Dr. Brent Chrite Named First Black President of Bentley University, Pioneering a New Chapter for the Business Institution
Dr. Chrite’s strategic reforms at the historically Black university included streamlining academic departments, enhancing faculty governance, eliminating significant budget deficits, and ensuring long-term institutional health.
WALTHAM, Mass. — Bentley University has made history by appointing Dr. Brent Chrite as its first Black president, a decision that signals a profound shift in the renowned business school's leadership. Dr. Chrite, who has spent decades as a transformative figure in higher education, brings a global perspective to Bentley, where his vision of business as a force for social change will shape the university’s future.
Dr. Chrite’s distinguished career includes his recent tenure as president of Bethune-Cookman University, where he navigated the institution through critical challenges. Under his leadership, Bethune-Cookman emerged from a turbulent accreditation process with stronger governance and financial stability. Dr. Chrite’s strategic reforms at the historically Black university included streamlining academic departments, enhancing faculty governance, eliminating significant budget deficits, and ensuring long-term institutional health.
Before his role at Bethune-Cookman, Dr. Chrite served as dean of the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver from 2014 to 2019. There, he spearheaded a comprehensive strategic plan that addressed the changing dynamics of higher education. His initiatives led to the creation of new academic programs, higher enrollment rates, increased student satisfaction, and a significant revenue boost, solidifying Daniels College’s place as a leader in business education.
Dr. Chrite’s influence extends far beyond the U.S., with an impressive portfolio of international work aimed at strengthening emerging markets and promoting economic development. He has collaborated with governments, foundations, and educational institutions in over a dozen countries, including Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Kenya. His global efforts have focused on improving entrepreneurial ecosystems, advancing capital development, and reducing poverty, all while reinforcing his core belief that business can be a tool for addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
At Bentley, Dr. Chrite steps into a legacy that began in 1917, when Harry C. Bentley founded the institution with just 30 students. Now, more than a century later, Bentley University has established itself as one of the nation’s top business schools, known for blending business acumen with a commitment to social responsibility.
Dr. Chrite’s appointment not only breaks barriers but also aligns with Bentley’s mission to prepare students for leadership in a globalized world. His approach emphasizes the role of business in solving societal problems, reflecting a deep commitment to shaping future leaders who understand the interconnectedness of business and community impact.
As Bentley University continues to evolve, Dr. Chrite’s leadership is expected to amplify the institution’s influence both domestically and internationally, ensuring that Bentley remains at the forefront of business education while also addressing broader societal issues through innovative and inclusive practices.
