Bethune-Cookman University

Dear Readers:

Welcome to our website! By accessing our website, you have shown an interest in learning more about the Great Bethune-Cookman University. I am delighted!

Founded in 1904 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Bethune-Cookman University is an outstanding liberal arts university with a rich legacy. Through her pursuit of lifelong learning and social equity for all people, Dr. Bethune demonstrated that education was capable of democratizing society through civic engagement and academic excellence. Today, this legacy lives on in our students as they engage in volunteerism projects, service learning, and civic engagement projects that enhance effective citizenship.

As the president of Bethune-Cookman University, spending quality time with students is extremely important to me. Because an inquiry into new meaning is at the heart of the educational process, I am always excited about opportunities to spend time with students as they engage in reflective thinking. Students have described their learning experience as “developing new lens for viewing the world.” Further, as students engage in critical thinking, they delight in the application of classroom learning through practicum experiences, internship placements, and study programs around the world.

Students quickly catch the WILDCAT FEVER through attendance at football games, intramural sports, performances by the Concert Chorale, Gospel Choir, and by moving to the rhythm of our award winning marching band that served as the Cameo for the Spring 2002 movie, Drumline. In February 2005 a group of band members were guests on the Ellen Degeneres Show and this December, the Marching Wildcats will be filmed for Walt Disney World’s annual Christmas Parade in Orlando, Florida.

It is also exciting to observe student leadership in action at the regular meetings of the Student Government Association (SGA) and our off-campus Community Meetings. Yes, I occasionally drop in on SGA meetings to hear directly from campus leaders. Students and I also have meaningful dialogue during my Beachside Chats. Though these sessions are not actually held at the beach, our university is located just a few short miles from the Atlantic Ocean.

Our beautiful campus sits on 70 acres in the heart of Daytona Beach. Our student body is composed of a record high of 3,060 students who credit Bethune-Cookman University with building esteem, fostering self awareness, and forming a valued-centered nurturing setting for learning and residential living.

Bethune-Cookman University is a place where dreams become reality and where education leads to hope for a better tomorrow. Join me in sustaining our founder's legacy of faith, service, and scholarship I hope you will visit our website often to keep abreast of all the wonderful news coming from the Great Bethune-Cookman University!

Sincerely,

Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed
President

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