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Why Bennett College? Why Teresa? It's not just what I do, it's who I am. "This above all: to thine own self be true."
My passion for higher education is deeply intertwined with my unwavering desire for transformation
Why Teresa? and sustainability, particularly within the HBCU landscape. "I do what I do" because successfully helping
HBCUs thrive is my calling.
My passion for Bennett College burns brightly, This interim presidency at Bennett College isn't a steppingstone for me; it's a perfect alignment with my
purpose. It allows me to focus on the task at hand – first, addressing the five key expectations, and
Bennett: [powerful] and [unique] legacy
then returning to my broader mission of supporting HBCUs—platform (CFO, Auditor, COO, EVP)
Bennett: [unwavering] trajectory toward a [sustainable] future
My experience spans a wide spectrum:
Bennett: rich history, originating in 1926 to address a gaping void in higher education
– the exclusion of Black women. Breadth of HBCU knowledge: From small to large, I understand the unique challenges and
opportunities each faces.
Bennett: providing [transformative] education for African American women,
equipping them to be agents of [change]
Board experience: I've navigated both functional and dysfunctional boards, gaining valuable insights
Bennett: impact [echoes] through history, from the Civil Rights Movement to the into effective governance.
ongoing fight for social justice and equity [drove] Biden’s election +90%
Student of Leadership: I continuously study leadership, learning from both successes and failures. My
Bennett: occupies a [singular] space in the landscape of higher learning, continuing approach is transformational, embracing change leadership and agile methodologies. I believe in "failing
to shape the leaders who will [flourish] 2025, and beyond.
forward" and understand the nuances of public vs. private institutions.
Bennett: as one of [only two] remaining HBCU women's colleges
Strategic Focus: I prioritize a balanced approach to mission, margin, and market.
Bennett: Reset the Standards of [excellence]
Data-Driven Decisions: I'm results-oriented and believe in using data to drive outcomes. 30% vs 70%.
Bennett: No choice – not performing will cost Bennett
Operational Effectiveness: I'm committed to maximizing efficiency by empowering the talented
individuals around me. I believe leadership is only as good as the team it cultivates.
Vision
Revenue Diversification: I'm focused on financial innovation and exploring diverse revenue streams to
We are Bennett: * We *Evolve *Adapt *Renew *Excel ensure long-term sustainability. We must address the critical question: "If no revenue comes in, how
long will we survive?"
The Emerging Bennett Belle is *Bold*, *Innovative*, and ready to face the world.
Rooted in the values of the past but equipped for the opportunities of the future. I'm ready to commit 15-18 months in Greensboro for Bennett, fully immersed in this vital work.
Bennett Future is Undeniable. #Bennett:FutureBuilt
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this is personal. For my daughter, Madison
Kayla, a rising senior at NC A&T, I want to create a future where Black women can be
bold, fearless, and empowered. Bennett College plays a crucial role in shaping that
future, and I'm deeply committed to contributing to its success.