From President Mosley: Founder’s Day & the Legacy We Carry

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Keeping the Wildcat Family Connected

A Message from Dr. Albert Mosley

B-CU Family,

Last month, we welcomed Wildcats home to celebrate the traditions, relationships, and experiences that connect generations of the Bethune-Cookman University family. Homecoming reminded us of our community’s strength. This month, as we commemorate Founder’s Day, we turn our attention to the woman whose vision made that community possible.

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune built this institution with faith, determination, and an unwavering belief in education’s power. Her legacy calls on us not simply to remember what she accomplished, but to carry on the work she began.

That responsibility comes to life throughout this edition of Head, Heart & Hand. You will meet Wildcats advancing innovation, making history in athletics, and exemplifying leadership, service, and excellence. As we approach the Florida Classic, we celebrate more than a storied rivalry. We honor the enduring impact of Florida’s HBCUs and generations of lives transformed. More than a century after Dr. Bethune opened her doors, the Florida Classic reminds us why those doors still matter and why our mission remains vital to Florida’s future.

May we carry our prolific Founder’s vision forward in how we learn, lead, and serve. The legacy is ours to continue. B-CU Rising: All of Us, All In.

Hail Wildcats!

B-CU Spotlights

Faculty | Mrs. Bridgette Pulliam

Mrs. Bridgette Pulliam, Professor of Practice in Commercial Music & Recording Arts, prepares the next generation of music professionals through education, mentorship, and industry expertise. Born in Nigeria, she graduated summa cum laude from B-CU and earned a master’s degree in Music Business from New York University.

A singer, songwriter, and educator, she helped develop a music business certificate curriculum through an Apple-supported PROPEL Impact grant.

During the All-Campus Meeting, President Mosley reminded the B-CU community, “Mrs. Pulliam represents the very best of Bethune-Cookman University. She is a Wildcat who returned to invest her talent and expertise in the next generation, ensuring that the opportunities she received continue to open doors for others.”

Her journey reflects the Wildcat commitment to developing talent and investing back in future generations.

Staff | J. “Robin” McClairen

For J. “Robin” McClairen, Advancement Coordinator & Special Assistant to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, her work is more than a job. It is part of her family’s story.

A 1977 graduate of what was then known as Bethune-Cookman College, McClairen returned to B-CU in March 2024 to serve in Institutional Advancement after previously working in Financial Aid. Her family’s connection to B-CU spans generations and has been honored through the University’s Total Family Award. That legacy includes her father, Jack “Cy” McClairen, whose service to B-CU Athletics included roles in football, golf, men’s basketball, and athletic administration. As a student, Robin also joined the Delta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Today, she continues that family tradition through her service to Institutional Advancement, helping strengthen the University that has shaped generations of her family. “Robin’s commitment, care, and service to B-CU reflect a family legacy she continues to carry forward every day,” states Mrs. Kathy Reeves.

Her story reminds us that the B-CU legacy isn't simply inherited. It is carried forward through continued service.

Student | Daniela Torres

Daniela Torres brings creativity, talent, and Wildcat pride to campus life.

A member of B-CU’s world-renowned Concert Chorale. She shares her passion for music while contributing to the B-CU Creative Team, reporting for The Weekender. Most recently crowned Homecoming queen, Daniela embodies the full range of B-CU experiences. Raised in Georgia with family roots in Mexico and Honduras, she found a sense of belonging in Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s legacy.

Daniela exclaims, “What I love most about being a Wildcat is being able to represent a school that was the only HBCU founded by an African American woman who started with almost nothing. It inspires me.”

For Daniela, B-CU represents the belief that perseverance and opportunity can overcome even the greatest odds.

Academic Program Spotlight

Robotics|Innovation in Action

Bethune-Cookman University’s Robotics Club is demonstrating that Wildcat innovation can compete with some of the region’s strongest universities.

Under the guidance of Dr. Xiaohe Xu, Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, and Professor Roy Savoca, B-CU’s Robotics Club secured third place at IEEE SoutheastCon 2026, outperforming several flagship universities.

The achievement reflects more than technical skill. Our Wildcats are applying classroom knowledge to complex challenges that demand engineering, computer science, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, demonstrating the strength of B-CU’s STEM education.

Through robotics, Wildcats turn knowledge into innovation and show what the head, heart, and hand can accomplish together.

Alumni Spotlight

Alumni|Avis Lewis

A 1989 B-CU graduate, Avis Lewis, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Parks International, has built an influential career at Disney while championing opportunities for HBCU students. As Co-Executive Champion of Disney’s HBCU Initiative, she helps expand mentorship and professional pathways, while her Avis Lewis Endowment Fund provides financial assistance to future Wildcats.

Reflecting on her decision to attend an HBCU, Lewis shared, “I knew I wanted to be a part of that legacy.” Today, she continues that legacy through leadership, service, and giving.

Her decision to attend Bethune-Cookman University became the foundation of a lifelong commitment to advancing opportunities for future generations.

Young Alumni|Jared Yancey

From Daytona Beach to international diplomacy, B-CU alumnus Jared M. Yancey is making an impact on the global stage.

As a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State, Yancey began as a Charles B. Rangel Fellow and joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 2008. He has served as Chargé d'Affaires in Sierra Leone, strengthening diplomatic partnerships and engaging young people in leadership and civic responsibility.

Dr. Mosley shares, “Jared is an impressive young man who has made the most of his time, resources, and opportunities at Bethune-Cookman University to build a life and career of meaningful impact. His journey reflects what is possible when our Wildcats embrace their potential and use their education to serve the world.”

His journey demonstrates how a B-CU education prepares Wildcats to lead, serve, and create meaningful change around the world.

Wildcats in the Community

WATCH THE WILDCAT REPORT

Among the day’s inspiring participants was President Mosley’s 12-year-old daughter, Ava-Rose, a heart survivor who served as B-CU’s campus ambassador for the walk.

Together, our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters demonstrated the power of Wildcat unity, putting our commitment to service into action beyond the classroom.

“I am deeply grateful to the more than 500 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters who answered the call to serve," stated President Mosley. “Your participation reflects the heart of Bethune-Cookman and our commitment to making a difference in the communities we serve.”

Athletics Corner

Student-Athlete | Hannah Butzer

Hailing from Canada, sophomore Psychology major Hannah Butzer is continuing a family legacy at Bethune-Cookman University. Her older sister, Mackenzie Butzer, previously competed for the Wildcats and earned individual and team honors during her collegiate golf career.

After transferring from Chicago State, Hannah has quickly made her mark on Wildcat Women’s Golf. She finished 22nd at a competitive tournament in Omaha, Nebraska, helping B-CU record its best team round since joining the SWAC.

With a family connection to B-CU and a promising start to her Wildcat career, Hannah is contributing to the program’s continued growth and competitive success.

Hannah’s early impact demonstrates how preparation, adaptability, and competitive excellence can help an entire program rise.

Student-Athlete | Andrew Kiplagat

Andrew Kiplagat is building one of the most accomplished athletic careers in Bethune-Cookman University history.

The junior Nursing major captured the SWAC individual cross country championship while helping lead B-CU to its first-ever SWAC Men’s Cross Country Team Championship.

His accomplishments extend to track and field. During the 2025-26 season, Kiplagat was named Most Outstanding Track Athlete after winning the 1,500-meter, 5,000-meter, and 10,000-meter events. He has set multiple program records, earned SWAC Athlete of the Week honors seven times, and received national recognition as the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association National Athlete of the Week.

His continued success reflects the discipline essential to excel as both a student and an athlete.

Through perseverance, leadership, and historic performance, Andrew is not only breaking records. He is helping establish a new standard for B-CU Athletics.