(Photo: Wikicommons)

Bennett College, the historically Black, all-women’s college, announced that its president, Julianne Malveaux, is resigning. Her resignation will be effective May 6.

Malveaux, a noted economist and author who has been leading the college since 2007, said she was leaving to pursue other challenges.

“Leading Bennett College has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” she said, in a statement. “In my five years at the college, we have embraced Bennett’s historic commitment to create an oasis where women are educated, celebrated and transformed into 21st-century leaders and global thinkers.”

Five years, Malveaux said, “is the longest time I’ve ever held a job in my life.” She said that she remained committed to the mission of historically Black colleges and universities. “I will actualize that commitment, now, in other arenas. I will miss Bennett College and will remain one of its most passionate advocates.”

Bennett, located in Greensboro, N.C., was founded in 1873. The school has struggled financially in recent decades. But under Malveaux’s leadership, Bennett is now ranked No. 16 among the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities for its academic achievement and its relatively reasonable tuition.

In its statement, Bennett said that Malveaux was responsible for a number of achievements, including leading a $21 million capital improvement program, the first new construction at the school in 28 years.

“She increased enrollment to a historic high of more than 735 students in 2009, expanded alumnae involvement, and enhanced the curriculum with a focus on women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, excellence in communications, and global awareness,” the statement said.

For years, Malveaux has been well known as a syndicated columnist, with her writings appearing regularly in a number of publications from the Los Angeles Times and the Charlotte Observer to the Detroit Free Press and Essence magazine.

She serves on the boards of the Economic Policy Institute, the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy and Women Building for the Future. She is also the president and chief executive of Last Word Productions, a multimedia production company.