Dr. Marilyn Sanders Mobley, the associate provost for educational programs at George Mason University, has been appointed provost at historically Black Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.

Mobley, also an associate professor of English and African-American studies, will oversee academic affairs, institutional effectiveness and enrollment management. 

“I am absolutely delighted to welcome Dr. Marilyn Mobley to the Bennett College family as Provost,” says Dr. Julianne Malveaux, president of Bennett. “I expect her to bring the same passion, commitment, and dedication to Bennett that she has brought to her distinguished career as Professor of English, Chair of the African American Studies, and Associate Provost at George Mason University. 

“Dr. Mobley’s career has demonstrated her full engagement in the academy, and a focus on multidisciplinary student learning communities as well as faculty development.  As Bennett moves from good to great as an oasis where African-American women are celebrated and educated, I look forward to working very closely with her.”

Mobley has been at GMU for 19 years and was the founding director of the African-American studies department. She is also the past president of the Toni Morrison Society and received GMU’s first Sojourner Truth Award for her contributions to the understanding of race and gender in the academy

“Having focused most of my research, scholarship, teaching, and consulting on black women writers, race, and gender both in and outside the academy, I am honored to have this wonderful opportunity to contribute to the mission of such a great institution,” Mobley says. “Bennett College is well-poised for a new season of excellence and I look forward to the work we will do together to bring it to fruition.”

Mobley earned her bachelor’s from Barnard College of Columbia University, a master’s from New York University and a doctorate from Case Western Reserve University.