Bethune-Cookman University Athletic Director Lynn W. Thompson

 Dear Wildcat Fans:

Welcome to another exciting chapter in the chronicles of Bethune-Cookman University Athletics.

As we wrap up the first decade of the new millineum we have several reasons to be excited. In 2009-10 several milestones were reached. MEAC championships were won in baseball for the sixth consecutive year and softball won its first crown in five seasons, and our women's golf team won their 8th National Minority Golf Tournament title.

Individual accomplishments were celebrated with  head men's basketball Cliff Reed earning his 100th career victory, and Vanessa Inge earning MEAC women's basketball coach of the year honors.

Sophomore baseball phenom Peter O'Brien capped off a superb season in which he was named conference MVP, All-American and to the USA Baseball World Team.

Academically, over fifty student-athletes earned honors on the MEAC Commissioner's Academic Team.

This year we welcome new head football coach BrianJenkins and his staff to the family and Head Track Coach Donald Cooper takes the helm of our track and field program full time after serving in an interim capacity last season. New golf coach Loritz Clark replaces the legendary Gary Freeman who retired in 2009.

This year will be a year of accountability. The university concludes a year of NCAA self study and is poised to implement many of the changes and improvements recommended during the process.

This year, we plan significant improvements in several service areas. Kevin Doherty joins our team as box office manager and directs the new changes in our ticketing process, while the Sports Information department is launching new web based ventures in video streaming.

Academically, Marc Lippens has been named assistant athletic director for academic support and is responsible for our Office of Student-Athlete Support.

Our goal is simple. We want to be the that we can possibly be! With your continued support we will be able to continue to build our program into what we have always dreamed of... The very best. As you visit our campus you will evidence of significan growth with the completion of the Lee Rhyant Residential Life Complex and construction beginning on the Handfield Athletic Training Center and renovations to the athletic facilities in the Center for Civic Engagement..

What an exciting time to be a Wildcat! I hope your year is the best one yet.

Lynn W. Thompson

Director of Athletics
Bethune-Cookman University

Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is to serve in the Christian tradition the diverse educational, social, gender and cultural needs of its student athletes and to develop in them a desire and capacity for continuous intellectual and moral growth as well as a commitment to the highest level of sportsmanship, ethics, academic and athletic performance. The University has deep roots in the history of America and continues to provide services to the broader community through a focus on service learning and civic engagement by student-athletes enrolled in a variety of courses.

The University revised the Bethune-Cookman University Mission and it was approved by the Board of Trustees

(BOT), March 2008. The above listed Intercollegiate Athletic Mission Statement was revised to be consistent with the University status and is included as an Action Item for BOT approval at its October 2010 meeting.

Gender and Diversity Statement

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at Bethune-Cookman University considers itself an integral part of the fabric of this Great University. In accordance with the University's mission, policies and procedures are developed and routinely evaluated to illustrate the University's continued commitment to accommodate the interests and abilities of all students, student-athletes, faculty, and staff. The department is also committed to providing equal scholarship and employment opportunities to all qualified student-athletes and prospective employees regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, gender and sexual orientation, religion, age or disability through its intercollegiate athletics program. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics recognizes the value and strength of diversity, which is evident in our staff and on our team rosters. We celebrate the victories that come through a commitment to inclusion of people from all walks of life.