Bethune-Cookman hires former president of FAMU

Bethune-Cookman hires former president of FAMU By MARK HARPER Staff Writer DAYTONA BEACH -- Bethune-Cookman University has hired the former president of its biggest rival. Bryant Castell Bryant, who was most recently interim president at Florida A&M University, has this week taken over as interim vice president of academic affairs at Bethune-Cookman, President Trudie Kibbe Reed announced Tuesday. Bryant replaces Marilyn Sutton-Haywood, who resigned due to health reasons, according to a university news release. "Dr. Bryant is an experienced administrator whose commitment to excellence in higher education is unparalleled," Reed said in the statement. "She will be able to hit the ground running as we prepare for a series of important accreditation visits." Bryant led FAMU for a little more than two years, starting in 2005. She inherited a school that was beset with financial problems, some of which were resolved during her tenure. But shortly after Bryant left, the regional accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, placed FAMU on probation. That was lifted earlier this year. Bryant also has served as president of several campuses of Miami-Dade College and has been a member of the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state university system. She is Bethune-Cookman's fourth vice president for academic affairs in as many years. -- Mark Harper Breaking news - newsjournalonline.com