Historical Overview

 

Bennett College was founded August 1, 1873, was reorganized as an all-female institution in 1926, and has enjoyed an illustrious history as a Historically Black College and University across three decades. The College has recently faced challenges including, but not limited to, accreditation. Bennett College officials mounted an aggressive #StandWithBennett fundraising and social media campaign after learning on Dec. 11, 2018, that the Institution had been removed from membership in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or SACSCOC, its governing body. Bennett was removed for failure to demonstrate “sound financial resources” and a “stable financial base to support the mission of the institution and the scope of its programs and services.”

The Appeals Committee reaffirmed that decision on Feb. 18, despite the college raising more than $9 million in less than two months through donations from colleges and universities, faith-based groups, celebrities, the financial industry, Greek organizations, foundations, corporations and individuals. Bennett has now filed a lawsuit against SACS and with this lawsuit, Bennett College remains accredited. The college is also seeking accreditation from a second body, the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.

Understanding that this is the time for change, Bennett embraces the future with guidance from a blue-ribbon committee of state and national experts. The Bennett Board of Trustees has charged this independent committee with helping to position Bennett College for long-term sustainability. The Bennett Re-engineering Committee (BRC) convenes at a moment in which Bennett enjoys extraordinary support and visibility nationwide.

Our Purpose

The Bennett Re-engineering Committee’s purpose is to hear from stakeholders and experts, study the data, and deliver the Board of Trustees a framework that will position the College for long term sustainability and mission achievement.

This website has been created to capture the voices of all stakeholders who hold Bennett College near and dear to their hearts and are eager for their voice to be heard. It is also a place for you come and get updates on the work of the BRC through-out the process. You are part owner in this plan. It will start with solid research and effective stakeholder engagement, and all parties will have a voice.