Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
Pfeiffer Chapel on the campus of Bennett College. Bennett President Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins and the Board of Trustees, led by alumna Dr. Gladys Ashe Robinson ’71, are continuing the college’s aggressive plans to demonstrate financial stability and raise funds. Bennett appealed the decision to SACSCOC and will retain its accreditation during the appeal process.
Under Dawkins’ watch, Bennett has made significant progress to address financial stability. Bennett generated a surplus of $461,038 and had no audit findings during fiscal year 2018. Moreover, Bennett has steadily increased its fundraising from $3.37 million to $4.25 million over a three-year period, enrollment has been trending upward for two years, from 409 in 2017 to 471 in 2018, and earlier this year, the college was approved for an HBCU Capital Finance loan deferment over a six-year period with a financial benefit of nearly $9 million.
“While we did not get the news we wanted today from SACSCOC officials, I remain optimistic that Bennett will make the necessary strides to demonstrate we deserve to remain accredited,” Dawkins said. “Bennett College is one of only two all-women’s HBCUs in the country and has produced outstanding alumnae who have become national leaders in various fields.
“We strongly believe in the mission of Bennett College,” Dawkins continued. “The growth and development of our students motivates us to continue our transformative work. We are particularly excited about members of our freshwomen class. Our new students came in this fall with an average GPA of 3.2, and we are determined to do everything we can to graduate phenomenal women leaders.”
Dawkins further added, “People care about Bennett. They are asking what they can do. We need your donations and connections for unrestricted funding. We have 45 days. This is a call to action for those willing to stand with Bennett.”
The college was placed on probation by SACSCOC in 2016 based on the college’s persistent financial woes. Dawkins will appear at an appeals hearing on Feb. 18 in hopes of reversing the decision by the commission. In the meantime, the college will remain open. If this decision stands, the college and its students will be ineligible for federal financial aid, which includes federally backed student loans and Pell Grants to cover tuition, room and board and other school/student expenses.
To donate to Bennett College, please go to www.bennett.edu and click on the Donate Now link. Or you may text the word Belles to 444999 and follow the instructions. #StandWithBennett.
