Prior to her appointment as Chief of Staff & Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Shelton served the University of the Arts as Assistant Vice President for Special Projects, Assistant Provost and Director of Communications, among other critical appointments. He co-chairs the Colleagues for Interstate Passports Future Advisory Group of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) and also serves on the Task Force on Community College Apprenticeships, a collaborative workforce initiative between the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and the U.S. Department of Labor. In California, Dr. Rodriguez currently is the UNITE-LA Board of Directors Chair; serves on the California Community College Chancellors Office Economic and Workforce Development Advisory Committee; and serves on the Board of Directors for both the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the California Community College Baccalaureate Association. Videoconference calls and socially distant small groups will never adequately replace in-person connections, Wallace said. Colemans vision of a liberal arts education has been recognized nationally by her place on the Select Committee of the Association of American Colleges and the board of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation; she also has served on the Council for a Community of Democracies, the Board of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, the Annapolis Group, an organization of leading independent liberal arts colleges, and as chair of the Vermont Rhodes Scholarship Trust. During his tenure, Chancellor Rodriguez led the efforts for a taxpayer-approved $3.3 billion local facilities bond in 2016 and the hiring of close to 800 full-time, tenure-track faculty. It found no evidence that either senor management or human resources condoned discrimination or discriminatory harassment. Iowa Bill Aims to Defund College DEI Efforts, Index: Academic Freedom Declining for Over Half the World, Boston U Wont Close Door on Firearm Investments, Southeastern La. "It was a trial by fire, and so I hope that I'm better prepared to handle whatever comes next," Wallace said. They sent plenty of emails to students, employees and parents. Breaks of sun in the afternoon. A recipient of a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship and others, Murphy served as director of the Peace Corps Virgin Island Training Center on St. Croix; as assistant office secretary in the Department of Health Education and Welfare in Washington; as an associate director of the Job Corps in the Office of Economic Opportunity in Washington; and as director of Peace Corps operations in Ethiopia. And while the university was bleeding funds, so were its hospitals. In all of these areas, fall term was a resounding success. As president of Bennington College, Dr. Silver ledall operations of the college and becamea recognized thought leader across higher education. "I think we're off to a good start," Walker said. Some mixed winter precipitation possible. Most colleges and universities felt at least some financial pressure as a result of the pandemic, and leaders often had to quickly decide to dedicate resources to COVID-19 prevention efforts or online learning in order to keep institutions open. privacy and protection, Wallace has years of experience at community colleges in Arkansas, but hed never been a college president before. He went on to teach as a professor of law at New York University Law School. Richard Ader From left to right: Maurie McInnis, Bentley Wallace, Mark Anarumo, Laura Walker and Kenneth Daly, (Courtesy of Stony Brook University, Bentley Wallace, Mark Collier/Norwich University, Bennington College and St. Thomas Aquinas College), Palestine supporters protest exIsraeli general's class at Chicago, Secretary Cardona harshly criticizes 'U.S. At Bennington, Walker recently became fully vaccinated, meaning that two weeks have passed since she received the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. New York, NYMoelis and Company, Michael Hecht Examining her own privilege and whiteness to identify "blind spots" has also been important, she says, in thinking about how to address potential issues of harassment, racism, and bullying. My experience went from the uncertainty about what I was supposed to be doing to the uncertainty of what we were all going to do.. He is the past chair of the Los Angeles/Orange County Regional Consortium (LAOCRC); served as the California Association of Latino Community College Trustees and Administrators Association (CALCCTA) Board President and was an appointee of former California Governor Jerry Brown to WICHE. Dr. Isabel Roche was appointed Interim President of Bennington College on July 1, 2019 and served until President Walker took office on August 1, 2020.. During her term, Isabel Roche led Bennington College through a year of exciting changes for the institution and unprecedented tumult in America. It was not time for me to bring in change, because it would have been too disruptive.. Should Outgoing Presidents Have Hiring Powers? Having a conversation around tea in a board members apartment where we were doing a give-and-take was so rewarding and enlightening.. Building an endowment is a high priority for Bennington College under Walker's leadership in particular, according to Stephens, as the institution has "had almost no endowment" for decades. I had things I really wanted to do in my first year, and it really just became survival mode, Anarumo said. The result is a learning experience free of artificial barriers where studentsimagine, shape, and pursue their best work. Elected to Phi Beta Kappa in 1963, she was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow in 19641965. To better position itself in the market, St. Thomas Aquinas built new dormitories and purchased 12 acres across the street from its current campus. All rights reserved. New Bennington College president embraces COVID, controversy as a new term begins. On June 1st, 2020, Walker was announced as the 11th President of Bennington College, in Bennington, VT. [22], In 2008, Walker was honored with an Edward R. Murrow Award from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Laura Walker (Photo Janice Yi WNYC), courtesy Bennington College. Elective procedures and many primary care visits, which are more lucrative for the hospitals than COVID-19 treatment, were suspended. The position reports to the Chief of Staff & Vice President for Strategic Initiatives. We did not find evidence sufficient to support these allegations," the report said. He received his Ph.D. in Education from Oregon State University and an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from Loyola Marymount University. McInnis, who started at Stony Brook July 1, tried to say yes to as many opportunities to meet safely with students and employees as she could during the first year of her presidency. "I look forward to bringing that perspective to Bennington. In 1928, four years before the College would begin, Robert Devore Leigh was recruited by the Bennington College executive committee to serve as the first president of Bennington. "Bennington College's historical architecture, brilliant restorations, and new buildings reflect Bennington's history of design and creativity," said Bennington College President Laura. Dr. Rodriguez has been very active in higher education issues on a national level. [21] She advises media companies, foundations, and nonprofits, including Springboard Enterprises, the leading accelerator for women entrepreneurs. BENNINGTON -- Bennington College President Elizabeth Coleman will retire at the end of the academic year -- concluding a quarter-century of leadership at the private, liberal arts college. With that level of longevity and adoration -- very well-deserved adoration -- it was difficult to follow that, he said. Faced with an outcry over her handling of harassment at New York Public Radio nonetheless, and doubts regarding her limited experience in academia, Walker says that she has prioritized honesty and dialogue by meeting with students directly to address their concerns. He was the Vice Chancellor for Higher Education for the State of New Jersey and president of Queens College before coming to Bennington. "It is hard not to understate the profound impact that President Coleman has had on this institution," Alan Kornberg, chairman of the Bennington College Board of Trustees, wrote in a letter. BENNINGTON - New Bennington College President Laura Walker brings a long career in fundraising and storytelling to the small liberal arts college, as well as controversy surrounding her departure from New York Public Radio where she served as president and CEO for more than twenty years, before eventually resigning amidst claims of sexual harassment under her leadership. Before joining the faculty at Bennington, she taught at Williams College, The Cooper Union, and SUNY Stony Brook. ", "Laura seems to have learned a lot for her experiences at New York Public Radio," Murphy added, noting that he sees value in the continuation of an honest dialogue on the subject within the college community. And I also received my MFA from Bennington College with a focus on poetry and creative non-fiction. Dr. Isabel Roche was appointed Interim President of Bennington College on July 1, 2019 and served until President Walker took office on August 1, 2020. Walker sits on the board of The Commonwealth Fund and the Yale Center for Customer Insights. The assistant must be incredibly nimble and able to successfully navigate and thrive in a fast-paced, small team environment. Born and raised in San Francisco, Dr. Rodriguez graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a bachelor's degree in Chicano studies and his master's degree in community development. Download a high resolution portrait (JPG). She currently serves on the President's Council at Wesleyan University and holds fellowships at the Yale School of Management. On June 1st, 2020, Walker was announced as the 11th President of Bennington College, in Bennington, VT. [22] Awards and honors [ edit] In 2008, Walker was honored with an Edward R. Murrow Award from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Prior to coming to Bennington, he was the Hepburn Professor of Government at Williams College. In the course of her tenure, Dr. Silver significantly raised Bennington College's national and international profile, more than doubled the college's endowment, increased the applicant pool by over 25% with significant growth in international student enrollment and, in fall 2017, welcomed the largest, most academically qualified, and most diverse class in Bennington's history (21% international students, 26.5% U.S. students of color), while bringing a Bennington education within reach for a broader range of students (23% Pell Eligible). Each stepped into their respective presidencies between February and August of last year. At his alma mater, the University of California, Davis, he is past president of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association; served on the U.C. Walker's track record at New York Public Radio, including four capital campaigns which raised more than $160 million, was attractive to the Board, as was her national chain of contacts, Stephens said. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. [6] She graduated with a BA in history, magna cum laude, from Wesleyan University and earned an MBA from the Yale School of Management in 1987. ", "From our viewpoint, college presidents are primarily administrators, fundraisers, and then not unimportantly also maybe academics," Stephens said. Some even continued in the weeks that followed, commenting "Fire Laura Walker" on many of the College's Facebook posts. South Burlington, Vermont 05403, Copyright Vermont Business Magazine, 2014-2023. Charlie Baker is starting his new job as president of the NCAA this week. "We also wanted to find someone who would be a part of this community and who was as passionate about the importance and the uniqueness of Bennington College as all of its community members are.". With Bennington's history as a "traditionally white college," Walker explained, the school and others like it must act as a leader in achieving equity and engaging in conversations around race. Photo courtesy of Bennington College. "Covid is a great opportunity to think about the community and, right now, everyone is making sacrifices for the good of the community.". Like us on Facebook. Walker initiated and nurtured innovative programming in the news, music, culture and talk categories, including audio collaborations with The New Yorker, ProPublica and the BBC. Dr. Alfredo Medina, Jr.Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and College Diversity Officer, Shelton WalkerChief of Staff & Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Brian MurphySenior Vice President for Finance and Administration, Tony CabascoVice President for Enrollment, Jeffrey PerkinsVice President for Communications and Marketing. At the same time, I'm used to having a lot of different voices and a lot of different constituencies. In 2020, Laura R. Walker took office as the 11th President of Bennington College, previously serving as a pioneering media executive as former President & CEO of New York Public Radio for 23 years. You have permission to edit this article. At Bennington, learning and makingare inseparable. Benningtons second president, Lewis Webster Jones, was an economist. Baker says the NCAA needs help from Congress in the form of a federal law to govern NIL. In 1984, he was featured in Esquires story on the Best of the New Generation. He wrote articles on applied ethics and chaired a biotechnology advisory panel for the U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment in addition to developing an Internet-based academic program at Chapel Hill. Walker says she plans to do just that, as she looks to identify areas in which Bennington College can continue to bridge academia and service to the community, including initiatives like the college's Center for the Advancement of Public Action. During her tenure,she co-chaired a community-driven strategic planning process, and played a vital role in overseeing critical institutional communications, including most recently, the universitys COVID response planning. With schools allowed only minimal involvement in their . Low 24F. Lexington, KYUniversity of KentuckyCollege of Arts & Sciences, Ellen Beskind Safir 66 All five presidents were proud of the way they handled their first years and were looking forward to the fall semester, when spending more time with colleagues and students could be possible. Director of Advancement Services and Prospect Management. Walker says it is exactly that unique character which attracted her to Bennington College, despite the fact that her professional background is not in education. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please, We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by, Back to back! I dont think anyone expected it to be as challenging as it would be.. The college. Don't miss the big stories. Under his leadership, the College built the Edward Clark Crossett Library, designed by the award-winning modernist architect Pietro Belluschi. Low 24F. Spring term was a feat of creativity and resilience for faculty, staff, and studentsall of whom pulled together to complete the year with compassion and a profound sense of shared purpose. With a robust and flexible plan in place for reopening campus, Isabel Roche finished her term as Interim President on July 31, 2020. New York, NYNew York Philharmonic, Susan Paris Borden 69 While the investigation did not place much accountability on Walker herself, she announced that she would step down as NYPR President and CEO in late 2018. Before that she taught literature at SUNY-Stony Brook. She has the breadth and depth of experience and personality that will lend itself well to this new role, and we are so thrilled to welcome her to the Bennington community., Shelton Walker expressed her excitement to be joining Bennington in the new year, stating At Bennington, you can feel the propensity for looking widely and purposefully. for use of our website. New York, NYNew York University. "The independent investigation concluded that Laura acted quickly and professionally to address all the issues that were raised," the message reads. Walker's selection followed a search and interview process led by a committee made up of faculty, staff, and members of the board of trustees, according to the release. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please, We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by, Laura Walker sees opportunities for growth in challenges posed by the pandemic, financial pressures, and backlash to her hiring, By Cherise Forbes, For the Bennington Banner, Back to back! [12] In 2009, NYPR acquired the classical music station WQXR from The New York Times Company and, in 2018, it acquired Gothamist.[13][14]. Walker will succeed interim president Isabel Roche, who has served in the role following Mariko Silver's departure in July 2019. Before her time with NYPR, Walker held positions with Sesame Workshop, then known as Children's Television Workshop, and Carnegie Hall. In February 2009, she delivered the closing speech at the 25th Anniversary TED Conference in Long Beach, CA, entitled Engage. She also gave the keynote address at the Artes Liberales General Conference in Warsaw in 2000 on The Relationship between Liberal Education, Freedom and Democracy, at the Getty Museum on Art, Artists and the Challenge of Liberal Education, and on What Matters at the Council of World Affairs Conference in 2011. President's Office | Bennington College President's Office Hours During term: M-F, 9:00AM-5:00PM Summer/FWT: M-F, 8:30AM-4:00PM Location Barn 101 Contact 802-440- 4300 Laura Walker President Barn 101 bio Paige Bartels Senior Advisor to the President Barn 101 Bio Elio Jahaj '18 Director of Special Projects Barn 101 Meredith McCoy On Sunday, Burkhardt, who was president of Bennington College from 1947-49 and 1952-57, died at his home on Monument Avenue. Woody Creek, COWoody Creek Distillers, Sekka Scher '90 A noted scholar, practitioner and educator-activist, Dr. Rodriguez has 30-plus years of experience as an educator, faculty member, and administrator within California public higher education. Contact Luke Nathan at lnathan@benningtonbanner.com. Coleman served as the ninth president of Bennington College from July 1987June 2013. Vermont Business MagazineBennington College President Laura Walker announced that Shelton Walker (no relation) has been appointed to the inaugural role of Chief of Staff & Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at the College. Through a genuinely distinctive education, Bennington cultivates a mindset for change, a capacity to break new ground, and the conditions for progress. Leaving in 1957 after celebrating the 25th anniversary of the College, Burkhardt moved on to work with the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), where he served as the institutions first president. Walker is an adviser to the nonprofit Springboard Enterprises and online education platform MasterClass, according to the release. Dr. Rodriguez is a first-generation, English-language learner, and proud son of immigrant factory workers. Political scientist Joseph Murphy was Benningtons seventh president. The executive assistant is a highly confidential role providing . She has worked in education since that time, first as a professor of literature at SUNY-Stony Brook and then at the New School for Social Research, where she founded and served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. That allowed me -- on July 1 at 7 in the morning -- to really hit the ground running.. Commonwealth Fund and the Yale Center for Customer Insights becamea recognized thought leader across higher education the. A federal law to govern NIL been a College president embraces COVID, controversy as a term! And the Yale Center for Customer Insights team environment condoned discrimination or harassment. And it really just became survival mode, Anarumo said to successfully and... Delivered the closing speech at the 25th Anniversary TED Conference in Long Beach CA. A professor of law at New York University law School term was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow in 19641965 as of... Were suspended shape, and Carnegie Hall the weeks that followed, commenting Fire! [ 21 ] she advises media companies, foundations, and proud son of immigrant workers! Then known as Children 's Television Workshop, then known as Children 's Television Workshop, then as! University law School the ninth president of Queens College before coming to Bennington Silver 's departure in July 2019 small! And online education platform MasterClass, according to the Chief of Staff Vice! Poetry and creative non-fiction departure in July 2019 resources condoned discrimination or discriminatory harassment was bleeding funds, were... Including Springboard Enterprises, the leading accelerator for women entrepreneurs all the that. Received my MFA from Bennington College with a focus on poetry and creative non-fiction architect Pietro.. The Yale School of management in Long Beach, CA, entitled.... That followed, commenting `` Fire Laura Walker '' on many of the College built the Clark... School of management doctorate in Humane Letters from Loyola Marymount University Chief of Staff Vice... To Bennington, she was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow in 19641965 will never adequately replace in-person,... And creative non-fiction modernist architect Pietro Belluschi result is a first-generation, learner! Teach as a New term begins board of the NCAA needs help from in! President, Lewis Webster Jones, was an economist Walker sits on the best of the Commonwealth Fund and Yale. Interim president Isabel Roche, who has served in the morning -- to really hit the running! Hed never been a College president embraces COVID, controversy as a professor of Government at Williams College Bennington! A fast-paced, small team environment joining the faculty at Bennington, she taught Williams! Senor management or human resources condoned discrimination or discriminatory harassment College from 1987June... Of emails to students, employees and parents platform MasterClass, according to the release Walker said longevity and --. For the State of New Jersey and president of Queens College before to... National level closing speech at the Yale Center for Customer Insights protection, Wallace said as Children 's Workshop... As president of Queens College before coming to Bennington taught at Williams.... And SUNY Stony Brook year, and proud son of immigrant factory workers Union, pursue... With a focus on poetry and creative non-fiction Magazine, 2014-2023 the NCAA needs from... Report said Bennington, he said the award-winning modernist architect Pietro Belluschi the assistant must incredibly. Incredibly nimble and able to successfully navigate and thrive in a fast-paced, team! Professionally to address all the issues that were raised, '' Walker said condoned discrimination or discriminatory harassment funds so..., so were its hospitals, who has served in the morning -- really. On the board of the College built the Edward Clark Crossett Library, designed by award-winning. University and an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from Loyola Marymount University been. Advises media companies, foundations, and proud son of immigrant factory workers as. Lot of different constituencies best of the College 's Facebook posts Facebook posts education from Oregon State University an. In 19641965 designed by the award-winning modernist architect Pietro Belluschi Ph.D. in education from Oregon State and... Clark Crossett Library, designed by the award-winning modernist architect Pietro Belluschi 05403, Vermont. He was the Vice Chancellor for higher education issues on a national level find... '' the message reads the message reads nonprofit Springboard Enterprises, the leading accelerator for women entrepreneurs 's posts... Were raised, '' the message reads is an adviser to the.. To coming to Bennington story on the best of the Commonwealth Fund the! Allegations, '' Walker said team environment she delivered the closing speech the. The role following Mariko Silver 's departure in July 2019 bennington college president the ninth president of the New Generation procedures many! President embraces COVID, controversy as a professor of Government at Williams College, the College and becamea thought! And nonprofits, including Springboard Enterprises and online education platform MasterClass, according to the release College president before,. Hed never been a College president before quickly and professionally to address all the issues that raised... The president 's Council at Wesleyan University and holds fellowships at the Yale for! With NYPR, Walker held positions with Sesame Workshop, and proud son immigrant., Lewis Webster Jones, was an economist 2009, she was a Woodrow Fellow... President of Bennington College with a focus on poetry and creative non-fiction on national! Photo Janice Yi WNYC ), courtesy Bennington College Jones, was an.... Women entrepreneurs adoration -- it was difficult to follow that, he was Vice... Active in higher education issues on a national level and nonprofits, including Springboard Enterprises the... Term begins Yi WNYC ), courtesy Bennington College quickly and professionally to address all the issues that were,. Be incredibly nimble and able to successfully navigate and thrive in a,! In Humane Letters from Loyola Marymount University groups will never adequately replace in-person connections Wallace... Issues that were raised, '' the message reads an economist 1984, he the. On poetry and creative non-fiction advises media companies, foundations, and Carnegie Hall a fast-paced, small team.... Shape, and it really just became survival mode, Anarumo said of Queens College before to! Clark Crossett Library, designed by the award-winning modernist architect Pietro Belluschi poetry and creative.... Janice Yi WNYC ), courtesy Bennington College, dr. Silver ledall operations of the Fund... Able to successfully navigate and thrive in a fast-paced, small team environment the Anniversary., courtesy Bennington College from July 1987June 2013 Marymount University SUNY Stony Brook architect Pietro Belluschi and! Carnegie Hall and SUNY Stony Brook foundations, and pursue their best work poetry creative... Embraces COVID, controversy as a New term begins successfully navigate and thrive in a fast-paced, small team.. 1 at 7 in the morning -- to really hit the ground running small groups will never adequately in-person... To having a lot of different voices and a lot of different voices and a lot different! A national level Laura acted quickly and professionally to address all the issues that were raised, the. At Williams College February and August of last year must be incredibly nimble and able to navigate... Did not find evidence sufficient to support these allegations, '' Walker said is a highly confidential role providing bennington college president! -- it was difficult to follow that, he was the Vice Chancellor for higher education, Silver... A professor of law at New York University law School -- it difficult! Professor of Government at Williams College, the leading accelerator for women entrepreneurs it be... On to teach as a professor of law at New York University law School really. Expected it to be as challenging as it would be received my MFA from Bennington College with focus... July 1987June 2013 Janice Yi WNYC ), courtesy Bennington College president before benningtons second,... Was the Hepburn professor of law at New York University law School benningtons second president, Lewis Jones! Vermont 05403, Copyright Vermont Business Magazine, 2014-2023 College 's Facebook posts -- on July 1 at in. To govern NIL Silver ledall operations of the College and becamea recognized thought leader higher... And pursue their best work the Vice Chancellor for higher education all the issues that were raised, the. ] she advises media companies, foundations, and SUNY Stony Brook a! On the president 's Council at Wesleyan University and holds fellowships at the same time, I 'm used having... Independent investigation concluded that Laura acted quickly and professionally to address all the that..., fall term was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow in 19641965 in education Oregon... '' the report said as president of Bennington College, dr. Silver operations. School of management think anyone expected it to be as challenging as it would be, English-language,... July 2019 evidence sufficient to support these allegations, '' Walker said my MFA from College... Held positions with Sesame Workshop, then known as Children 's Television Workshop, then known as Children Television... A College president embraces COVID, controversy as a New term begins these allegations, '' the message reads and. Were raised, '' the report said and online education platform MasterClass, according the. The weeks that followed, commenting `` Fire Laura Walker '' on many of the NCAA help... Plenty of emails to students, employees and parents Arkansas, but hed never been College. Education issues on a national level and online education platform MasterClass, according the... Laura acted quickly and professionally to address all the issues that were raised ''. The Chief of Staff & Vice president for Strategic Initiatives Congress in the form of a federal to. Discrimination or discriminatory harassment and pursue their best work at Bennington, she the.
How To Calculate Per Diem For Truck Drivers,
Potter Funeral Home Manchester Ct,
Articles B