An interim leader took the reins at Bennett College on Friday after the sudden departure of the president of the small, historically Black women’s school.
Bennett has fought to stabilize its footing amidst financial and accreditation challenges, issues that have become widely public since last year. Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins had been shepherding the college through the quagmire, initiating a financial campaign dubbed #StandWithBennett that galvanized public support and raised about $9.5 million.
But the school’s board of trustees announced Friday that Dawkins was no longer president as of that day and that Dr. Gwendolyn O’Neal was appointed interim president immediately.
In a news release issued Friday by the college, trustees chair Dr. Gladys Robinson thanked Dawkins for her leadership and dedication “during challenging times.”
“We look forward to securing new leadership that will take the college to the next level,” said Robinson.
The college has not said whether Dawkins quit, was fired or was asked to resign.
On Monday, Dawkins and O’Neal could not be reached for comment. The public relations firm, APCO Worldwide, which represents Bennett did not return a call seeking comment.
