GREENSBORO, N.C. — July 22, 2025 — Dr. Teresa Hardee, EdD, CPA, LSSBB, Interim President of Bennett College, was honored with the prestigious Change Agent Award at UNITE 2025 during the UNITE 2025 Awards Ceremony & Community Celebration hosted by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
Recognizing Excellence: The Change Agent Award at UNITE 2025
Held as part of the annual UNITE conference, the awards event recognizes institutions and leaders who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and innovation in advancing the promise of Black higher education.
Dr. Hardee stepped into leadership at Bennett as the College prepares to celebrate its centennial as a college for women. She reflected on the honor with humility and purpose.
“A moment I will never forget. To stand on that stage representing Bennett College and the powerful legacy of HBCU women who lead with purpose and passion—it means everything,” said Dr. Hardee. “This award is not just mine. It belongs to every student, every colleague, and every changemaker who dares to push our communities forward. The work continues.”
Also in attendance for the ceremony were Bennett College Board of Trustees Chair Cassandra Jones Havard ’78 and Interim Executive Vice President Debra Clark Jones ’84.
