Bennett College is making a strong case for why it should keep its accreditation. After nearly losing its status with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges in December, the HBCU located in Greensboro, North Carolina managed to raise more than the $5 million goal it originally set to prove fundraising chops. On Monday afternoon, the college announced that it raised a total of $8.2 million with help from several donors and a large last-minute pitch-in from High Point University in North Carolina.At the time of the announcement, Bennett College President Phyllis Worthy said, “When we were cited in December that we would be removed from membership in SACS, we were told that we did not meet one standard, which was financial resources.” The former provost and interim president continued, “And so, SACS has 90 to 95 standards, and that’s the only standard we did not meet. So, to that extent, we have to produce $5 million to demonstrate financial stability.” According to WXII 12, who live-streamed the event, Dawkins also took the time to assure those present that Bennett will continue to liquidate assets to go towards their fundraising efforts and will use the additional money toward student support and other needs.
HAPPENING NOW: Bennett College's deadline to raise $5 million to help keep their accreditation has arrived, and school officials are holding a press conference to give an update about the fundraising efforts.
Posted by WXII 12 NEWS on Monday, February 4, 2019
“Build an endowment, growing scholarship dollars, re-engineering the institution, changing our business model, looking at market-driven majors, so there’s a variety of things we plan to do,” Dawkins said.Bennett College’s official appeal for accreditation will take place on February 18. A final decision is expected on February 25.
