Bethune-Cookman University Adds Two Trustees
The Daytona Beach institution has appointed Joyce Hanks Moorehead and Alice Williams to its governing board.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in People
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Bethune-Cookman University recently announced the addition of Joyce Hanks Moorehead and Alice Williams to its Board of Trustees. These appointments aim to bridge the history of the private, nonprofit institution with its future growth.
Why it matters
The appointments strengthen the university's leadership by integrating alumni experience and corporate expertise into its governing body. This move reflects an effort to maintain institutional continuity while leveraging professional backgrounds in leadership development.
The university's history includes a $250,000 donation from the Mooreheads in 2020 and a 1924 affiliation with the United Methodist Church. Trustee Alice Williams brings experience from a 25-year career at The Walt Disney Company.
The players
Bethune-Cookman University
It is a private, nonprofit institution located in Daytona Beach that maintains an affiliation with the United Methodist Church.
Joyce Hanks Moorehead
She is an alumna and former board member who, along with her husband Thomas, previously donated to the university.
Alice Williams
She is a former executive at The Walt Disney Company who founded a human resources and leadership development firm.
The details
Joyce Hanks Moorehead returns to the board as an alumna, while Alice Williams joins the group after an executive career and founding her own human resources firm. The university continues to operate in Daytona Beach with a focus on its long-standing connection to the United Methodist Church.
Timeline
1924: The university began its affiliation with the United Methodist Church.
2016: The Thomas and Joyce Hanks Moorehead Residential Life Center opened.
2020: Joyce and Thomas Moorehead donated $250,000 to the university.
October 16, 2026: The university announced the new members of the Board of Trustees.
Market Landscape
These board appointments follow a broader trend of private universities refreshing their leadership to navigate modern operational challenges. This move positions Bethune-Cookman University to leverage seasoned professional expertise against the evolving demands of higher education administration.
The addition of new trustees may influence the long-term strategic direction and institutional policies of the university. Students and stakeholders can expect potential shifts in university governance that could impact campus operations and future development projects.
The takeaway
Effective institutional governance relies on a balance between long-standing alumni connections and new professional perspectives. Organizations benefit when they can successfully integrate the institutional memory of previous leaders with the fresh strategic insights of experienced outside executives.
Further reading
For additional context on leadership developments in the area, visit the Daytona Beach People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daytona Beach News-Journal.
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