August 29, 2025

I am writing to let you know that Laura Walker has decided to retire from Bennington at the end of this term. As the end of Laura's initial contract approached this summer, Laura chose not to renew a full contract, but graciously agreed to continue to serve as president through the end of the fall term to ensure consistent and steady leadership. She will continue as a strategic advisor concentrating on new revenue projects and fundraising next year. The Board will shortly name an interim president who will assume the presidency in 2026 and begin a national search for a permanent president immediately after that. 

Laura joined the College five years ago, at the height of the COVID-19 crisis. Thanks to her leadership during that period of extraordinary difficulty, Bennington emerged from the pandemic strong and growing – progress that continued over the ensuing years, which were marked by transformative initiatives that have strengthened the College's foundation.

Under Laura’s leadership, the College has achieved dramatic increases in fundraising revenue – including the largest gifts in Bennington's history– and more than doubled the number of applicants, leading to the largest enrollment in the College's history. Over the last five years, Bennington has also enhanced student support through expanded mental health services, invested in faculty excellence, advanced important initiatives, completed the post-fire reconstruction of the Barn, and successfully navigated the challenges and long aftermath of COVID-19 disruptions. 

Perhaps most importantly, Laura turned Bennington toward the future by launching important new programs and partnerships. Her work here includes bringing the BFA and MFA programs from University of the Arts to Bennington and leading the establishment of new master's programs in mental health counseling and screenwriting.

In January, Laura will return to New York City, where she will assume the role of strategic advisor to the board to help build new revenue and programs for Bennington. In addition, she will resume her lifelong commitment to public media, developing new projects in both media and education, at a critical time for both sectors.

Along with my Board colleagues, I want to express my enormous gratitude to Laura for her leadership, her dedication to and love of Bennington, and the significant positive impact she has had on the College. 

I’m confident that Bennington has a bright future, and I will write soon to share more updates, including the appointment of an interim president and the commencement of the presidential search.

Thank you,

Nick Stephens, ‘77
Board Chair