Bethune-Cookman University - The GREAT Bethune-Cookman University Today

Sustaining a legacy of Faith Scholarship and Service

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The GREAT Bethune-Cookman University Today

“There’s a spirit at Bethune-Cookman that you won’t find anywhere or anyplace I’ve ever been. I remember feeling that spirit when I set foot on campus and when I first went into Faith Hall. My life changed in that moment. It’s important that we reclaim this spiritual legacy for new generations of students. That’s what Dr. Bethune would expect us to do.”
-The Rev. Randolph Bracy, Jr., class of 1967 and university trustee

The University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report 2009 America’s Best Colleges edition as one of the top baccalaureate institutions in the South and one of the nation’s top historically black colleges and universities. The institution is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the Florida State Department of Education, NCATE, the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc., the Accreditation Programs in Hospitality Administration and the NCAA National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Bethune-Cookman University is enjoying steady growth in student enrollment and in its financial strength. The opportunity to be a part of the excitement, enthusiasm, and challenges that accompany its growth is inviting.

Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed is the chief executive officer of this great university who provides an outstanding opportunity to be involved in developing the future of the institution. President Reed is a visionary and energetic leader. She and her senior administrative staff are engaged in vigorous discussions on institution-defining issues such as the size and composition of the student body, type of programs to be added, nature of faculty to be hired, and the character of facilities being constructed. The campus atmosphere, in which these plans are made, is one of high morale and high expectation.

Daytona Beach

The 82.2-acre urban campus is situated within the coastal city of Daytona Beach which is home to approximately 165,000 residents and lies only minutes from the Atlantic Ocean. The University is convenient to business centers, churches, theaters, museums, public transportation, entertainment venues and shopping. Further, B-CU is located less than 60 miles from Orlando.

The United Methodist Church and B-CU

B-CU is one of eleven United Methodist Church-related historically Black institutions that shares a common set of values and educational principles with The United Methodist Church and its other church-related colleges and universities. The University’s connection to The United Methodist Church dates back to 1872, when the Cookman Institute of Jacksonville, Florida, was established. Following the merger of the Cookman Institute with Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s school in Daytona Beach, the school that became known as Bethune-Cookman College affiliated with The United Methodist Church in 1924.

National Recognition

• Ranked by US News & World Report’s 2009 America’s Best Colleges edition as one of the top baccalaureate colleges in the south and one of the nation’s top historically Black colleges and universities;
• The University was named by the book Creative Colleges: A Guide for Student Actors, Artists, Dancers, Musicians and Writers as one of the top 200 colleges in the nation for creative students;
• B-CU was selected for the “Hot Picks” list of best colleges for Hispanic students by Hispanic Outlook magazine.

Research Achievements

• In 2006, Bethune-Cookman University received a $500,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to fund an intensive, three-year faculty development program;
• In 2008, B-CU was awarded a $223,000 grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the University’s Robotics and Embedded Systems Research Laboratory;
• The University was also named to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Environment Cooperative Science Center (ECSC) consortium.

Academic Excellence

• B-CU launched the first-ever master’s degree program which has been accredited by SACS – 2007.
• The first master’s degrees were awarded at 2008 Spring Commencement;
• The University created the accelerated Business Administration degree program;
• B-CU expanded online distance learning courses from 12 to 449 in less than three years – 2006-2008;
• The University was named to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Environment Cooperative Science Center (ECSC) consortium;
• The University’s Hospitality Management Program received accreditation and is one of three programs in the state of Florida accredited by ACPHA.

Academics

Academic excellence is the cornerstone of Bethune-Cookman University’s mission. The institution is home to seven academic schools offering 35 undergraduate degrees and a growing master’s degree program offering the Master of Science in Transformative Leadership. Six of the most popular majors are biology, business administration, criminal justice, nursing, psychology, and teacher education. Bethune-Cookman University also hosts a number of centers on campus. The Center for Civic Engagement is the physical hub for the University’s community-focused programs, which are a continuation of the rich legacy entrusted to the institution by its founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. The Center serves to institutionalize Dr. Bethune’s democratic ideals such as her practice of hosting Town Hall meetings which bring together community stakeholders across racial and gender lines to address pressing challenges of the day. The Center for the Study of Healthcare Disparities & the Odessa Chambliss Wellness Center located in the School of Nursing were created to improve healthcare access to underserved populations by providing services that promote healthy lifestyles and educate at-risk citizens to prevent and treat illnesses.

Listed below are brief explanations for each of the seven academic

School of Nursing: Founded in 1978, the B-CU School of Nursing which offers a Bachelor of Science degree recently moved into the new L. Gale Lemerand School of Nursing building, a state-of-the-art facility featuring technology-equipped lecture halls, classrooms and skills labs as well as a nurse-managed community healthcare clinic. The school’s program is approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. 471 students (13% of the student population) are currently enrolled in this school.

School of Education: The B-CU School of Education has had continuous accreditation by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs (NCATE) since the mid 1980’s and currently has eight programs approved by the Florida Department of Education. The program has earned praise for the high rate at which its graduates pass state-required examinations required for teacher certification. Additionally, the School offers two non-certifying programs in Physical Education/Recreation and in Educational Studies. The school enrolls 357 students (10% of the student population.)

School of Business: The primary goal of the B-CU School of Business is to develop future leaders of the business world. Students are provided with relevant, real world skills through majors in business administration, accounting and international business. A major in hospitality management is also offered which includes a food and beverage management concentration. The school enrolls 655 students (18% of the student population.)

School of Social Sciences: The B-CU School of Social Sciences offers programs and experiences designed to develop individual abilities and prepare students for professional studies and careers in education, research, social and public services, law, international relations, government and the criminal justice system. The international studies major prepare students for graduate school or for employment in the diplomatic corps. The curriculum focuses on Africa and the African Diaspora and encourages students to study abroad in such places as South Africa, Ghana, Cuba, Brazil and Zimbabwe. In addition, a women’s studies program complements current offerings in this area. The school enrolls 609 students (17% of the student population.)

School of Arts & Humanities: The B-CU School of Arts & Humanities offers a Bachelor of Arts degrees in English, mass communications, music, religion and philosophy, and speech communication. The fast-expanding area of mass communications is training professionals for television and radio production, journalism, and public relations. The school enrolls 365 students (10% of the student population.)

School of Science, Engineering & Mathematics: The B-CU School of Science, Engineering & Mathematics offers Bachelor of Science degrees in the major areas of biological and physical sciences with specialized training in pre-professional areas of medicine and health care. The school offers research opportunities to many students through research grants and contracts. Majors in computer science, computer engineering, and computer information systems prepare students for lucrative careers in the world of technology. Additionally, a 3-2 engineering program is available with pre-engineering provided through the division. A major in integrated environmental science is approved for the Fall 2009. A heightened focus on science programs has resulted in a grant from the National Science Foundation to purchase robotics equipment and an invitation to join a consortium of universities working in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Environmental Cooperative Science Center. The school enrolls 594 students (16% of the student population.)

School of Graduate And Professional Studies: The B-CU School of Graduate and Professional Studies provide quality education for adult learners from diverse social, economic and educational backgrounds. The graduate school is dedicated to accomplishing this mission by providing excellent programs of instruction using the most current technology. The Masters of Science degree in Transformative Leadership started in August 2006. This online study of leadership advocates value-centered change based on an awareness of the diversity of cultures that affect our global economy.
Faculty

B-CU’s faculty is committed to the University, to one another, and to their students. Approximately 70% of the 198 full-time faculty possess terminal degrees and the University boasts a student to faculty ratio of 17:1. Teaching is the faculty’s highest priority, but professors are also active scholars and artists. Moreover, the faculty is engaged with their students as mentors, guides and partners on research projects and academic work. A strong tradition of student-faculty collaboration contributes to the University’s lively intellectual community.

Faculty governance, which represents a fundamental aspect of administration by addressing issues related to faculty rights and responsibilities, is addressed through the Faculty Association. The Faculty Association is the “official representative body” of the faculty and serves as forum for faculty opinion and initiatives. All faculty members are voting members of the Faculty Association. Key Association committees include the Academic Policies and Procedures Committee (APCC) and the Graduate Council which approve all proposals for new policies and curriculum or revisions and are made up of the faculty representatives from each school, deans, the Faculty Association President, VPAA as an ex-officio member, and other key administrators.

Students

The student population at Bethune-Cookman is enjoying an impressive upswing. Enrollment climbed from 2,800 in 2004 to 3,633 in 2008. The fall 2007 freshmen class was the largest freshmen class in the history of the University and 40% of the 2008-2009 freshman class had a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher, a 12% increase since 2003. The University graduated the largest class in the school’s history at the 2008 Spring Commencement. Since 1943, the University has graduated more than 14,000 students. Approximately 52% of the student population is residential, 67% of the students are from within the state, 92% of students are African American, 5% of the students are international, and 60% of the student body is female.

The students are academically accomplished, multi-talented, and spiritually engaged. Many of this year’s graduates are pursuing advanced degrees, and all of the recent graduating nursing students had secured jobs by the time of commencement. Nine student musicians were tapped for the Florida Music Education Association 2008 Intercollegiate Band and one was selected for the first-ever Fox Music Experience Internship in Los Angeles. Additionally, through the Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life, students embraced their faith while they attended the University.

Bethune-Cookman University is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the “Wildcats” compete against teams in NCAA Divisions 1 and 1-AA. The University offers 8 men’s sports and 9 female sports totaling 244 student athletes. The University is a leader in the state of Florida in graduation rates for student athletes.

Finally, interwoven in everything at B-CU is a commitment to leadership development and civic engagement. Through programs like the Black Male Think Tank, D.A.W.N., and the President’s Beachside Chats, students learn to play an active role in their education. They look outward with efforts such as the Black Male Explorers Program, which provides support to young black males in the community, and the Odessa Chambliss Wellness Center.

Financial Health

The annual operating budget is approximately $61 million. Importantly, the endowment increased from $25 million in 2004 to $44 million in 2007 and alumni giving increased by 32%, exceeding the goal of $525,000 for FY 2006. The University recently earned a Composite Financial Index Rating of a very healthy 6.3. Tuition and fees are $12,936 and room and board is $7,672, amounting to $20,608 for the total cost of a B-CU education per year. More than 92% of the students receive some form of financial aid.

The Physical Plant

“Therefore with the beautiful plan …. a fine faculty and student body, a grand host of alumni and graduates and friends, with the greatest service I have been able to give and the gratitude of my soul – I wish to lay this school upon [your] hearts and shoulders …” – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, upon her retirement.

The University, located on 82.2-acre campus with 53 buildings, has made great strides in reaching its “bricks and mortar” goals during the last four years. Some of the new developments include the L. Gale Lemerand School of Nursing building which opened in January 2008. Highlights include technology-equipped classrooms, skill labs, a wellness center and a community health center. The recently constructed Center for Civic Engagement is the physical hub of the University’s community-focused programs and includes space for community meetings. The building also houses a student lounge and a fitness center. Two new student residences have been built and the home of Dr. Bethune, a national historic landmark is being fully restored. On July 1, 2009, the Larry Handfield Athletic Training Center is slated to be the next campus construction project. The University has secured over $4.63 million toward the athletic facility, has selected a site, and is moving close to groundbreaking. Other plans include building new residences, a dining/student activities center, science and fine arts buildings, expanding the library and renovating the gymnasium and Cookman hall, a National Historic Land Mark.

University Leadership

The governance of Bethune-Cookman University begins with a Board of Trustees. The Board is primarily charged with the responsibility of approving policies related to the operation of the University, and assisting in fund raising. The Board is organized in accordance with the Charter and Bylaws of Bethune-Cookman University. The current Board, consisting of 36 members, meets in the fall and in the spring each year. The Executive Committee meets four times each year. The University’s Board of Trustees share a deep commitment to the University and provides strong support to President Reed, her leadership team, and the faculty.

Trudie Kibbe Reed, Ed.D. served as president of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, and was a former official in The United Methodist Church before joining B-CU. Dr. Reed brings unique insights to the challenges faced by historically Black colleges and their students. Since Dr. Reed has become president, Bethune-Cookman has achieved University status and enjoyed record-breaking enrollment. B-CU stands on solid financial footing, with balanced budgets, strong financial ratings and a healthy endowment

The President’s Leadership team consists of the following individuals:

• Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer, Mr. E. Dean Montgomery
• Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Sarah Williams
• Vice President for Research and Planning, Dr. Willis Walter
• Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Ms. Shirley Range
• Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Ray Shackelford
• Chief Information Officer, Mr. Franklin E. Patterson

OTHER B-CU INFORMATION:

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