Bethune-Cookman University or simply BCC (as it was formerly called) or BCU (as it is called as of Feb. 14, 2007) is a historically black college in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, a graduate of Barber-Scotia College when it was still Scotia Seminary, founded the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls in 1904. In 1923, it merged with the Cookman Institute of Jacksonville, Florida and became a co-ed high school. A year later in 1924, it became affiliated with the Methodist church. By 1931, it had become a junior college, and took on the name of Bethune-Cookman College. As of Feb. 14, 2007 the name was changed to Bethune-Cookman University.

Trudie Kibbe Reed, Ed.D., was appointed to the presidency in August 2004 by the Board of Trustees. Dr. Reed is the first woman to serve in this capacity since Dr. Bethune, the university founder.

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. In 1923, it became a co-ed high school as a result of a merger with Cookman Institute of Jacksonville, Florida. 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 a 4-year baccalaureate program offering liberal arts and teacher education. Mrs. Bethune retired in 1942 at which time James E. Colston became president until 1946 when Mrs. Bethune resumed the presidency for a year.

Richard V. Moore, Sr. became president in 1947. Under his tenure the college was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1970, joined the United Negro College Fund and other academic and professional organizations. The curriculum expanded, student enrollment increased and new buildings were constructed for residential housing and classrooms.

Oswald P. Bronson, Sr., Ph.D., an alumnus of the College, served as the 4th president of the college from 1975 to 2004. During his tenure increased student enrollment led to continuous development and expansion of the college. A rapidly increasing student enrollment led to construction of more student housing and classroom buildings. Major fields of study increased from 12 in 1974 to 37 by 2003. In addition, seven continuing education centers for students began operating throughout the state. While maintaining accreditation by SACS, Florida State Board of Education, and the United Methodist Church Board of Higher Education the college added new accreditations in the Nursing and the Teacher Education programs.

Since 1943, the college has graduated more than 12,900 students who have provided support to the college. Traditionally, the college has maintained intercollegiate athletics programs, instrumental and choral groups which have achieved national recognition. Many alumni are employed in the fields of education, medicine, business, politics, government, science, religion, athletics and environmental sciences.

The College enrolls promising secondary school graduates and adult learners from diverse social, economic and educational backgrounds. Most of the students come from Florida; however, the College actively recruits students from the national and international communities. To enhance student life, the College provides well-rounded activities for all students in areas, such as, service and social organizations, religious programs, honor societies, major area clubs, intercollegiate athletics, and an intramural athletics program.

Bethune-Cookman University accomplishes its mission by providing excellent facilities, instruction, current technology, and support services for liberal arts, career-oriented and continuing education programs. The College emphasizes teaching by continually adapting teaching techniques to meet student needs and by providing support programs for faculty development. Research is conducted and encouraged in order to enhance knowledge and to meet the challenges of a changing world. The College has deep roots in the social history of America and continues to provide services to the broader community through its on-and-off campus outreach programs.

As of February 14, 2007 Bethune-Cookman College is now Bethune-Cookman University.

Website: http://www.cookman.edu

School Legends

1. Larry Little