GREENSBORO, N.C. — Bennett College Interim President Dr. Teresa Hardee has announced the appointment of alumna Debra Clark Jones ’84 as Interim Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Bennett College, effective immediately.
Introducing Debra Clark Jones: A Leader in Institutional Advancement
Jones comes to the position with a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in leadership, program management, and advancing equity and community health. Alumna Clark Jones previously served as Acting President at Bennett College, ensuring a smooth transition until the appointment of Interim President Hardee.
Most recently, Jones served as Associate Vice President for Community Health at Duke University, where she led efforts to synergize Duke’s role as a university, employer, and healthcare provider to advance community health and address the social drivers of health across the state.
A recognized leader in enterprise program management, healthcare outreach, and community engagement, Jones has consistently demonstrated her ability to tackle societal and health disparities with innovative, data-driven approaches. Her expertise in data analytics and strategic communications has allowed her to identify and address the needs of underserved populations, producing an unparalleled track record of positive community impact.
Prior to joining Duke in 2021, Jones served as Vice President for University Advancement, External Affairs, and Technology at Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh. She has also held leadership positions with IBM, SAS Institute, state government, and is the President and Senior Consultant at TEQuity, a firm dedicated to advancing equity initiatives through technology, analytics, and marketing services for universities, corporations, governmental agencies, and non-profits.
In her announcement, Dr. Hardee stated: “I am thrilled to have such an extraordinary Bennett Belle join our leadership team. Debra’s vast experience, innovative thinking, and commitment to advancing equity will not only strengthen Bennett College’s mission but also inspire and enhance our efforts to build a high-performing team that drives meaningful and lasting change.”
