Bennett College trustees, less than a week after announcing the sudden departure of president Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, have announced that Suzanne Walsh will become president of the private women’s historically Black college on Aug. 1.
Walsh is a respected education innovator who has held leadership roles across the nation with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Lumina Foundation and The Heinz Endowments.
In the news release issued Thursday, trustees chair Dr. Gladys A. Robinson said the small North Carolina school “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.”
Robinson added that 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 was traveling and unavailable for comment Thursday, according to a college spokeswoman.
In the news release, Walsh stated that Bennett “has a compelling mission to produce accomplished young women who are ready to lead. 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.”
She added that she looks forward to working closely with the board, faculty, students, alumnae and other 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.”
