Laura Walker

Laura R. Walker served as the eleventh president of Bennington College until February 2026, retiring after a five and a half year tenure defined by creative boldness and institutional renewal. Under her leadership, Bennington achieved record applications and enrollment, and graduated its largest class ever in 2025. She was responsible for raising $100 million in gifts, including the two largest philanthropic gifts in its history, and under her leadership, Bennington launched five innovative BFA and master's degrees. When the University of the Arts closed abruptly in 2024, she led the College to welcome its dance students and faculty, ensuring continuity in a moment of crisis. She spearheaded the launch of The Cogeneration Lab, focusing on intergenerational learning and living.

As President and CEO of New York Public Radio for 23 years, she built a culture of editorial ambition and dramatic growth that earned ten George Foster Peabody Awards among many other prestigious honors and served 24 million listeners monthly. Under her leadership, NYPR pioneered podcasting, launching Radiolab, Freakonomics Radio, Death, Sex & Money, and The Takeaway, and strategically acquired WNYC, WQXR, New Jersey Public Radio, and Gothamist.

Walker now advises The Bennington College Board of Trustees, continues to spearhead The Cogeneration Lab there, and also advises media innovators. She chairs the Eagle Picher Trust, serves as Vice Chair of The New Press Board of Trustees, and as a member of the Board of Trustees of The Commonwealth Fund. Walker holds a BA magna cum laude from Wesleyan University and an MBA from Yale University. Her honors include the Edward R. Murrow Award and the Jacqueline Onassis Medal.