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Bennett Wins Accreditation in Triumph for Johnnetta Cole

By Carah L. B. Herring
Black College Wire

The sound of a ringing bell resonated across the campus of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C., signifying that the school had been removed from its probationary status by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools.

Photo credit: Carah L. B. Herring Dorothy Ellerbe, administrative assistant in the Bennett president's office, says the process was "like waiting for a baby to be born."

The news spread throughout the campus community after President Johnnetta B. Cole called her office at about 3:20 p.m. Dec. 9 from the SACS College Delegate Assembly in Nashville to announce the decision.

The campus had been notified to expect a decision between 1 and 3 p.m. that day.

�It was like waiting for a baby to be born,� said Dorothy Ellerbe, administrative assistant in the president�s office.

Students, faculty and staff gathered around the bell, located adjacent to the chapel, to celebrate. Hugs were exchanged. Some cried.

�I am very excited because this means Bennett�s future is sustained,� said Chaundra Luckett, a sophomore mass communications major from Gulfport, Miss.

In 2001, SACS placed Bennett on probation for fiscal instability. The probationary status was extended for a second year after the 2002 review.

SACS allows colleges and universities to be on probation for two years. After that, an institution�s accreditation is either fully restored or revoked.

The moment was a triumph for Cole. She arrived at Bennett in July 2002 after becoming one of the most well-known leaders in education during her tenure at Spelman College in Atlanta. She had pledged to reverse the fortunes of a college grappling with declining enrollment, facilities in need of renovation and the aftermath of financial mismanagement.

A "Revitalizing Bennett Campaign," which aims to raise $50 million, has former Sen. Bob Dole as its chairman.

In October, Bill Cosby helped raise more than $2.7 million for the school at inauguration festivities for Cole. The black-tie, $250-a-person gala was attended by nearly 800 people, including Maya Angelou, Ashford and Simpson and Coretta Scott King.

A special committee from SACS, the regional accrediting body for colleges and universities in 11 Southern states, came to Bennett in early October to examine the college�s performance.

Cole has said she postponed her Oct. 11 inauguration until the college could clear up its standing with the the accrediting group. She said the visit the previous week left her feeling better about the future.

Carah L. B. Herring, a student at Bennett College, is editor of The Bennett Banner.

Posted Dec. 15, 2003