News / Announcements
As Bethune-Cookman University embarks on a momentous year, marking its 120th anniversary, our faculty, staff, and students are back and ready to tackle the spring semester.
Guided by the theme "Gratitude is a Must," Bethune-Cookman’s decorated faculty and staff gathered in the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center on Thursday, January 4, for their spring institute. This convening aimed to promote faculty effectiveness and student success by enhancing teaching skills and supporting diverse learning needs.
“We have a powerful potential in our youth,” said Faculty Senate President Dr. Julius John, invoking the words of beloved Founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, in his welcome, “and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.”
In his challenge to attendees, Acting President and Provost Dr. William Berry noted that charting the course forward is everyone’s job.
“Realizing that effective pedagogy and student retention go hand in hand,” said Berry, “B-CU is committed to ensuring our students and faculty have the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.”
Other University leaders provided professional development opportunities on the latest evidence-based teaching methods, curriculum design, and technology integration, focusing on reaching the diverse learning needs of B-CU’s student body.
The gathering also empowered faculty and staff to drive student excellence and institutional advancement. Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Dr. Sherry Paramore, characterized her office as the bridge between the University and donors, emphasizing that all constituents are partners in the collective effort to ensure sustainability at B-CU during this milestone year and beyond.
James Cleveland, Vice President of Fiscal Affairs and Chief Investment Officer, emphasized the university’s strong financial footing, noting that challenges are being handled straightforwardly. “The University is in excellent, sound financial condition, and we have a bright future ahead.”
Several deans offered positive news from their respective colleges as demonstrations of how the University continues to build on its heritage of academic excellence.
“Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program ranked number two among HBCU nursing programs nationwide and number six in Florida among all nursing programs,” said Dr. Sandra Tucker, Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Empowering attendees to uplift B-CU’s academic excellence to newer, even higher heights, the Faculty and Staff Institute is just one of the many ways the campus community is continuing Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s legacy.
“The success of B-CU is all of our business,” said Berry.
