Bentley University has just got its first Black president in the history of the institution.
In a press release, Dr. Brent Chrite was named president of the university, located in Waltham, Massachusetts. He brings experience as a higher education leader with the belief that business can change lives for the better.
“I believe the beauty of business lies in its ability to create solutions to human problems,” said Chrite in his statement. “A BentleyUniversity education weaves together business skills with the arts and sciences and empowers students to transform business, society and their communities. I’m excited to join Bentley and build upon this mission.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Chrite has been instrumental in helping governments, foundations, and universities to develop programs and research initiatives aimed at bolstering capital development, emerging markets, entrepreneurism, and reducing poverty.
He has helped to foster economic conditions in countries like Afghanistan, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Saud Arabia, and more.
Most recently, Dr. Chrite served as the president of Bethune-Cookman University where he led the institution through an accreditation review that strengthened fiscal integrity and institutional governance. The university secured accreditation and also eliminated deficits while achieving institutional stability under his leadership.
He also served as dean of the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver where he oversaw the development of a strategic plan aligned with the changing higher education landscape. During his tenure, Dr. Chrite increased enrollment through new programs developed under the strategic plan and boosted student satisfaction and revenues.
Since its foundation in 1917, Bentley University has continued to adapt and become one of the top business universities in the U.S. for over a century.
