DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – This Black History Month, News 6 is remembering a trailblazer and notable educator who paved the way for future students, instructors, and even Greek life at what’s now known as Bethune Cookman University.
Dr. Cleo Higgins was an English instructor at Bethune Cookman, later becoming an Academic Dean and Vice President of Fiscal Affairs.
Her son, Sean Higgins, took us back more than 65 years to when his mom received the Mary McLeod Bethune medallion from what used to be Bethune-Cookman College. It’s a prestigious award honoring faculty members who make a difference.
“She was the first of the faculty to receive it,” he said. “The year was 1956.”
Dr. Higgins worked at the school for more than 25 years.
Her son showed News 6 a photo of his mom with Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in 1945 at the school’s chapel. He said Dr. Bethune inspired his mom to become an English instructor and create the school’s drama department. But, he said her journey didn’t come easy.
“When she initially applied to the University of Florida, University of Florida sent her $200 and said we don’t admit Blacks, but some 40 years later, they invited her to be an adjunct professor of English,” said Higgins.
He said Dr. Higgins died from COVID-19 back in 2022. She was 98 years old.
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Higgins was a civil rights leader and a trailblazer who was also known for creating the seal and motto at BCC.
She was also a national president for her sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho and helped to establish Greek life on campus.
Harold V. Lucas Jr. is 91 years old. He was a student at BCC back in the 1940s when Dr. Higgins taught on campus.
“She taught with a style that you wanted to learn,” he said.
He said so many of the instructors inspired him, even Dr. Bethune, who he saw as like a second mother.
“They stimulated you and wanted to make you feel as though you can be somebody,” said Lucas Jr.
His father, Harold Lucas Sr. was the first male instructor on campus and he founded the school’s business department.
“The 40s and 50s, this was a time we began to realize that we could be something other than a maid or a chauffeur or something,” said Lucas Jr.
The Korean War veteran turned educator in Daytona Beach started his own foundation that honors historical achievements and the legacy of education, athletics, and service.
Lucas is also the former football coach at B-CU and is leaving a lasting impact, too.
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