Sue Bennett Memorial School opened on January 2, 1897, as an elementary school, high school, normal school, and teacher preparatory institution. The original idea for the school was the Reverend J. J. Dickey's, who appealed to the Kentucky Conference Society for assistance. The society's secretary, Sue Bennett, worked hard for the school's establishment, but died before her dreams were realized. Her sister, Belle Harris Bennett, with the help of the society, the Reverend Dickey and others, raised the initial funds for the school.
The Sue Bennett Memorial School also had special classes in music, elocution, art, the Bible, industries, and physical culture. A commercial department was added in 1901. In 1922, the junior college department was recognized by the Kentucky Department of Education. In 1930, the school's name was changed to the Sue Bennett College and it was admitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. The high school was dropped in 1933. The college was under the supervision of the Women's Society of Christian Service of the Methodist Church, although the college was non-denominational in purpose and practice.
From the description of Sue Bennett History, 1869-1969. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 191915949
