Photo via Stage 13
The president of Bethune-Cookman University resigned suddenly this week, according to several reports.
Dr. E. LaBrent Chrite, who had served as the HBCU's president since July 2019, announced he was leaving the position during a regular meeting with his cabinet. Chrite plans to leave at the end of the school year for a position at Bentley University in Massachusetts. The university's board of trustees shared a statement that made it clear they were not told of his decision in advance.
“Serving as president of this historic Black university has been a remarkable and rewarding experience and one I will always cherish,” Chrite shared in a statement. “Thanks to the extraordinary work, strength and experience of the leadership team and Board of Trustees, B-CU is stable and will continue providing transformational opportunities to students from across the country and around the world.”
Board of Trustees Chair Belvin Perry, Jr. congratulated Chrite on his new position in a statement of his own. Perry praised Chrite's stewardship of the Daytona Beach-based university as they navigated the coronavirus pandemic.
“Growth is about change. Dr. Chrite arrived during a time of great change and challenge at B-CU, including addressing an unprecedented global health crisis,” Perry said. “Much has been accomplished under his leadership, and now a new and exciting opportunity has presented itself to him and his family and I respect his decision to pursue a new opportunity. I join the Board of Trustees, faculty and students in thanking him for his service to B-CU and the impact he made with students, alumni and the Daytona community. We wish him great success at Bentley University.”
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