Office of the President

Dear Bennett College Community,

I write to share an important update regarding Bennett College’s presidential transition.

After eleven months of service as Interim President, Dr. Teresa Hardee will conclude her interim appointment. The Board of Trustees extends its appreciation to Dr. Hardee for her service and contributions during an important period in the College’s ongoing development and transition.

During her tenure, Dr. Hardee oversaw a number of operational and strategic initiatives, including institutional planning and restructuring efforts, engagement with external funding and financing partners, development of strategic program initiatives, selected operational review and cost-management measures, accreditation and reporting-related processes, and Centennial engagement activities. These efforts supported the College’s ongoing strategic and operational priorities.

The Board and Dr. Hardee have engaged in beneficial discussions regarding the College’s leadership transition and future direction. As Bennett College moves into its next phase, the Board remains focused on institutional stability, operational alignment, shared governance, and long-term sustainability in support of the College’s mission and students.

We thank Dr. Hardee for her service to Bennett College and wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

The Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Ronald L. Carter to serve as Acting President of Bennett College, effective Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Dr. Carter will provide executive leadership during this transition period as the College continues its work to strengthen institutional stability, advance key strategic priorities, and prepare for the search for a permanent president.

Dr. Carter, who resigned his position on the Board of Trustees in order to accept the appointment position, brings deep experience in higher education leadership, institutional advancement and fundraising, executive search, governance, and institutional strategy. He previously served as President of Johnson C. Smith University from 2008 to 2017 and is the President and CEO of Carter & Associates, a higher education and nonprofit leadership consulting firm based in High Point, North Carolina. His career has included leadership development work with the American Council on Education Fellows Program, executive search consulting with AGB Search, and governance and strategic planning support for colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations.

Dr. Carter earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and holds a Master of Theology and Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion from Boston University. He is a native of High Point, North Carolina.

To preserve appropriate separation between governance and management, Dr. Carter will resign from the Board of Trustees before assuming the Acting President role. His appointment is temporary and is intended to ensure continuity while the College moves forward with the process for selecting its next permanent president.

The Board has full confidence in Dr. Carter’s ability to provide steady leadership during this important period. We ask the full Bennett community to support Acting President Carter as he assumes this responsibility and works with faculty, staff, students, alumnae, and trustees to advance the College’s mission.

Thank you for your continued dedication to Bennett College and to the students we serve.

Sincerely,

Cassandra Jones Havard

Chair, Board of Trustees

Bennett College