair (2016 – 2021), she led the College through its pivotal change in strategic direction, which has created an exciting new framework for the future. She has also played an instrumental role in establishing a powerful long-term partnership with national accrediting body TRACS and will oversee the final phase of Bennett’s transition into TRACS membership, expected this academic year.
The College is governed by a consequential Board of Trustees that meets at least quarterly. The Board is committed to ensuring that it supports strategic long-term goals aligned to the values, guiding principles, and beliefs of the College. As the governing body of the College, the Board of Trustees is charged with policy making for the College and serve without compensation.
The officers of the Board of Trustees shall be the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and the President of the College. The President has the responsibility for the day-to-day management of the College.
The membership of the Board of Trustees shall be composed of five (5) to eighteen 18 members. The President of the College, the Chair of the Faculty Senate of the College and the President of the Student Government Association of the College shall serve as Ex-Officio Trustees without the power to vote. The Bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church or designee and the Chief Executive Officer of the United Methodist Women or designee shall serve as Ex-Officio Trustees with the power to vote.
Board of Officers

Senator Gladys Ashe Robinson, Ph.D., Chair
Deputy Minority Leader of the North Carolina Senate
Senator Gladys A. Robinson, has been elected to her sixth term in the Senate. She is 1st Vice Chair of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus and is a dedicated advocate for the people of North Carolina, specifically Guilford County.
Senator Gladys Ashe Robinson, Ph.D.
Senator Gladys A. Robinson, has been elected to her sixth term in the Senate. She is 1st Vice Chair of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus and is a dedicated advocate for the people of North Carolina, specifically Guilford County. Senator Robinson serves on the following Legislative Committees: Appropriations on Health and Human Services, Appropriations/Base Budget, Education/Higher Education, Finance, Health Care, Select Committee on Nominations and Commerce and Insurance. Non-Standing Committees: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice and Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.

Mark Milliron, Ph.D., Vice Chair
President and CEO of National University
Dr. Mark David Milliron is an award-winning leader, author, speaker, and consultant, who works with universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, foundations, corporations, associations, and government agencies across the country and around the world. Effective October 1, 2022, Dr. Milliron will begin service as President and CEO of National University, a San Diego-based nonprofit institution focused on working learners.
Mark Milliron, Ph.D., Vice Chair
Dr. Mark David Milliron is an award-winning leader, author, speaker, and consultant, who works with universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, foundations, corporations, associations, and government agencies across the country and around the world. Effective October 1, 2022, Dr. Milliron will begin service as President and CEO of National University, a San Diego-based nonprofit institution focused on working learners. He previously served as Western Governors University (WGU) Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the School of Education. Mark also serves on the boards of the Trellis Foundation, Bennett College, the Global Online Academy, the Hope Center for College, Community & Justice, ISKME/OERcommons, and Civitas Learning. He holds an appointment as a Professor of Practice in The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Education, teaching in the education leadership doctoral program.

Natalie Renee Parker ’01, Secretary
Talent and Organizational Strategist, Entrepreneur, HR Leader and Executive Coach (5 Talents Consulting LLC/Wyndham Capital Mortgage)
I am strategic Human Resources (HR) and Organizational Development (OD) leader with over 20 years’ experience in corporate, manufacturing, and non-profit environments alike.
Natalie Renee Parker ’01, Secretary
I am strategic Human Resources (HR) and Organizational Development (OD) leader with over 20 years’ experience in corporate, manufacturing, and non-profit environments alike. As a certified leadership coach, talent manager, and trusted advisor to executive teams I help leaders get clarity on the people stuff to increase capacity. I have a keen eye and unmatched creativity for organizational design and development.

Suzanne E. Walsh, J.D.
President
Suzanne Walsh is the 19th President of Bennett College, one of two historically black colleges for women in the United States. Prior to that role, she served as the deputy director for postsecondary success with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Suzanne E. Walsh, J.D.
Suzanne Walsh is the 19th President of Bennett College, one of two historically black colleges for women in the United States. Prior to that role, she served as the deputy director for postsecondary success with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Suzanne’s previous work also includes service at two other prominent foundations: Lumina Foundation in Indianapolis and The Heinz Endowments in Pittsburgh. She is civically active as a number of non-profit boards including Trellis Foundation, Carey Institute for Global Good, the Harwood Institute, Global Learning Council and the advisory board for Roadtrip Nation. She is also a proud judge for Dance Your PhD.
Suzanne has an honorary doctorate from Johnson C. Smith University and Case Western Reserve University. She also earned a juris doctorate and master’s in social work from Case Western Reserve University, a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, and an associate’s degree in applied science from Hudson Valley Community College.
Board Members

James A. Anderson , Ph.D.
Chancellor Emeritus Fayetteville State University
Chancellor – Fayetteville State University (2008-2020)
VP and Vice Provost – SUNY Albany (2006-2008)
VP and Associate Provost – Texas A&M (2003-2006)
James A. Anderson , Ph.D.
Chancellor – Fayetteville State University (2008-2020)
VP and Vice Provost – SUNY Albany (2006-2008)
VP and Associate Provost – Texas A&M (2003-2006)
Dean and Vice Provost – NC State U. (1992-2003)
Professor of Psychology – IUP (1983-1992)
Professor & Dept. Chair of Psychology – Xavier University of New Orleans (1976-1983)

Zakyha Jones-Walker
SGA President Ex Officio/ Non-Voting
Hello, all! My name is Zakyha Jones-Walker and I am a junior Psychology major with an Entrepreneurship minor from Hopewell, Virginia.
SGA President Ex Officio/ Non-Voting
Bennett is an institution for women to flourish and become a woman prepared for the real world, and I wanted to be a helping hand in that journey. That’s why I chose to get involved in SGA leadership. In this space, I’m given the opportunity to serve as a voice for our students to ensure their growth, and that is a duty like no other.
I look forward to working with you all as we serve Bennett College and its Belles. Thank you!

Dr. Santiba Campbell
Ex Officio/ Non-Voting Faculty Senate President Bennett College
A seasoned higher ed professional, thought partner and translator for public engagement, her research has applied an intersectional perspective to assess the nature and consequences of social identity development regarding personal and collective self.
Dr. Santiba Campbell
A seasoned higher ed professional, thought partner and translator for public engagement, her research has applied an intersectional perspective to assess the nature and consequences of social identity development regarding personal and collective self. Focusing on racial identity and perceptions of racial discrimination and how both may influence psychological well-being for the needs of students from underrepresented populations.

Jermon Bafaty
Founder and CEO of Platinum Technologies
I have a nineteen-year career supporting the United States Government, most of which was spent as a Technology Operations or Growth executive for Fortune 500 Companies.
I left industry to pursue Public Service and in 2019, through a competitive process, was selected by the President’s Commission on White House Fellows to serve as a senior adviser in the Department of Energy.
During my tenure as a White House Fellow, I oversaw the execution of a portfolio which included a wide range of high-level technology and energy security policy areas. Working closely with our civil servants and military leaders gave me new appreciation for their responsibilities and commitment to protect the lives and assets for our nation’s citizens.
Post-Fellowship, I launched a DC-based Public Sector-focused Digital and IT Professional Services Firm, Platinum Technologies. I am on a mission to create thousands of Tech and related High-paying jobs for Historically Underrepresented Communities.
Education:
University of Central Florida – Bachelors, Business
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Masters, Management
I am Denise’s Husband and Jay’s Dad.

Dr. Ronald Carter
President & CEO of Carter & Associates
Ronald Carter’s expertise spans leadership development, executive coaching, team building, scenario planning, institutional development, and civic engagement.
Dr. Carter currently serves as a Presidential Sage in the American Council on Education (ACE) Fellows Program, preparing senior leaders to serve American colleges and universities. Throughout his career in the United States and South Africa, Dr. Carter has been involved with numerous university executive searches. From 2008 to 2017, Dr. Carter served as President of Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), a historically black undergraduate and graduate applied research university in Charlotte, North Carolina. As President of JCSU, he filled 90 executive, dean, faculty, and staff-level positions. At the University of the Witwatersrand (1991-1997), he was part of ad hoc leadership and professional development teams that identified and hired individuals who could ensure the quality of the University’s transformational mission during South Africa’s radical transformation. As Coker College Provost and Dean of Faculty, he filled many administrative and faculty positions.

Dr. Pamela Jolly
Founder and CEO of Torch Enterprises Inc.
Dr. Pamela Jolly is a graduate of Hampton University, the Wharton School of Business, Boston University School of Theology, and Graduate Theological Foundation.
I am a data-driven strategic thinker committed to working with organizations, groups and communities to accelerate the narrowing of the Black Wealth Gap. I have authored five books on legacy wealth and have facilitated cohorts across the country. I leverage my 20+ years in the financial services industry to educate, inform, and advise corporate clients desiring to build deeper relationships with our community.
In 2004, I launched Torch Enterprises, a strategic investment firm that focuses on women and minority-owned businesses. In 2015, I formally launched the NarrowRoad™, a methodology focused on educating persons desiring to build wealth via ownership and equity.
Education:
Hampton University – B.S. Marketing, Finance
Boston University – MTs, Practical Theology
Graduate Theological Foundation – Ed.D, Christian Education
Oxford University – Certificate, Theology/ Theological Studies
Wharton School of Business – MBA, Finance Strategy
Peperdine University – Certificate, Private Equity & Venture Capital

Rev. Rodvegas Marc Ingram, Sr.
Pastor of St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC
Rev. Rodvegas Marc Ingram Sr., a native of Albemarle, NC and a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, is pastor of the founding church of Bennett College, St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC. He has been pastoring in the Western NC Conference of the United Methodist Church since 2001.
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Pastor of St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC
Rev. Rodvegas Marc Ingram Sr., a native of Albemarle, NC and a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, is pastor of the founding church of Bennett College, St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC. He has been pastoring in the Western NC Conference of the United Methodist Church since 2001. He, both, obtained his MDIV from Hood Seminary and was commissioned as a Provisional Elder in 2005. Rev. Ingram was ordained an Elder in Full Connection in 2011. Currently, he serves as the Pastor of St. Matthews UMC in Greensboro, NC. Previously, he served Collins Grove UMC in Greensboro, NC for 9 years. He served in Rockingham County at the following churches for a total of 8 years: Chapel Hill UMC and Salem UMC in Reidsville, NC; St. John UMC in Eden, NC and Memorial UMC in High Point, NC for 3 years. Rev. Ingram has not only served as a pastor, but he also remains a part of the Greensboro Cluster Choir and the Reidsville Community Charge Choir. Rev. Ingram serves the community in collaboration with a number of ministerial alliances and community civic organizations and serves the United Methodist Church through District and Conference Boards and Agencies.

Dr. Charlene Green
Anesthesiologist, Anesthesiology Consultants of NC
Dr. Charlene Green is a private practice anesthesiologist and the current President of the Old North State Medical Society.
Dr. Charlene Green
Dr. Charlene Green is the President of the Old North State Medical Society and Chief of Anesthesia at Cone Health in Greensboro, NC. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Maryland. Dr. Green completed her medical internship CA-1 year at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, her anesthesiology residency at Duke University Medical Center, and a Pain Medicine Fellowship at Duke University Medical Center.
She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. Dr. Green is a member of the National Medical Association, the First Vice Chair of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, and a Past President of the North Carolina Society of Anesthesiologists. As President of Old North State Medical Society, she has led statewide efforts to educate communities and advocate for vulnerable patients, particularly during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Cassandra Jones Havard, J.D.
Professor of Law, University of South Carolina School of Law
Cassandra Jones Havard joined South Carolina Law as a professor of law in Fall 2022 after serving on the faculties of the Temple University Beasley School of Law and the University of Baltimore School of Law.
Cassandra Jones Havard, J.D.
Cassandra Jones Havard joined South Carolina Law as a professor of law in Fall 2022 after serving on the faculties of the Temple University Beasley School of Law and the University of Baltimore School of Law. She teaches courses in banking, financial services regulation, entrepreneurship, venture capital financing, corporate, and commercial law. Her current scholarship focuses on the intersection of financial services regulation, systemic risk, and consumer welfare and race. She has written numerous articles and book chapters on these topics and others.
At the University of Baltimore, Jones Havard was the director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Scholars Program, a pipeline program for undergraduates who are members of under-represented groups in the legal profession. She received the Saul Ewing Excellence in Transactional Teaching Award in 2015 and 2020; a University of Iowa Innovation, Business, & Law Prize in 2020; and she was recognized as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2018.

Mark Milliron, Ph.D., Vice Chair
President and CEO of National University
Dr. Mark David Milliron is an award-winning leader, author, speaker, and consultant, who works with universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, foundations, corporations, associations, and government agencies across the country and around the world. Effective October 1, 2022, Dr. Milliron will begin service as President and CEO of National University, a San Diego-based nonprofit institution focused on working learners.
Mark Milliron, Ph.D., Vice Chair
Dr. Mark David Milliron is an award-winning leader, author, speaker, and consultant, who works with universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, foundations, corporations, associations, and government agencies across the country and around the world. Effective October 1, 2022, Dr. Milliron will begin service as President and CEO of National University, a San Diego-based nonprofit institution focused on working learners. He previously served as Western Governors University (WGU) Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the School of Education. Mark also serves on the boards of the Trellis Foundation, Bennett College, the Global Online Academy, the Hope Center for College, Community & Justice, ISKME/OERcommons, and Civitas Learning. He holds an appointment as a Professor of Practice in The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Education, teaching in the education leadership doctoral program.

Natalie Renee Parker ’01, Secretary
Talent and Organizational Strategist, Entrepreneur, HR Leader and Executive Coach (5 Talents Consulting LLC/Wyndham Capital Mortgage)
I am strategic Human Resources (HR) and Organizational Development (OD) leader with over 20 years’ experience in corporate, manufacturing, and non-profit environments alike.
Natalie Renee Parker ’01, Secretary
I am strategic Human Resources (HR) and Organizational Development (OD) leader with over 20 years’ experience in corporate, manufacturing, and non-profit environments alike. As a certified leadership coach, talent manager, and trusted advisor to executive teams I help leaders get clarity on the people stuff to increase capacity. I have a keen eye and unmatched creativity for organizational design and development.

Kimberly Jessup Ripberger, CPA
Partner, Bernard Robinson & Company LLP
My path to Audit Partner and Chief People Officer is a non-traditional path since I started my journey at 35 years old. I enjoy giving back by serving my BRC team members and serving in the community.
Kimberly Jessup Ripberger, CPA
My path to Audit Partner and Chief People Officer is a non-traditional path since I started my journey at 35 years old. I enjoy giving back by serving my BRC team members and serving in the community.
I COULD TALK FOREVER ABOUT…
Affordable Housing
Business is not about accomplishing tasks; it’s about developing people.
Treasure each day.

Senator Gladys Ashe Robinson, Ph.D., Chair
Deputy Minority Leader of the North Carolina Senate
Senator Gladys A. Robinson, has been elected to her sixth term in the Senate. She is 1st Vice Chair of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus and is a dedicated advocate for the people of North Carolina, specifically Guilford County.
Senator Gladys Ashe Robinson, Ph.D.
Senator Gladys A. Robinson, has been elected to her sixth term in the Senate. She is 1st Vice Chair of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus and is a dedicated advocate for the people of North Carolina, specifically Guilford County. Senator Robinson serves on the following Legislative Committees: Appropriations on Health and Human Services, Appropriations/Base Budget, Education/Higher Education, Finance, Health Care, Select Committee on Nominations and Commerce and Insurance. Non-Standing Committees: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice and Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.

LaNella Smith
Ex Officio/Voting Representative of the United Methodist Women

Madieu Williams, J.D.
Strategist, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
A proven business leader with experience running both corporate entities and international nonprofit organizations. Skilled at navigating complex legal issues and policies from contract negotiations to immigration and worker’s compensation.
Madieu Williams, J.D.
A proven business leader with experience running both corporate entities and international nonprofit organizations. Skilled at navigating complex legal issues and policies from contract negotiations to immigration and worker’s compensation. An advocate and strategist leverages in-depth research and analysis to inform both presentations and negotiations.

Suzanne E. Walsh, J.D.
President
Suzanne Walsh is the 19th President of Bennett College, one of two historically black colleges for women in the United States. Prior to that role, she served as the deputy director for postsecondary success with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Suzanne E. Walsh, J.D.
Suzanne Walsh is the 19th President of Bennett College, one of two historically black colleges for women in the United States. Prior to that role, she served as the deputy director for postsecondary success with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Suzanne’s previous work also includes service at two other prominent foundations: Lumina Foundation in Indianapolis and The Heinz Endowments in Pittsburgh. She is civically active as a number of non-profit boards including Trellis Foundation, Carey Institute for Global Good, the Harwood Institute, Global Learning Council and the advisory board for Roadtrip Nation. She is also a proud judge for Dance Your PhD.
Suzanne has an honorary doctorate from Johnson C. Smith University and Case Western Reserve University. She also earned a juris doctorate and master’s in social work from Case Western Reserve University, a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, and an associate’s degree in applied science from Hudson Valley Community College.

Debra Clark Jones
Associate Vice President for Community Health, Duke Health President, TEQuity
I am a strategic planning, analytics, and management executive with a passion to advance equity. My 30+ years of experience includes work in the health, education, economic development, and technology sectors.
Debra Clark Jones
I am a strategic planning, analytics, and management executive with a passion to advance equity. My 30+ years of experience includes work in the health, education, economic development, and technology sectors. I specialize in strategy, process, and systems development. Recognized for my leadership in managing organizations, empowering teams, and administering budgets exceeding $100 million, I am committed to transforming organizations to better serve local and global communities.

Nicole Washington
Partner, Kirkland & Ellis
Nicole Washington regularly represents some of the largest and most diversified asset managers, as well as numerous small and middle-market managers on the formation of private investment funds ranging from several hundred million to multibillion dollars.
Nicole Washington
Nicole Washington regularly represents some of the largest and most diversified asset managers, as well as numerous small and middle-market managers on the formation of private investment funds ranging from several hundred million to multibillion dollars. Nicole advises private investment funds on a range of complex business transactions in the secondary market, including fund restructurings and other GP-led transactions. She also advises some of the world’s most sophisticated private fund sponsors on internal management and succession planning, strategic investments, co-investment arrangements, joint ventures, and other investment management matters.
2022 – 2023 Board Meetings
- September 9 – 10, 2022 – Quarterly meeting (holding both days to give time to review Blueprint Dashboards & any TRACS-related items)
- December 10, 2022 – Quarterly meeting
- March 11, 2023 – Quarterly meeting
- June 23 – 24, 2023 – Annual Board Retreat