- December 4, 2025
As Bethune-Cookman University prepares to welcome its eighth president, administrators gathered to celebrate the achievements of retiring Acting President Dr. William Berry, whose tenure has been marked by stability, progress and strategic advancement — including the procurement of two major grants totaling nearly a half million dollars.
At a retirement reception held on June 26, the university announced that it had been awarded a $400,000 grant by the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation through its “Four for Four” scholarship program. Launched in 2010, the initiative originally supported students at four institutions — three of which were Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The program has since expanded and now includes B-CU, where the funds will help students close the financial gap and stay on track to graduation.
In addition, administrators celebrated the renewal of the James Patterson Writer Education Scholarship. Founded by the world-renowned best-selling author and philanthropist, the program supports students with a strong commitment to teaching creative writing or becoming professional storytellers. In the fall, students will be invited to apply to receive a scholarship as part of the $75,000 grant.
“These grants are not just wins for B-CU — they’re investments in the promise and potential of Wildcat scholars,” Berry said. “I never imagined having the opportunity to serve B-CU in this way. This has been a joyful journey — one rooted in faith, guided by purpose and grounded in the belief that this work is part of God’s calling. It’s been a privilege to contribute to something greater than myself.”
Berry, who retired on June 30, joined Bethune-Cookman University in 2015 as a professor of mass communications. He was appointed provost in 2021 before being selected as acting president two years later.
“We are grateful to Dr. Berry and his dedication to guiding the university through a crucial chapter in its history,” said Pete Gamble, chairman of B-CU’s Board of Trustees. “His service was never about personal recognition but about advancing the greater purpose that Dr. Bethune set in motion 120 years ago — to educate, uplift and create opportunity. We wish Dr. Berry all the best in his next chapter.”
Bethune-Cookman’s Board of Trustees announced it had selected Dr. Albert Mosley as its 8th President on June 20. His tenure is slated to begin July 7.
