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

Making Social Media Work for You

Bennett Belles learned the importance of marketing themselves from local media professionals.

The Triad Association of Black Journalists (TABJ) taught its members and aspiring journalists how to “BRAND New You” during a weekend workshop.  A number of journalism and media studies students from Bennett attended the event on Saturday, January 21.

The workshop was opened to Triad area college students as well as paid members of the association. The workshop was hosted in the Journalism and Mass Communication department in Crosby Hall at North Carolina A&T State University.

Two speakers were featured as experts on branding: Ross Wade and Danielle Hatfield.

Ross Wade, assistant director of career services for the School of Communications at Elon University, explained the importance of marketing correctly, whether a student or professional.

Attendees were encouraged to develop a six-word professional statement. This could be used to briefly describe a person’s purpose and integrate social networking.

“A six word personal statement is great to tell an interviewer who asks you to sum up your purpose but also fits in the space allotted on Twitter for your bio[graphy],” says Wade.

Besides Twitter, Wade also stressed the importance of social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. He expressed that it was imperative to make use of these sites to market yourself as a professional and to establish an online presence.

“On LinkedIn, connect with people that you actually know using the advanced people search. Also, follow companies that you may have an interest in working for in the future,” says Wade.

Wade showed many aspects of LinkedIn that would help professionals and students maximize the sites effectiveness.

Elise Roberts a local television news reporter for News 14 Carolina says she learned some useful tips for LinkedIn.

“I thought I was using it correctly too, but I learned a lot more today.”

In summation, Wade described his attitude toward using social networking sites as, “Why have it [an account] if you’re not using it?”

Friend of TABJ Natalie P. McNeal, also known as Frugalista joined via Twitter. Attendees were allowed to ask her questions on tweetchat.com. McNeal informed those at the workshop of ways to accumulate the least debt possible and how to save money. She spoke on her experience of transitioning from a St. Petersburg Times staff writer to a full-time blogger for the Frugalista blog.

In regards to McNeal, Bennett student Evette Brown says, “Frugalista really showed me the power of social media. She answered our questions and even followed most of us on Twitter. I was very impressed by her humility and flexibility.”

Local marketing and advertising expert Danielle Hatfield was second to present her version of how to “Brand You.” Hatfield also gave tips on how to use LinkedIn as well as Twitter.

“Treat Twitter as if it were a water cooler. It’s an open conversation that anyone can join in and add their opinion,” says Hatfield.

She urged maintaining consistency on all social networking sites by using the same name (preferably your real name) and the same picture. But, Hatfield also encouraged creating a website specific to the individual.

“It’s always best to have your own website because any day, Facebook or Twitter could fall off. But, you will always have your personal website,” says Hatfield.

At the close of Hatfield’s presentation, she left attendees with a few words of advice.

“The keys to success include consistency, authenticity and knowledge. Use your success to allow you to be a resource to somebody else,” says Hatfield.

Bennett sophomore Racquel Bethea also attended the workshop.

“The workshop really opened my eyes to the importance and benefits of LinkedIn. I know now to watch what I say and how I use my social networks because the speakers enforced that future employers will go straight to those sites to see if you’re a good fit,” says Bethea.

The Triad Association of Black Journalists is the local chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. TABJ brings together area professionals that work closely with Triad college students.

By: Jhanay Davis

New Rules – Men Still Not Allowed in Rooms

A revamped visitation policy gives Bennett College students more time and places to socialize with male visitors on campus.

Dr. Stanley Viltz, the associate provost of student affairs says that the new visitation rules should allow students to learn how to interact appropriately with men. “The Belles who have never dated need assistance in their growth and development, and those who are used to dating may need to acquire new habits.” 

The school decided to extend visitation hours, and the number of places male guests can visit on campus. Dorm rooms remain off limits to male visitors.  The new rules took effect September 19, 2011.

Dr. Viltz says she’s noticed a recent trend with Belles choosing to leave campus with guys.

“For several semesters I have observed the paucity of male visitors and the frequency of Belles leaving campus from Gorrell St. in cars with males.  I also was aware of the many Belles who scurry across the tracks to go to North Carolina A & T.”

Dr. Viltz says some students have requested changes to campus visitation, so they don’t have to leave their secure campus setting.

A Washington Post article written in 2010 about an overnight visitation experiment at Howard University points out many colleges and universities are making changes to their visitation policies in order to keep students in campus housing.

Dr. Viltz along with Rachel Pridgen, the director of student activities have discussed inviting more groups of males to campus from area colleges and Bennett’s brother institution, Morehouse College. 

“I also spoke to several groups of Belles: freshwomen, greeks, and SGA representatives. They all thought it would be a good idea to find ways to bring males on campus, and for Bennett to present a more welcoming environment,” says Dr. Viltz.

The visitation changes will also come with etiquette lessons, so the students learn how to act properly around male visitors.

“We are aware that some Belles have tried to have males visit and their Sister Belles have behaved badly in the presence of visitors.”

The overall goal for the change is to help students learn to socialize better with men.

“I do hope this change will be helpful to some and a learning opportunity for others. I hope that it will help some Belles learn how to deal with men better, and maybe we will have fewer poor experiences reported,” says Dr. Viltz.

She goes on to say, “Bennett Belles are taught to be good hosts and to carry themselves so they will be treated with respect. Some ways are not old fashion, but just good manners.”

By: Patricia Alexander

  New Visitation Policy:

• Male visitors must present proper ID, and the name of the Belle they are requesting
• Belles must meet guests at Public Safety Office
• Areas Open to Male Visitors: Residence Hall Parlors, Wellness Complex, Coffeehouse, Holgate Library, LeBelle Shoppe, the GLC & GLC Patio, the Honors lawn, the Quad, Chapel, and the Little Theater
• Male Visitors can attend events at other venues being sponsored by the college
• Gym Jams: male visitors must stay on Gorrell Street after 11:45 pm
• No visitors are allowed before or after the designated visitation hours. Lounge only visitation is on Sundays.
• Visitation hours maybe canceled or modified due to an emergency, staffing issues, or major campus function(s)

New Visitation Hours:

Sunday – Thursday:  4:30 pm – 10:45 pm

Friday –  Saturday:    2:00 pm – 11:45 pm

 Tell us what you think of the new visitation rule changes by voting in our unscientific poll and placing your thoughts in the comments section below.

Grad School or Bust

Bennett College faculty and staff make sure students interested in graduate and professional schools don’t have to go through the application process alone. Dr. Karla McLucas, assistant professor of Sociology, Jeffrey Mortimore, the reference librarian, Jennifer Ash, history instructor, and others are preparing students for life after graduation with the “Grad School or Bust” seminars.  This three-part seminar is split into four one-hour sessions over the fall and spring semesters.  

The first session teaches students how to evaluate graduate schools and write personal statements. The second session gives students resources for funding graduate schools. The third sessions encourages students to select a recommendation pool for letters. An optional fourth session provides students an opportunity to attend a graduate and professional school fair.   

All four sessions give students the necessary tools to apply into top graduate and professional schools. Dr. McLucas and Mr. Mortimore created the program to meet a need they saw on campus.  

“Students were coming to us individually to work with them on their personal statements,” says Dr. McLucas. “So, we began the ‘Grad School or Bust’ seminars three years ago for assistance with graduate or professional schools. We’ve held the seminars each semester since then.”  

The program started out as a one-hour mini-session, and now it’s seen as an invaluable resource for graduating seniors like Briana Barner. She is applying to top Ph.D. programs, and knows that the seminars are giving her great tools to be a competitive applicant. 

“’Grad School or Bust’ has really helped me with preparing for grad school,” she says.  “I am much more confident in getting accepted.”

The program averages around a handful of students for each session. But, Dr. McLucas hopes other students will take advantage of what the sessions offer. 

“Personal statements take three drafts at a minimum. Applications should be sent out by Thanksgiving,” she says. “Students need to think about taking their GRE and professional exams during their junior year because some schools’ deadlines for financial aid are sooner than the deadline for complete applications.”

The “Grad School or Bust” sessions are open to all students. You can find the full upcoming schedule by clicking on this link.

By: Evette Brown