Suzanne Walsh

Suzanne Walsh is the 19th President of Bennett College, one of two historically black colleges for women in the United States. Prior to that role, she served as the deputy director for postsecondary success with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. There, Dr. Walsh led the foundation’s efforts in institutional transformation strategies, Completion by Design and was integrally involved in the viability and sustainability of Historically Black Colleges & Universities in the current postsecondary education environment. Dr. Walsh’s previous work also includes service at two other prominent foundations: Lumina Foundation in Indianapolis and The Heinz Endowments in Pittsburgh. Dr. Walsh got her start in higher education working at Cuyahoga Community College where she led efforts focused on workforce and economic development. Dr. Walsh’s contributions extend to her role on a number of non-profit boards including Trellis Foundation, Achieving the Dream, Women’s College Coalition, the Harwood Institute, Global Learning Council and Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. She is also a proud judge for Dance Your PhD.Dr. Walsh has honorary doctorates from Case Western Reserve University and Johnson C. Smith University. She earned a juris doctorate and master’s in social work from Case Western Reserve University, a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, and an associate’s degree in applied science from Hudson Valley Community College.