History of The University
The year was 1904 when a very determined young black woman, Mary McLeod Bethune, opened the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls. It underwent several stages of growth and development through the years. As a result of a merger with Cookman Institute of Jacksonville, Florida, it became a co-ed high school in 1923. A year later, the school became affiliated with the United Methodist Church, evolved into a junior college by 1931, and became known as Bethune-Cookman College. In 1941, the Florida State Department of Education approved baccalaureate programs offering liberal arts and teacher education.
Mrs. Bethune retired in 1942, and Dr. James E. Colton became president. In 1946, Mrs. Bethune resumed the presidency for one additional year. In 1947, Dr. Richard V. Moore Sr., became Bethune-Cookman’s president. The curriculum expanded, student enrollment increased, and new buildings were constructed for residential housing and classrooms. Under Dr. Moore’s tenure, the College received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and in 1970, joined the United Negro College Fund and other academic and professional organizations.
Dr. Oswald P. Bronson Sr., an alumnus, served as its fourth president from 1975 to 2004. Dr. Bronson increased student enrollment and led to the College’s continuous development and expansion. Degree offerings increased from 12 in 1974 to 37 by 2003, and seven continuing education centers were operated throughout the state. A rapidly increasing student enrollment resulted in the construction of more student housing and academic buildings.
Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed served as the College’s fifth president from 2004 to 2012. Under Dr. Reed’s leadership, the International Institute for Civic Participation and Social Responsibility was launched, expanding student learning about citizenship and leadership development. Under her tenure, with the addition of graduate programs in Transformative Leadership and Integrated Environmental Sciences in 2007, the College became a University. Campus improvements included the Rev. Eugene Zimmerman and Alexis Pugh Student Scholarship Houses, the L. Gale Lemerand School of Nursing, Michael & Libby Johnson Center for Civic Engagement, Odessa Chambliss Wellness Center, and Lee E. Rhyant Residential Life Center.
In May 2012, the Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Edison O. Jackson as interim president and in March 2013 he was appointed as the sixth president of Bethune-Cookman University. Under Dr. Jackson’s leadership, the University increased enrollment; added new undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as academic program accreditations; increased internship and study-abroad opportunities; established the Global Online College, the Center for Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (B-CU CEED) and the Mike Curb Institute; strengthened its town and gown relationships; and enhanced the infrastructure through new construction and expansive renovations. Upon his resignation in July 2017, the Board of Trustees appointed Judge Hubert L. Grimes (retired) as Interim President. Prior to this appointment, Judge Grimes served as the University’s General Counsel and Director of the Center for Law and Social Justice.
On July 1, 2019, following a national search, the Board of Trustees appointed E. LaBrent Chrite, PhD to serve as the seventh president of B-CU. Dr. Chrite brings extensive global and executive academic leadership experience. Since his arrival, he has focused on the placement of talented and capable leaders as well as the reorganization of key departments in support of the University’s vision. His strategic efforts and innovation have included an overhaul of the academic enterprise, enhanced student support systems, and improved fiscal stability and constituent relationships. In April 2021, upon Dr. Chrite’s resignation, the Board appointed Hiram C. Powell, PhD, Dean of Performing Arts and Communications to serve as the Interim President of B-CU. Dr. Powell retired in June 2022 and the Board appointed Lawrence M. Drake II, PhD, Dean of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship to serve as the Interim President of B-CU.
In addition to maintaining its accreditations with SACSCOC, the University has added new accreditations for Nursing (ACEN); Hospitality Administration (ACPHA); Teacher Education (CAEP) and Florida Department of Education (FLDOE); Engineering and Technology (ABET); Music (NASM); Business Programs (ACBSP); Athletic Training Education (CAATE); and Public Health (CEPH). Since 1943, Bethune-Cookman has graduated more than 22,000 students who have continued to provide support to their alma mater. Many alumni are employed in the fields of education, healthcare, business, politics, government, science, religion, athletics, environmental sciences, and research.
Last Will and Testament
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955)
Founder and President (1904-1942; 1946-1947)
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune left a heritage in the college she founded. She also left her Last Will and Testament, an everlasting and priceless document of challenge, hope, and responsibility for African-Americans and other people, which states the following:
“…I leave you love. Love builds. It is positive and helpful. It is more beneficial than hate.
…I leave you hope. The Negroes’ growth will be great in the years to come. Theirs will be a better world. This I believe with all my heart.
…I leave you the challenge of developing confidence in one another. As long as Negroes are hemmed into racial blocks by prejudice and pressure, it will be necessary for them to band together for economic betterment.
…I leave you a thirst for education. Knowledge is the prime need of the hour….If we continue in this trend, we will be able to rear increasing numbers of strong, purposeful men and women, equipped with vision, mental clarity, health and education.
…I leave you a respect for the uses of power. We live in a world, which respects power above all things. Power, intelligently directed, can lead to more freedom.
…I leave you faith. Faith is the first factor in a life devoted to service. Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.
…I leave you racial dignity. I want Negroes to maintain their human dignity at all costs. We, as Negroes, must recognize that we are the custodians as well as the heirs of a great civilization.
…I leave you a desire to live harmoniously with our fellow men. The problem of color is world-wide. It is found in Africa and Asia, Europe and South America. I appeal to American Negroes - North, South, East and West - to recognize their common problems and unite to solve them.
…I leave you finally a responsibility to our young people. The world around us really belongs to youth, for youth will take over its future management. Our children must never lose their zeal for building a better world.
…If I have a legacy to leave my people, it is my philosophy of living and serving. As I face tomorrow, I am content, for I think I have spent my life well. I pray now that my philosophy may be helpful to those who share my vision of a world of Peace, Progress, Brotherhood and Love. “
The Mary McLeod Bethune Home
A National Historic Landmark
Built in 1905, the Mary McLeod Bethune home is where Dr. Bethune lived and conducted much of the official business of the college she founded in 1904. The grounds of Dr. Bethune’s home are also the location of her final resting place. A memorial gravesite and garden are located in close proximity to her home. The home was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1975. On July 10, 1977, her 102nd birthday, a second marker was erected at the home by the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History, in cooperation with the Amoco Foundation. The site is also the 94th United Methodist Historic Site. The home currently serves as a museum and is visited by elementary, middle and high school students, as well as, Native Floridians and national and international tourists who visit the historical site in order to capture just a bit of the greatness of this remarkable woman and, of course, to receive inspiration from the legacy Dr. Bethune willed to the American public.
The Bethune Home
Bethune-Cookman University Mission, Vision and Core Values
University Mission Statement
The mission of Bethune-Cookman University is to educate a diverse community of learners to become responsible, productive citizens and solution seekers through the promotion of faith, scholarship, creative endeavors, leadership and service.
Revised and approved by the B-CU Board of Trustees, January 17, 2020
Vision for the Future
Bethune-Cookman University will define new standards for academic excellence and student success by educating and empowering learners who will seek their own solutions; advocate opportunities for all citizens to improve their quality of life; and inculcate global perspectives and realities to people worldwide.
Core Values
Core values are defined as inviolable commitments that express, “who we are as an institution” and what principles or qualities should infuse all practices and activities within the institution. The University is guided by its five core values: F.I.R.S.T.
F - Faith: We recognize and uphold the Christian tradition while welcoming the diversity of faiths.
I - Integrity: We live in a way that reflects our deepest convictions.
R - Respect: We recognize the inherent dignity and worth of each person.
S - Service: We seek social justice through civic engagement.
T- Thirst for Knowledge: We are engaged in the continuous pursuit of learning that transforms us and the world.
University Statement on Ethics and Values
Bethune-Cookman University seeks to develop graduates who are honorable, democratic citizens capable of making worthwhile contributions to society. The University expects its students to uphold the highest moral and ethical standards by practicing self-discipline. Students are held accountable for their behavior. The University believes that commitment, perseverance, and high regard for the value and quality of work should be demonstrated with pride as tasks are completed with accuracy and timeliness. Bethune-Cookman University further affirms that students should respect the environment-including the University’s property, grounds, and buildings.
Competence
Bethune-Cookman University seeks to develop graduates who demonstrate academic excellence at a post baccalaureate level of research, critical thinking, and the application of theory to practice. Graduates are expected to show competence in their academic careers and vocations through mastery of both verbal and written communication skills, research, scholarly pursuit of knowledge, and major areas of study. Bethune-Cookman University believes that competent individuals will enter the future with confidence and self-esteem. Graduate students are expected to be self-directed learners who value from cohort learning experiences both within residential sessions and through their workplace settings.
Human Worth and Dignity
Based on the premise that all human beings are worthy of respect, honor, and dignity, Bethune-Cookman University propounds the concept of human worth that is deeply embodied in its founding and purpose. In communicating this fundamental belief, the University seeks to define those characteristics that reflect honesty, tolerance, and genuine sincerity in all phases of human relations. The University strives to instill within each student the value of human worth and to show justice, compassion, and equality toward all.
Spiritual Growth and Development
Bethune-Cookman University, founded in the Christian tradition, strives to instill spiritual growth by nurturing a continuous understanding and appreciation of the ecumenical tradition and heritage of our school. The study and acceptance of other religious cultures is shown with tolerance, understanding, acceptance, and love toward others. Students will be able to make wholesome decisions for themselves and contributions to their communities.
(Approved by Bethune-Cookman University Board of Trustees, October 16, 1992)
Equal Employment and Educational Opportunities
Bethune-Cookman University is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity in all phases of the employment relationship including advertising, hiring, compensation and other terms and conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, or marital status. The University is also committed to the principles of nondiscrimination in its educational programs and activities. No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability or sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the University. Any employee or student who has a complaint regarding the University’s compliance with these standards should contact the University’s Office of Human Resources Management.
Sexual Harassment
Statement of Policy
Bethune-Cookman University is committed to maintaining an educational and working environment free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment by any employee or student is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Persons violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include, but is not necessarily limited to, written warning, demotion, transfer, suspension, expulsion, dismissal, or termination.
No employee or student shall sexually harass another employee or student, nor shall any employee or student sexually harass any person with whom they have contact in connection with their employment or academic pursuits. No employee or student shall threaten another current or prospective employee or student by stating, suggesting or otherwise indicating that said individual’s refusal to submit sexual advances will result in adverse job or academic action. No employee or student shall promise a current or prospective faculty, staff or student any benefit in return for submission to sexual advances or granting sexual favors. Any employment or academic decisions which carry out such threats or promises are likewise prohibited.
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