A Message from the President
Dear members of the Barry community,
I am pleased to announce that following an extensive, national search, Bernadine Douglas has been appointed Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Barry University. She will officially begin her new role on Nov. 1.
Bernadine impressed everyone on campus with her warm and dynamic personality, fundraising success and expertise, and enthusiasm for Barry’s mission. She will be a wonderful addition to our community.
Bernadine, who grew up in Florida, currently serves as the Vice President for Alumni and College Relations at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky, and brings with her a wealth of experience in higher education. She has served in her current role since 2015.
Under her leadership, Berea — the first interracial, coeducational institution in the South — has enjoyed four years of consecutive fundraising growth. In fiscal year 2018, the College raised more than $45 million, which — at that time — had been the best year for giving in the College’s history. In 2019, there has been more than $54.5 million raised. This includes more than $2 million in charitable gift annuities, $4.7 million in annual giving, and more than $14 million in endowment additions.
Prior to joining Berea College, Bernadine served for seven years at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach as Associate Vice-President and Vice-President of External Relations. While at ERAU, Bernadine played an instrumental role in the University raising more than $12 million in support of scholarships, endowed faculty and internship programs. Under her leadership, ERAU established the parents giving campaign and received its largest scholarship gift.
From 2001-2007, Bernadine served as Director of Major Gifts at the University of Central Florida, where she established their grants writing department, resulting in significant support from Lockheed Martin, Toyota USA Foundation, as well as local and national family foundations. She also served as part of a fundraising team that raised more than $100 million to establish the UCF College of Medicine.
Bernadine earned her Master of Business Administration in 1999 from Webster University, and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations in 1994 from the University of Florida.
I would like to thank search committee co-chairs, Jennifer Boyd-Pugh, Vice President for Administration and Organizational Development, and Dr. John McFadden, Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and all the members of the search committee for leading this process. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the members of the Board of Trustees, Deans, faculty and staff who participated in the finalist interviews.
Please join me in welcoming Bernadine to Barry University.
Mike Allen, Ph.D.
President, Barry University