Bethune-Cookman University Interim President retires

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Bethune-Cookman University announced Wednesday that Interim President Hiram C. Powell has decided to retire.

Powell was named Interim President in April 2021 after a vote by the university’s Board of Trustees following the resignation of former President Dr. E LaBrent Chrite.

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According to a statement released by the university, Powell considered retiring in 2021 but agreed to serve for one year to oversee the reaffirmation of B-CU’s accreditation.

“With that process successfully complete and the one-year term ending, he has decided to retire,” the university said in a statement. “We thank Dr. Powell for his long-standing service and commitment to the university and wish him and his family continued success in the future.”

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Powell graduated from B-CU in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in Music education and had worked at the university since 1977.

His term as Interim President officially began on June 1, 2021. The search process for the next President is ongoing.

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They expect to name another interim president, “in the coming weeks.”

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