Bethune-Cookman University To Host Inauguration For Dr. Albert D. Mosley On April 14

Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) will mark the inauguration of Dr. Albert D. Mosley as its eighth president on Tuesday, April 14, marking a new era of leadership for the historic institution.

Founded in 1904 by visionary educator and civil rights leader Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, B-CU has educated generations of students guided by her belief that education is a powerful force for opportunity, equity and social mobility. Dr. Mosley’s inauguration comes at a pivotal moment as B-CU builds on that legacy while also advancing priorities centered on student achievement and institutional growth.

An experienced higher education executive, Dr. Albert D. Mosley brings more than 30 years of leadership across academic and nonprofit institutions, with a record of innovation, institutional growth and transformational change. A first-generation college graduate raised in rural Mississippi, he was appointed president by Bethune-Cookman University’s Board of Trustees in June 2025 after serving as president of Morningside University.

“Dr. Bethune built this university on faith, determination and an unshakable belief in the potential of her students,” said Dr. Mosley. “As we honor her legacy, we are recommitting ourselves to ensuring Bethune-Cookman remains a place where opportunity is created, nurtured and sustained for generations to come.”

In conjunction with the inauguration, the university continues its ‘B-CU Rising: All of Us, All In’ campaign, an effort designed to expand scholarship support for students facing financial barriers to enrollment and degree completion. The initiative aims to raise $1 million.

Inauguration festivities begin Sunday, April 12, with a signature celebration of Bethune-Cookman’s musical excellence, featuring the Concert Chorale and the B-CU Symphonic Band in a powerful, uplifting program that blends artistry, tradition and Wildcat pride. Doors for the Inauguration Concert open at 3 p.m., with performances starting at 4 p.m. at the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center. On Monday, April 13, President Mosley will lead a Day of Service as B-CU deploys hundreds of volunteers to roughly 50 nonprofits and community-based organizations throughout Daytona Beach and Volusia County.

The Presidential Inauguration Scholarship Gala will follow that evening on April 13 at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. The evening will feature a keynote address by Dr. Michael Lomax, President and CEO of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), and a special performance by Grammy Award-winning songstress Yolanda Adams. Individual tickets and sponsorship packages are available for purchase online.

Doors to the Investiture Ceremony for Dr. Albert D. Mosley will open at 9 a.m. and the ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14. The inauguration is open to the public; seating inside the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center is limited.

For more information, visit www.Cookman.edu, and follow B-CU on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU)

Founded in 1904 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Bethune-Cookman University is a private, historically Black university in Daytona Beach, Florida. With a mission to develop global leaders committed to service, B-CU continues to empower students through academic excellence, innovative programs, and a rich tradition of cultural and community engagement.

About Dr. Albert D. Mosley

Dr. Albert D. Mosley is the eighth president of Bethune-Cookman University, bringing more than three decades of experience in higher education leadership, teaching and institutional advancement. A native of rural Mississippi, he is a first-generation college student and professional who earned degrees from Millsaps College, Duke University and Yale University.

Prior to joining B-CU in July 2025, Mosley served as president of Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa, where he launched new academic programs in aviation, cybersecurity, animal science, artificial intelligence, supply chain management and business administration. During his tenure, the university secured a record number of seven-figure gifts, strengthening its endowment and advancing multiple capital projects.

At Bethune-Cookman, Mosley has focused on expanding access and workforce-aligned education, including the launch of B-CU Global, the university’s fully online learning platform, and B-CU Futures, a portfolio of eight new degree programs in high-demand fields such as AI, cybersecurity, digital marketing, e-sports and supply chain management.