HerStory: Dr. Malveaux’s Tenure in Her Own Words

When I went to Bennett College for Women in 2007, I declared that I was “on fire” for the institution.  I still am.  And I also yield to the biblical verse that says for everything there is a season, a time for everything unto heaven. 

I had a season to build four buildings in four years, to increase enrollment, to influence curriculum shifts, and to assemble an awesome senior team, to engage with most of my students, and to influence young lives. I also managed the development of a new strategic plan, and I’ve been privileged to be a national Bennett brand advocate. 

I’ve maintained a speaking schedule partly because it enhances Bennett’s visibility, and wherever I go, I meet potential students, parents, and others, that want to engage me in Bennett matters.

I most value the ways we have looked at our campus foci – entrepreneurship, leadership, global studies and communications. If a young sister masters these, she can operate in almost any arena.

The number of students who have traveled internationally has increased exponentially during my leadership.  Personally, I’ve taken students with me to Copenhagen, Haiti, and Nigeria, as well as to many sites in places in the United States.

I am also grateful to have had support for the development of our entrepreneurship program. Given the job market, there is a point in time when many of us will be entrepreneurs, whether we want to be or not.  I have had a team to develop this concept and to integrate it into Bennett’s curriculum.

So why go? 

Things are going well. We had a bump and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools put us on probation when a major donor defaulted on a large pledge, and when we had to pay (go figure – and that’s another column) the government more than a million dollars on a prepayment penalty.  We overcame that in just six months and are in the clear with SACS until 2014, when we have a five-year review.  We celebrated the removal of SACS probation in January and it was, indeed, an exciting moment.

Why go? Because it’s time. Because leading the college is easy and fun, but raising money is hard. In order to move into the next phase at Bennett, somehow we need to both enhance our endowment and raise enough [momentum] to implement the strategic plan I led.  Do I have the stomach for spending 80 percent of my time raising money?  When asked the question, I had to go into deep prayer and meditation.  The answer?  No.

External forces work against HBCUs

President Obama has been great in managing to keep the Pell Grant level, but it needs to be larger.  In North Carolina, private colleges have been excluded from state lottery funds, reducing the money Bennett students can bring to the college. 

Key stakeholders committed for four years and may or may not renew commitment.  The United Negro College fund has slashed its appropriations to private colleges by more than 50 percent. 

When I looked at the factors in play, I saw an uphill climb.  And five years of working at full speed, wearing myself down, convinced me that I didn’t have the energy for another uphill climb.

 ‘Sprinting marathon’

When I first came to Bennett, a valued staff member chuckled at my pace. It’s not a sprint, she said, it’s a marathon.  I replied that it is a sprinting marathon. 

Now I yield to her wisdom. Impossible. You can’t run at the pace that I tried to run without paying a price.  I did.  I so fully appreciate the difference between being 53 and being 58. I fully understand the toll that stress, sleeplessness, and diabetes can take on one’s life.  

I fully understand that while I talked about balance, I never practiced it.  And I fully understand that my need to go is as much a result of my own exhaustion as anything else.

I am not an HBCU graduate, and had I been, I would likely have been a very different person. At my undergraduate college, African-American students fought to establish their intellectual chops, while at Bennett, the development of intellectual chops is applauded and encouraged.

Without being an HBCU graduate, I am an HBCU fan, and my experience at Bennett convinces me that I will always be.  I love my college so much that I hate to leave it, but it’s time.

When I say that I have never had a job for more than five years, I’m being flip. I wrote for “Black Issues” for 15 years, have been affiliated with USA Today newspaper since 1986, and have written columns (my first love) since 1984. But I am a free sprit that rebels against structure, and when I accepted the structure of leading a college, I realized that conformity would be a stretch goal.  I stretched for five years.  Now I need to exhale.

A season completed

There is a Japanese haiku that my sister, Mariette, shared with me.  “My barn has burned down, now I can see the moon.”  Bennett has been the space that I chose to come to because I am committed to African-American people, to our education, to college access. 

I thrived at the college, and yet I am mindful of the concept of season.  My barn has burned down, and the moon that I see is spaceless and endless.  Bennett will always have a piece of my heart, and yet, for so many reasons, this is the season for my departure. 

I am leaving my college with satisfaction with my accomplishments, and with a sense of poignant reflection on that which has been done, and that which might have been done.  I leave my college enriched, informed, and regarded in the fight for social and economic justice. 

I am leaving my college – it will always be my college – because it is time, because God is good, after you’ve done all you can, you just stand. I’m standing in the power of education.  Standing in the power of access.  Standing in the energy of HBCUs. Standing grateful and strong. 

Standing, ready for the next chapter of my life.

 By: Dr. Julianne Malveaux

One-on-One Interview: Dr. Malveaux’s Post Resignation Reflections

Author, columnist and economist Dr. Julianne Malveaux closes the chapter on Bennett College for Women. She resigned from the historically black all-women’s college in Greensboro, North Carolina, February 28, at a town hall meeting. With doors shut to the public, this bittersweet moment was shared strictly amongst faculty, students and staff. 

Dr. Malveaux granted the Bennett Banner, the Bennett College online newspaper, a one-on-one 20-minute interview eight days after making the announcement. 

The Boston College and MIT alumna started off the interview with why it was time to leave. 

“I always tell people that God brought me to Bennett, and God is taking me from Bennett. There’s a sense in my soul that it was time. It’s been five years. I probably never really planned to stay more than five years, but then I really got into it and said no I can do this a little longer. But, then I’ve had some health challenges that have been complicating factors as well as the fact that I’m tired.”  

Bennett College released a statement highlighting the president’s accomplishments like breaking the 28-year span without any construction on campus by completing a $21 million dollar capital improvement campaign. The money helped build four new buildings and renovate others. 

“The opening of this Global Learning Center was a really high point of last year. It’s been full of proud moments.” 

The Board of Trustees also credits the president with increasing enrollment and alumnae involvement.

 “I think that changes I made at Bennett will withstand the test of time.” 

The outgoing president also says she put in five years of 100% into Bennett College, and she had a great time becoming a fixture in the Greensboro community. 

“I did get to be a part of many things in the community like the Board of Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, the Board of the Greensboro Partnership, things that really allowed me to bring Bennett to the broader community table.” 

Dr. Malveaux uses an economic term, “compensating differentials,” to discuss some of the challenges she faced as a college president. 

“It just basically means you can’t have everything, so you give up one thing to get another.” 

Malveaux says being a college president has restrictions, and she called herself “Malveaux Light” because she began editing herself more. She gave an example using the national column she writes. 

“I was going to write something the other day, and it was pretty harsh on [Mitt] Romney. Then, I said you know what I have Republicans on my board. He may well be the nominee. That’s the kind of thing [where] you find yourself editing yourself. On one hand you’re going to be yourself, but what I describe myself as sometimes is ‘Malveaux Light.’ When I’m here it’s sort of like ‘Malveaux Light.’” 

One challenge the college faced under Dr. Malveaux’s presidency occurred last summer. In June of 2011, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools [SACS] placed the college on a 6-month probation for financial instability. The college was taken off probation by December 2011, and its accreditation was reaffirmed for 2014 after SACS finished its evaluation. 

The outgoing president wishes she could’ve focused more on the students during her five-year tenure. 

“I think another big challenge we’ve attempted is to really be responsive to students. Now students may have different opinions about that, but we really try to be responsive to students in terms of improving our student activities. The theme used by the college is ‘Students First,’ but of course everything often here boils down to dollars. We haven’t provided students with everything I wish we could have.” 

Dr. Malveaux says on top of the normal issues a college president faces, she began battling health issues. She suffers from diabetes. 

“Some of you have seen a sense of fatigue in me sometimes. Usually I’m a firecracker-peppy but I’ve had an overwhelming sense of fatigue.” 

Battling the disease has brought on some deep regrets. 

“I wish that my health had been better this year. I wish that I had been more on top of my game. I think there were occasions when I really and visibly wasn’t, and you know obviously as a strong black woman you want to project that strength at all times.” 

President Malveaux says the disease has gotten out of control partly because of stress. She says it’s easy to spot when she’s stressed and not feeling well.

“I turn pale, my shoulders are a little hunched, [and] and sometimes I speak slowly.” 

Malveaux says she was hardheaded because she thinks she could have dealt with her health issues earlier. 

“I’m like, well it’s going to be okay. You have a great day; you think okay everything’s okay.” 

The president says resigning her position will allow her to focus on her health. 

“Obviously this is something that I need to manage better. Those things could be managed while I do the job, but I thought about it and said, ‘You know my health comes first.’” 

Speculations arose from students regarding her resignation. 

“This, in some ways, has been bittersweet. It’s certainly my decision to leave. No one said, ‘You have to go’ or anything. You’ve been doing something for five years, and you look up and you’re saying ‘Okay, what’s next?’“ 

She responds to the notion that her presidency was short-lived.  

“My line is nobody likes change but a wet baby, and even the wet baby cries. So, what I want to say to my students, to my successor and even to me, is the only constant in life is change. A bittersweet moment is sweetened by the notion that change is constant.” 

The immediate change taking place on campus is that the Board of Trustees announced that Dr. Esther Terry, the current Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, will assume the role as the Chief Academic Officer. She will be named the Interim President once Dr. Malveaux’s tenure ends after the upcoming commencement ceremony. Dr. Terry is also an alumna of the college, class of 1961. 

Dr. James Dixon, the current Chief of Staff, will serve as the Chief Administrative Officer. 

Dr. Malveaux will continue to fundraise for the school as her time as president comes to an end, and she had a message on this subject for her full-time replacement.

 “My successor will have to be far more focused on fundraising than I was.” 

She also left one other message for the 16^th President of Bennett College. 

“Your students deserve the best. Know it and insist on it and push for it with vigor.” 

She reminisced on some of her proud moments while at Bennett College. 

“Certainly my installation, the first graduation…was just tremendous. When we were able to find the matching funds to renovate the JMS [Journalism and Media Studies] building. That was amazing. Our Women’s Leadership Conferences have been proud moments. We’ve brought people to campus. It’s been great to be able to host my friends like the Dysons [Dr. Michael Eric Dyson & Rev. Marcia L. Dyson], and Rev. [Jessie] Jackson, Cornell West, Susan Taylor. I mean the list goes on. To host them and kind of show off and brag about Bennett…a lot more people know about Bennett than they did before.” 

Malveaux says she’s also changed in a number of ways over the last five years. 

“I’m kinder-gentler; some say I am and some say I’m not. I think that I’ve become more measured. Early on one of the reporters wrote that my style was ready, fire, aim. I didn’t like that very much, but it may well have been the truth. But, I think I’ve calmed down. I think I’ve softened.” 

She says she also learned a lot from her students. 

“I think I see the value of teens a lot more. Being here has not only made it more important for me to listen to young voices but also more imperative. The young people are indeed our future.” 

The outgoing president says she’s excited to figure out what’s next for her. 

“I’ve gotten in conversation with a couple folks about a book [and] conversations about some other writings. I’m boogieing at the Essence Music Festival, and you know I will say waiting to see how life happens. I’ve got a web page that I’ve had for years that we’re going to keep current, and we’ll have columns on it and other stuff.” 

Dr. Malveaux says she would also look at the possibility of working with President Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign. She also talked about continuing to help young women. 

“I mentor a lot of young women both here at the college and other places, and as I leave Bennett I’ll step that up. I need to do a little bit more of that.” 

President Julianne Malveaux says she’s going to miss the Bennett College students, and left them with the following charge. 

“Love Bennett and always lift her up. This is a tremendous place. I think the young people who study here are special and deserve the best. Always know you deserve the best and insist on it.” 

Share your thoughts and comments below.

By: Dominique Mackey

Students React to Resignation

It was a day like any other, or so it seemed. Students arrived to the town hall meeting ready to find out the important information they were told they would learn. Students quickly found out Dr. Julianne Malveaux; the 15^th President of Bennett College was resigning. 

“Leading Bennett College has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. As I reflect on my accomplishments and of the college’s growth and transformation during my tenure, I realize that it is time for Bennett, and for me, to embark on a new chapter,” says Dr. Julianne Malveaux. 

The Board of Trustees spoke glowing about President Malveaux’s accomplishments at Bennett College. 

“Under Dr. Malveaux’s leadership the college completed an ambitious $21 million capital improvements program that renovated existing facilities and erected four new buildings – the first new construction on campus in 28 years,” says Charles Barrentine, Chair of the Board of Trustees. 

Students say Dr. Malveaux’s legacy lies in the new buildings and in the hearts of her students. 

Evette Brown, a senior journalism and media studies major says she chose to attend Bennett College because of Dr. Malveaux. 

“After watching Dr. Malveaux on CNN speaking so highly of Bennett and what the school stood for I knew I wanted to come here.” 

Brown transferred to Bennett College in 2010 and has goals of being an entrepreneur, essayist and columnist. She says that the president of the women’s college confirmed her decision to pursue a career in media. 

“I see the power of media through her. Seeing the impact that she had by being a public figure and being able to bring influential and powerful people to the college definitely confirmed my decision.” 

Brown is not the only student that has been personally affected by Dr. Malveaux. Ife Madzimoyo, a sophomore, Africana Women’s Studies major traveled to Nigeria with Dr. Julianne Malveaux and appreciates the relationship she has with the president. 

“She showed me first hand how to be someone who is courageous, who can take stands and be a public figure that is respected. [Dr. Malveaux] advocates for Black women and doesn’t apologize for it.” 

Madzimoyo continues, “What I appreciate is the conversations that we have. A lot of the time our conversations revolved around Bennett and possible improvements, but other times it was about hearing about my family. She is very playful and lighthearted.” 

One campus administrator wants to make sure that all of the students appreciate the outgoing president like Brown and Madzimoyo. 

“They need to know that she really did give a lot of herself to the buildings, the programs that we have done to enhance the lives of students, all of that was about you all, not about Dr. Malveaux and they should know that,” says Dr. Stanley Viltz, Associate Provost of the College. 

Students say they know Dr. Julianne Malveaux is woman of her word, and she held true to the things that she promised to do during her tenure. Many tears have been shed and many hearts ache at the thought of her resignation, but students say that one thing that soothes them is knowing that she leaves a lasting impression on Bennett College. 

“Seeing how unappreciated she was by other students made me sad. [Dr. Malveaux] keeps striving because she just wants to leave Bennett better than when she first found her,” says Evette Brown. 

The 15^th President’s resignation will be finalized May 6, 2012. Until then, many students feel that the Dr. Malveaux should be encouraged and uplifted by the Bennett College community. 

“For those of us who feel genuine appreciation for what she has done, we should share it with her because everyone deserves to enjoy the flowers while they can still smell them. She deserves it, and I encourage students to share their love with her whether it be by email or on her Facebook wall,” says Ife Madzimoyo. 

Madzimoyo has advice for the future president of Bennett College. 

“Obviously she [or he] has big shoes to fill. Whatever uniqueness she [or he] can bring to Bennett will be appreciated. That’s what our presidents are known for.” 

A search committee is being formed to find a permanent replacement for Dr. Malveaux. Following the upcoming commencement ceremony, Dr. Esther Terry will assume the title as the interim president. Dr. Terry is an alumna of the class of 1961, and currently serves as the college’s Chief Academic Officer.

Share your thoughts and comments below.

By: Shanima Parker

Sibling Colleges’ Presidents Resign

The Belles and Tigers of Bennett and Morehouse College prepare to say goodbye to both of their presidents. 

The brother and sister colleges are currently searching for new presidents. Bennett College President Julianne Malveaux, PhD and Morehouse College President, Robert M. Franklin, PhD both announced their resignations during the Spring 2012 academic semester.   

The similarities don’t stop there for the outgoing presidents. They both took office in 2007, and now they leave with their board of trustees giving them a very high honor. Dr. Julianne Malveaux will step down after the May 6 commencement with the distinguished title President Emerita. Dr. Robert M. Franklin will be giving the title of President Emeritus and Distinguished Professor. He will step down at the end of Morehouse’s academic year. 

Both colleges released statements highlighting some of the achievements over the past five years for both presidents. 

The board of trustees credited Dr. Malveaux for leading a $21 million capital improvement program. The program helped build four new buildings, which was the first new construction at the school in 28 years. She was also credited with increasing the student enrollment. 

Dr. Franklin who is an alumnus of Morehouse College is credited with increasing alumni giving from 17% to 36% according to the college. The college also says he helped bring in $60 million dollars in federal grants and contracts.   

Franklin and Malveaux, both have decided to move on to other endeavors that best fit this time in their lives. 

“I look forward to a sabbatical during which I intend to travel, write, speak and interview leaders about the condition of boys and men in the U.S. and around the globe, research that I began years ago in my book, ‘Crisis in the Village,’” says Franklin. 

During an interview on the Tom Joyner Morning Show with Roland Martin, Dr. Malveaux says she plans to take a trip and then sort out her future. 

“It’s time for me to do other things. I will be going to Peru for about 10 days, and come back to live in Washington and look at options.“ 

Malveaux told the The Business Journal in a recent interview that leaving now would give the college time to have a new leader in place for the next round of reaccreditation in two years. 

“So it was commit to two more years, or leave now and let Bennett bring someone else in.” 

Both colleges announced the search for a new president has started. 

Bennett College will host their brother school Morehouse College in April during “Ebony Soul”, which is an annual event. The outgoing presidents have one more similarity; they kept this tradition going during their tenure. 

By: Racquel Bethea