Bethune-Cookman eyes Deltona branch

New location — Bethune-Cookman University is looking to establish a branch campus in Deltona, the largest city in Volusia County.

By Al Everson
Beacon Staff Writer

posted Dec 4, 2012 - 6:30:02am

Bethune-Cookman University is looking to establish a branch campus in the biggest city in Volusia County.

“This will be our first university in the city,” Deltona Economic Development Manager Jerry Mayes said.

Mayes is working to help the Daytona Beach school expand westward.

“They are looking at three different locations, all more or less adjacent to I-4. They want it for the convenience of students in master’s programs. Most of these will be coming from Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties,” he said.

Mayes said he is not at liberty to disclose the possible locations of the B-CU branch.

“They have to negotiate with the landowners,” he said.

Dr. Darryl Frazier, Bethune- Cookman’s dean of professional studies, confirmed his school wants to “bring the B-CU experience to Deltona.”

Asked how soon the new branch campus could be ready to welcome its first students, Frazier replied, “Probably summer or late spring.”

“I wish it was tomorrow,” he told The Beacon.

B-CU, however, has not set a deadline for deciding on a site.

Frazier said the proposed Deltona center will offer classes in two graduate programs: transformative leadership and integrated environmental science. Each of the programs leads to a Master of Arts degree. Some of the classes are available online, but others are conventional classes, Frazier said.

In scouting for a site for the Deltona branch campus, Mayes said B-CU representatives are looking for an existing building with at least 4,600 square feet of interior space that could house three classrooms, at least two offices, a kitchen and a lounge, plus restrooms.

Mayes is hopeful Deltona can land a B-CU center, as it would provide more educational opportunities for West Volusians and be a positive aspect for prospective employers.

“The higher the education level, the easier it is to get a job or to keep a job,” Mayes said.

Bethune-Cookman University, founded in 1904 in Daytona Beach, currently has one branch campus in Hastings in Flagler County.

“Deltona will be our second satellite campus,” Frazier said.

— al@beacononlinenews.com

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