Suzanne Walsh Named New President of Bennett College

Greensboro, NC – The Bennett College Board of Trustees has named education innovator Suzanne Walsh as president of the College as it charts a new path forward in producing phenomenal women scholars and global leaders. Walsh’s experience includes leadership roles with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Lumina Foundation, and The Heinz Endowments.

The Board announced on June 21st that President Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins would be leaving her position effective that day. Bennett College thanked Dr. Dawkins for her commitment to the College, successful leadership and role in the Stand With Bennett campaign, which has raised over $9.5 million.

“Bennett College sought a new president to embrace and champion innovative ideas that ensure our long-term viability. We were committed to having an exceptional leader in place when our students returned for the 2019-2020 academic year,” said Dr. Gladys A. Robinson, chair of the Bennett College Board of Trustees. “Suzanne Walsh has the experience, passion, fundraising expertise and personal qualities that will ensure she is embraced by our students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and community.”

Walsh will officially start on Aug. 1, 2019. Dr. Gwendolyn O’Neal will serve as interim president of the College until then, at which time she will become the school’s Chief Operating Officer.

“Bennett College has a compelling mission to produce accomplished young women who are ready to lead,” said Walsh. “In an ever-changing world that I believe is thirsting for their leadership, that mission feels more relevant than ever, and what excites me is the opportunity to help translate it for a new era. I look forward to working closely with our board, faculty, students, alumnae, and supporters to find new and powerful ways of delivering on Bennett’s promise, which is the promise of a great education and an enduring commitment to the world around us.”

Walsh earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Cornell University, as well as a master’s degree in social work and a law degree from Case Western Reserve University. She is a member of the Ohio Bar and has received national recognition for her portfolio of work with organizations at the intersection of innovation, technology, and learning.

Walsh will also work closely with the Board and the Bennett Reengineering Committee (BRC), which was appointed earlier in 2019 to identify ways to transform the College and keep it relevant in a rapidly changing educational environment.

“We have a unique opportunity to take Bennett College to a new level under the leadership of Suzanne Walsh. We are grateful for the work that’s been done so far and look forward to all collectively working together to make this happen,” said Robert J. Brown, chairman of B&C Associates and a passionate Bennett advocate whose wife Sallye Brown is a Bennett graduate.