Bethune-Cookman University

Bethune-Cookman University stands as a beacon of education and service, a private historically-black university with a rich legacy. Founded in 1904 by the visionary Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune as the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls, it has grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant institution dedicated to academic excellence and community engagement. The university's motto, "Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve," perfectly encapsulates its mission to cultivate individuals who contribute meaningfully to society.

Over its storied history, Bethune-Cookman evolved significantly, merging with the Cookman Institute in 1923 to become a co-educational high school and later transforming into a junior college by 1931. By 1941, it proudly offered a four-year baccalaureate program in liberal arts and teacher training, cementing its role as a key educational institution in Florida. Today, with a student body of around 3100, B-CU continues to build on this foundation, offering a diverse range of programs from liberal arts to specialized fields.

Academically, the university is recognized for its commitment to developing well-rounded students. It offers undergraduate and master's degree programs, with particular strengths in areas like teacher education and nursing, highlighted by the L. Gale Lemerand School of Nursing. Recent campus improvements, such as the Center for Civic Engagement and new scholarship houses, underscore the university's dedication to providing a supportive and enriching environment for its students, preparing them not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and leadership.