Bethune-Cookman University

On October 3, 1904, an exceptional young Black woman, Mary McLeod Bethune, opened the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls—what would become Bethune-Cookman University—with $1.50, faith in God, and five little girls, along with Dr. Bethune’s son, Albert. Dr. Bethune went on to become a national and international figure with a long list of notable accomplishments, including counseling US presidents, playing a role in the founding of the United Nations, and creating an influential African American women’s organization. She also helped found the United Negro College Fund, of which Bethune-Cookman was a charter member. The University was a crowning achievement in a storied career. Throughout Dr. Bethune’s lifetime, the school underwent several stages of growth and development. In 1923, the school merged with Cookman Institute of Jacksonville, Florida, which had been founded in 1872. The Cookman Institute was the first institution of higher education for Blacks in the State of Florida. It was through the merger that the school gained the prestigious Methodist affiliation. The merger of the two schools began in 1923 and was finalized in 1925. The merged institution was called the Daytona-Cookman Collegiate Institute. In 1931, the College became accredited by the Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools of the Southern States as a junior college, and on April 27 of that year, the school’s name was officially changed to Bethune-Cookman College to reflect the leadership of Dr. Bethune. It was in 2007 that Bethune-Cookman achieved university status, having added a graduate program in transformational leadership to its offerings. Over the years, Bethune-Cookman grew steadily, adding academic programs and expanding its physical plant. Since 1943, Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) has graduated more than 19,000 students. Alumni work in a wide range of fields, including the arts, business, education, government, sciences, and religion. B-CU has received national recognition for its intercollegiate athletic programs and instrumental and choral groups. B-CU is known for its small-university community feel and its HBCU sensibility, for its strong academics and exceptional, personalized teaching, and for carrying forward the legacy of Dr. Bethune. That legacy includes a dedication to service and an undying commitment to building a vision for the future, then applying creativity, initiative, and resilience to bring success both in college and in the world beyond. Mission: 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. Vision: 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 The University is guided by its core values: F.I.R.S.T. 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 resulting set of core values is as follows: 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. #B-CURising #AllOfUsAllin #HailWildcats