Vermont Business Magazine Melissa Rosenberg, Bennington College Class of 1986, is joining Bennington College’s Board of Trustees. Rosenberg is an esteemed television writer and producer and screenwriter, who Bennington is proud to call an alumnae. In addition to general trustee duties, Rosenberg will also serve on Bennington’s Education and Community Life committee and engage in their strategic planning process. The Bennington College community is looking forward to her creative leadership as Bennington’s next chapter is written.
“My experience at Bennington was a great gift that continues to influence my life and work,” said Rosenberg. “I am honored to join its Board of Trustees, and hope to contribute to the ongoing effort to ensure that the privilege of a Bennington education is available to all students, especially those from underrepresented groups and those facing barriers of all kinds.”
A multiple Emmy nominee, Rosenberg is Series Creator and Showrunner of Marvel’s Jessica Jones. The show garnered tremendous response and critical acclaim, including winning the prestigious Peabody Award for its genre-bending approach. Melissa will officially begin her trusteeship at the March 4th Board of Trustees meeting in New York City.
As one of Hollywood’s most versatile, sought-after storytellers, Rosenberg is currently in an overall deal with Warner Bros. TV to develop new projects. Her company, Tall Girls Productions, focuses on developing and producing film and TV series with an emphasis on interesting, complex roles for women in front of and behind the camera. Rosenberg’s film credits include all five screenplays for the vampire romance phenomenon, The Twilight Saga, which grossed more than $3 billion worldwide. She also wrote the hit dance film, Step Up, which launched a multi-film franchise.
Additional television credits in Rosenberg’s diverse range include four seasons as both head writer and Executive Producer of the Showtime original series, Dexter, which earned the prestigious Peabody Award, three Emmy nominations, three Writers Guild of America Award nominations, and two Golden Globe nominations for Best Drama Series. Her additional credits include Ally McBeal, The O.C., Party of Five, Boston Public, The Agency, The Magnificent Seven, and Creator and Showrunner of ABC’s Red Widow, which was also produced under her Tall Girl Productions banner.
Melissa has maintained an impactful relationship with Bennington College in the years since her graduation. Rosenberg delivered Bennington’s commencement address in 2010.
Rosenberg has also endowed the College with the Melissa Rosenberg Performing Arts Scholarship, now in place for over 10 years. Rosenberg’s gift was part of the Bennington Fund Scholarship Challenge, an initiative that aimed to expand the scholarship funds provided to students through private philanthropy. Under this challenge, thanks to the generous leadership support of the Trustees, all contributions to The Bennington Fund are matched with a gift for student scholarships.
“I look forward to working on the Board of Trustees with my fellow alum Melissa Rosenberg to move the College forward and to provide her insights on the importance to society of a liberal arts education in the 21st century,” said Board Chair Nick Stephens ’77.
March 4 2022, Bennington, VT – Bennington College
