Bethune-Cookman University has appointed its general counsel, retired judge Hubert Grimes, to take on the position of interim president in the absence of its former leader, Dr. Edison O. Jackson. Grimes also serves as the director for the Center for Law and Social Justice at B-CU.
Grimes’s election comes after Jackson, the university’s sixth president, announced his plans to retire a year ahead of his contract expiring at B-CU.
His unexpected resignation, in addition to reports of financial issues at the university, adds the school to a spiraling list of other HBCUs without a permanent leader. B-CU’s Board of Trustees began seeking a successor to Jackson’s presidency in April of this year.
Addressing the financial questions and concerns for B-CU, a press release from the university states, “While many have questioned the university’s fiscal health, B-CU is stronger than ever.”
In spite of alleged mismanagement of money at B-CU, Jackson says the institution has a strong financial and operational foundation.
“B-CU has survived, has a strong financial and operational foundation and is strategically positioned for continued growth,” says Jackson. “Having turned B-CU around and after 50 years of leading educational institutions, it is now time for me to give the same attention and care to my family.”