HBCU History Briefs

Bennett College

(From the Bennett College Website)

History

In 1873, Bennett College had its beginning in the unplastered

basement of the Warnersville Methodist Episcopal Church (now known

as St. Matthews United Methodist Church). Seventy young men and

women started elementary and secondary level studies. In 1874, the

Freedmen’s Aid Society took over the school which remained under its

auspices for 50 years.

Within five years of 1873, a group of formerly enslaved people

purchased the present site for the school. College-level courses and

permanent facilities were added. In 1926, The Women’s Home

Missionary Society joined with the Board of Education of the church to

make Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C., formerly co-educational, a

college for women. The challenges that were overcome to establish

Bennett demand that today’s challenges be met and overcome to ensure

her survival.

(From the Bennett College Website)

For nearly 150 years, since its founding as a co-educational

institution, women have found Bennett to be the ideal place to foster the

constant rhythm of ideas. Each student’s individual need for self-

expression and desire for achievement is constantly nurtured. The

College fosters a strong respect for every student. Today, Bennett is

preparing contemporary women to be well educated, productive

professionals, informed, participating citizens, and enlightened parents.

Bennett College confers the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of

Science, Bachelor of Arts and Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, and

the Bachelor of Social Work and currently offers 15 majors. Numerous

opportunities to study at other higher education institutions at home and

abroad are available to continue the educational enrichment of Bennett’s

students. From its founding in the basement of a Methodist Church,

Bennett College remains affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

The goals of the College continue to focus on the intellectual, spiritual

and cultural growth of young women who must be prepared for lifelong

learning and leadership. Since 1930 more than 5,000 women have

graduated from Bennett College. Known as Bennett Belles, they

continue to be among contributing women of achievement in all walks

of life.

(Photo from the Bennett College Website)