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Bennett College

Greensboro, NC

private nonprofitHBCUbachelors

Quick Facts

Education for your future Sisterhood for Life

August 1, 1873
Founded
Private historically black liberal arts college for women
Type
191
Total Students
$15M
Endowment
$19K
Tuition (In-State)
$19K
Tuition (Out-State)
$23K
Avg Net Price
34%
Acceptance Rate
21%
Graduation Rate
6-year
90%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Bennett College

A pioneering HBCU for women, fostering sisterhood, leadership, and a legacy of activism.

Bennett College stands as a beacon of empowerment, a private historically black liberal arts college for women located in Greensboro, North Carolina. Known for its enduring motto, "Education for your future Sisterhood for Life," Bennett cultivates an environment where students, affectionately known as the "Bennett Belles," are encouraged to lead, innovate, and challenge the status quo. It is one of only two historically black colleges in the nation exclusively for women, offering a distinctive and supportive academic journey.

Founded in 1873 as a normal school to educate freedmen and train teachers, Bennett underwent a pivotal transformation in 1926, becoming a four-year institution solely dedicated to women's education. This commitment to female leadership and scholarship has defined its legacy, attracting remarkable figures like Willa Beatrice Player, the first African-American woman president of an accredited four-year liberal arts college, and fostering a spirit of courageous activism that played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement, including the Greensboro sit-ins.

Academically, Bennett College is committed to a robust liberal arts curriculum, complemented by strong programs in areas like biomedical research and interdisciplinary studies. The college actively promotes women's leadership, evidenced by initiatives such as the Women's Leadership Institute and the Center for African Women and Women of the African Diaspora. Prospective students will find a vibrant campus of 207 students, where a personalized educational experience prepares them not just for careers, but for lives of impact and purpose.

Key Highlights

  • One of only two historically black liberal arts colleges exclusively for women in the United States.
  • Founded on August 1, 1873, initially to educate freedmen and train teachers.
  • Willa Beatrice Player, installed in 1956, was the first African-American woman president of an accredited, four-year liberal arts college.
  • Played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, with "Bennett Belles" participating in the Greensboro sit-ins.
  • Was one of the first historically black colleges to receive full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in 1957.
  • Boasts a close-knit student body of 207, fostering a strong sense of sisterhood and personalized education.
  • Current President is Suzanne Elise Walsh, continuing a legacy of strong leadership.

Timeline

1873
Founded as a normal school for teacher training, educating freedmen and women.
1889
Chartered as a four-year college, expanding its academic offerings.
1926
Reorganized and fully transitioned into a four-year women's college, earning the nickname "Bennett Belles."
1945
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visits campus, meeting with an integrated group of schoolchildren.
1956
Willa Beatrice Player is installed as President, becoming the first African-American woman president of an accredited four-year liberal arts college.
1957
Becomes one of the first historically black colleges to receive full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
1958
Hosts Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who delivers his speech "A Realistic Look At Race Relations" on campus.
1960
Bennett students play a significant role in the Greensboro sit-ins, protesting segregated lunch counters.
1987
Gloria Randle Scott becomes the college's 12th president and its second woman in that position, establishing key institutes.
1989
Poet and activist Maya Angelou is installed as a member of the Board of Trustees.
🏛️
153 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Bennett College

🏫

Women's Leadership Institute

Established to foster and develop leadership skills among women, preparing them for influential roles in society.

🏫

Center for African Women and Women of the African Diaspora

A center dedicated to the study, empowerment, and global engagement of African women and women of the African Diaspora.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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