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

President Julianne Malveaux Resigns

Dr. Julianne Malveaux announced her resignation as the 15^th President of Bennett College Tuesday, February 28. 

Dr. Malveaux stood before a shocked crowd as she informed the campus of her decision during a town hall meeting. The college sent out a press release informing the media and community of the news that same morning. 

“The timing shocked me. It made me immediately worry about the future of Bennett College,” says Danielle Haddad, a senior social work major from California. 

“I heard the rumor going around, but I didn’t believe it was true,” says Jasmine Carter a junior political science major from Maryland. “I checked my email after my 9:30 a.m. class and saw her statement. Then I went to ACES and listened to her explain her decision to leave.” 

The Bennett College Board of Trustees says class of 1961 alumna Dr. Esther Terry, the current Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, will be named the Interim President until a successor is found. Dr. Terry has taken on the title of Chief Academic Officer for the remainder of the spring semester. 

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

The Board of Trustees is currently assembling a search committee to assist in the search of Bennett’s next president. The college says the committee will be made up of alumnae, trustees, faculty, staff, and students. 

Charles Barrentine, the chair of the Board of Trustees spoke in an interview following the resignation about the process of finding the next president. 

“Obviously we want to do it in an expeditious manner, but we want to make sure we got the right person. What I think the board will do, the board will make sure that we are thorough. I was on the last search. I think it took us six months.” 

He continues, explaining the length of the process. 

“There are an enormous amount of talented people out there that are qualified in some way to be the president of Bennett, but not in every way. So, weeding that out will take a little bit of time. Our hope would be to at least have it done by then. The rule of thumb is that six months, it takes at least that.” 

Barrentine goes on to say there isn’t a candidate at this time. 

“I don’t have a candidate and I shouldn’t have one at this point.” 

Bennett College highlighted several accomplishments during Dr. Malveaux’s five-year administration. A prepared statement says she completed a $21 million capital improvements program that built four new buildings and renovated existing facilities, increased enrollment, expanded alumnae involvement, and reaffirmed Bennett’s accreditation among other things. 

“I reflected on the contributions she made and those buildings. They are more than just the infrastructures. They’re more than working models, they really are the pathways to our future.” 

Barrentine also goes on to talk about other contributions made by the outgoing president. 

“I was reflecting on the doors she opened for Bennett, and she has opened a lot of doors for Bennett. [Dr. Malveaux] allowed us to grow and continue to be at a place where we will be able to continue to help young ladies become leaders.” 

Jasmine Carter a junior political science major shared her final thoughts about Dr. Malveaux resigning.  

“I think Dr. Malveaux is a great woman, I’m sad to see her go but I’m also proud of all the great things she has done for our school.” Carter says. 

Bennett College released the prepared statement below from Dr. Julianne Malveaux about her resignation. 

“Leading Bennett College has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. In my five years at the college, we have embraced Bennett’s historic commitment to create an oasis where women are educated, celebrated, and transformed into 21st century leaders and global thinkers. 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. Five years is the longest time I’ve ever held a job in my life, and while I remain committed to HBCUs and the compelling cause of access in higher education, I will actualize that commitment, now, in other arenas. I will miss Bennett College and will remain one of its most passionate advocates.” 

By: Ratasha Smith

Voting Belles

Aggies and Belles marched together to the polls to show students can make a difference. Bennett College and North Carolina A&T’s student leaders just wanted to encourage all area students to vote in the November 8 general elections.

“I want everyone to get out and vote, whether a student from NC A&T, Bennett, UNCG or any other college in Greensboro,” says Jasmine Gurley, Miss NC A&T. 

Gurley helped encourage over 100 NC A&T students to walk downtown to vote.

Bennett College’s Student Body president Hershelle Gaffney and Miss Bennett College Keyona Smith also led a large group of Bennett Belles to the polls. Smith kept the crowd excited by making up chants for the students. 

Students got the opportunity to hear from several local candidates before they cast their ballots.  

Wayne Abraham, who is running for Greensboro City Council at Large seat told students about his qualifications, and how he would work with the college community.  

Jim Kee, an incumbent Greensboro City Councilman told students he’s already started one program to help students at both schools.

“My goal is to create opportunities for graduates of Bennett College and NC A&T in Greensboro.” Councilman Key goes on to say, “I have just started the first ever internship program for A&T and Bennett students to intern with city council representatives.”

Torene Harvin a sophomore journalism and media studies major says, “It’s great to do your research on who’s running for office, a lot of candidates have your best interest at heart. It’s okay to be interested in someone else regardless of who your friends may be voting for.  Take advantage of letting your voice be heard.”

You can find results to the Greensboro and Guilford County Elections by clicking on this link. 

By: Racquel Bethea

Social Work Month

Social work students plan to help others instead of promoting themselves during Social Work Month. The month of March marks the month long celebration of social workers nationally. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) created the month to draw public awareness to the social work profession.

But, Bennett’s Social Work Club has chosen to focus on helping others instead of promoting themselves.

“We focus on community service because that is what our advisors encourage us to do. They motivate us towards community service,” says Dyamond Myers, president of the Social Work Club.

Throughout the month, the club will be hosting events and completing community service projects. The events are open to the Bennett College community, while the community service projects are for social work majors only. The community service projects will help the social work students prepare for their professional lives.

“I hope they learn a little more about diverse populations at risk in order to be able to help them when they get out into their field practicum, and also once they start their professional careers,” says Dr. Mary Stephens, assistant professor of social work.

Dr. Stephens encourages all students to attend their events.

“I think that it’s important for the Bennett community to know about these events because Bennett sisters may have issues they need to talk to someone about.”

The social work professor also says her students should be able to help students find the help they may need when a stressful situation arises.

“Social work majors should know the resources of the community as well as the counseling center. We have two on campus. If a Bennett sister needs support or emotional uplifting then the social work student should be there to help them,” Dr. Stephens says.

One social work student shares why she chose to pursue a career in the field.

“When I was young, I saw that I had a bed to sleep in and other people were sleeping under the bridge. That made me realize there are people out here that don’t have what you have and just don’t have anything. That’s what really made me want to pursue degree in social work,” says Kimberly Harrison a senior from N.C.

Harrison says she learned that some people need more help than others.

“As I have gotten older, I understand that society is built in a way that some of those people that I thought that just couldn’t do it or didn’t want to do it didn’t necessarily have the means to do it. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to and so that ultimately shaped my decision to do social work.”

For more information on the Social Work Clubs event this month, contact any social work member. For more information on local NASW events visit NASWNC.org.

By: Ratasha Smith