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Bentley University President E. LaBrent Chrite walks with students

News and Updates

From President E. LaBrent Chrite

Our Bentley Values and the Upcoming Election

Oct. 29, 2024

President Chrite reflects on the upcoming election and how our core Bentley values call for us to show respect in our interactions, treat other with kindness and seek to understand those with beliefs different from our own. 

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Welcome to a New Semester

September 3, 2024

As the 2024 -2025 academic begins, President Chrite welcomes our community and invites everyone to explore different points of view, participate in constructive dialogue and hone their critical thinking skills.

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A Year of Progress

May 20, 2024

President Chrite thanks the Bentley community for a year of remarkable progress and a meaningful 2024 Commencement. He also reports on successful meetings with the Board of Trustees as we make strides toward carrying out our Falcons Forward 2030 strategic plan.

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Announcing Our 2024 Commencement Speakers 

March 29, 2024

President Chrite announces that New Balance President and CEO Joe Preston and Karan Dyson, vice president of Global Grooming Process & Engineering at Procter & Gamble-Gillette, will speak at this May's undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies.  

Read the Announcement


Looking Ahead to a New Semester

January 22, 2024

President Chrite welcomes the Bentley community back to the Spring 2024 semester that is filled with opportunity. 

Read the Message


Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Student Wellbeing at Bentley

December 18, 2023

President Chrite discusses the progress that Bentley community is making toward realizing the vision for our future, in alignment with the Falcons Forward 2030 strategic plan.

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AI at Bentley

December 5, 2023

President Chrite announces the formation of a task force on Artificial Intelligence in Education, Research and Business Operations at Bentley. 
Read the Announcement 


Exciting New Partnership with the Boston Celtics

November 7, 2023

President Chrite announces that Bentley University is now an official partner of the Boston Celtics, expanding the university's commitment to providing students with exciting experiential learning opportunities. 

Read the Announcement 


Bentley Makes Two-Week Winter Recess Permanent

October 19, 2023

In a decision from President Chrite and the Cabinet, Bentley University will offer an extended two-week winter recess as a permanent benefit of working at Bentley. 

Read the Announcement 


Heartbroken

October 12, 2023

President Chrite reflects on the tragic and ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Read his Message


Bentley Launches New Center for Health and Business

October 3, 2023

President Chrite announces the Center for Health and Business, which brings together over 80 faculty and staff members to tackle challenges in the health industry with an innovative, multidisciplinary approach.

Read his Message


President Chrite's Welcome Back Message

September 5, 2023

As the fall semester kicked off, President Chrite welcomed the community back to campus and provided an update on university initiatives in the year ahead. 

Read his Message


Bentley Announces Partnership with Kuwait College of Science and Technology

August 9, 2023

President Chrite announced a new executive education program that will offer Kuwaiti business leaders the knowledge and skills to advance their companies and careers. 

Read his Update


Race-Conscious Admissions and the Future of Diversity at Bentley

June 29, 2023

President Chrite reflected on the Supreme Court's recent ruling on race-based admissions and what it means for the future of diversity at Bentley and beyond in a note to the community. 

Read his Update


Welcoming Bentley’s New General Counsel

May 24, 2023

President Chrite announced Guilherme Costa will join Bentley as the new general counsel / vice president and secretary of the corporation this summer, bringing with him more than 15 years of higher education leadership providing legal counsel and supporting regulatory guidance.

Read his Update


President Chrite’s 2023 Commencement Address

May 20, 2023

President Chrite addressed the Class of 2023, encouraging them to identify their own true north and focus more on the pursuit of meaning and purpose in their lives. In doing so, he remarked that happiness and success would follow and endure. 

Read his Address


President Chrite Announces the 2023 Commencement Speakers

April 18, 2023

President Chrite announced that NCAA President and former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker will deliver the keynote address at the 104th undergraduate commencement ceremony, and Steve Kaufer, co-founder and former CEO of Tripadvisor, will deliver the address at the 48th graduate commencement ceremony.

Read his Note


President Chrite Named one of Boston’s Most Influential Men of Color

April 7, 2023

President Chrite was named one of Boston’s most influential men of color, joining a list of prominent honorees that includes Deval Patrick, former governor of Massachusetts; Scott Uzzell, CEO of Converse; and Quincy Miller, president of Eastern Bank. 

Read the Story


Wishing Judy Malone Well

Feb. 2, 2023

President Chrite announced that Vice President and General Counsel Judy Malone will retire at the end of the academic year after 15 years at Bentley. He also shared an update on the timing for the search for Bentley's next general counsel. 

Read his Update


Reflecting on a Difficult Week

Jan. 28, 2023

President Chrite reflected on a difficult week in America following the release of the video of the beating by police officers of Tyre Nichols, which led to his death, and several shootings in California.  

Read his Message to the Community


Working Together for a Stronger Future

Jan. 25, 2023

President Chrite welcomed the community back to campus for the start of the spring semester, encouraging all to get involved with the many ways that Bentley will shape its future through the Falcons Forward 2030 Strategic Plan. 

Read his Note

 


 

Sharing News of the Tragic Passing of a Bentley Student

Jan. 20, 2023

President Chrite shared a note with the community announcing that a Bentley student had passed away before the start of the spring semester. 

Read his Message to the Community

 


 

Announcing Bentley’s Continuation of NECHE Accreditation

Dec. 13, 2022

President Chrite shared an update with the community announcing the continuation of NECHE accreditation for the next 10 years following an extensive two-year review.

Read his Update

 


 

Supporting the Bentley Community during Difficult Times

Nov. 21, 2022

Following recent tragedies in Waltham, Mass. at neighboring Brandeis University and an attack on the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado Springs, Colo., President Chrite shared words of support with students, faculty and staff at Bentley.

Read his Note

 


 

Congratulating Vice President and Dean of Students Andrew Shepardson

Nov. 17, 2022

President Chrite shared with the community news of Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Andrew Shepardson’s recent reception of the Region I Scott Goodnight Award for Outstanding Performance as a Chief Student Affairs Officer by NASPA, the national association of college student affairs professionals. 

Read his Note

 


 

Announcing the Claudette Blot Multicultural Center Lounge

Nov. 15, 2022

President Chrite shared plans with the community for renovations to Bentley’s Multicultural Center lounge, which will be renamed for longtime staff member Claudette Blot.

Read his Announcement

 


 

Falcons Forward 2030: Bentley’s Strategic Plan

Oct. 31, 2022

President Chrite shared Falcons Forward 2030 — the new strategic plan for Bentley University — with faculty, staff and students after a year-long process of thoughtful community engagement.   

Read his Announcement and See the Plan

 


 

Announcing the Bentley - Gallup Force for Good Survey Results

Oct. 17, 2022

President Chrite announces the results of a nationwide survey by Bentley and Gallup to understand how Americans think businesses are doing when it comes to making a positive impact on the world -- and where they are falling short.  

Read his Announcement to Students

 


 

Announcing the New Vice President for University Advancement

Sept. 27, 2022

President Chrite introduced the new vice president for University Advancement, who will lead Bentley’s fundraising, cultivation and stewardship efforts. 

Read his Announcement

 


 

New Resources Supporting Equity and Inclusion

Sept. 21, 2022

President Chrite shared an update with the community announcing new resources to support equity and inclusion at Bentley.

Read his Update

 


 

Looking Ahead to an Exciting Fall Semester

Sept. 6, 2022

As the new academic year began, President Chrite reflected on what exciting things the community can look forward to this fall.

Read his Note

 


 

‘We Welcome, Celebrate and Affirm a Broad and Inclusive Community’

Sept. 1, 2022

President Chrite welcomed the Class of 2026, the largest, most diverse in Bentley's history, to campus during the 2022 convocation ceremony.   

Read his Remarks

 


 

Celebrating Juneteenth

June 14, 2022

President Chrite shared a note with the community on the importance of Juneteenth and what the holiday means to him.  

Read his Note

 


 

President Chrite Introduces Paul Tesluk as Bentley’s Next Provost

June 9, 2022

President Chrite announced that Paul Tesluk would be joining Bentley University as the next provost and vice president for academic affairs from the University at Buffalo, where he most recently served as dean and professor at the School of Management. 

Read his Announcement

 


 

President Chrite’s 2022 Commencement Welcome

May 16, 2022

President Chrite welcomed the Class of 2022 and their families and friends to commencement for the first ceremony on campus in three years.

Read his Commencement Speech

 


 

In Solidarity with Buffalo

May 16, 2022

President Chrite shared a note of support and solidarity for those impacted by the shooting in Buffalo. 

Read his Note

 


 

Exceptionally Grateful to be Your President

April 7, 2022

Following the two-day ceremony, President Chrite shared his thanks with the Bentley community for making his inauguration special. 

Read his Thank You

 


 

‘Bentley’s Bold Bets for the Future’

April 7, 2022

In his inauguration address, President Chrite shared his vision for the future of Bentley University as a global leader in shaping and educating the next generation of thoughtful, innovative leaders. 

Read his Inauguration Address

 


 

The Inauguration of President Chrite

April 7, 2022

On April 6, the Bentley community celebrated the inauguration of Dr. E. LaBrent Chrite as the ninth president of Bentley University. More than 1,400 students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, friends of the university and representatives of other colleges joined together to celebrate the inauguration during the official installation ceremony in the Bentley Arena.

Read the Story

 


 

President Chrite Shares an Update on the Next Phase of the Strategic Positioning Process

March 30, 2022

President Chrite announced to the community that the strategic positioning process has advanced to its next phase thanks to the thoughtful participation of hundreds of faculty, staff and students.  

Read his Update

 


 

President Chrite Announces the Return of Commencement to Campus

March 10, 2022

President Chrite shared with the Class of 2022 and soon-to-be graduates of the McCallum Graduate School of Business that commencement would return to an in-person event on campus for the first time since 2019. 

Read his Message

 


 

Academic Affairs Leadership Update

March 3, 2022

President Chrite shares an update with the Bentley community regarding Donna Maria Blancero's departure as provost and plans for the future leadership of Academic Affairs. 

Read his Update

 


 

A Statement in Support of Ukraine

March 2, 2022

President Chrite shares a message with the Bentley community in support of Ukraine and those impacted by the Russian invasion and recent crisis.

Read his Message

 


 

A Campus Update on Institutional Equity

Feb. 16, 2022

President Chrite shares an update with the Bentley community on new initiatives aimed at addressing racism, discrimination, bias and gender-based inequity on campus.

Read his Update

 


 

President Chrite Welcomes Students to the Spring 2022 Semester

Jan. 24, 2022

As the spring semester begins, President Chrite welcomes students back to campus and reflects on their continued resolve and commitment in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read his Message

 


 

A Holiday Message from President Chrite

Dec. 22, 2021

As he celebrates his first holiday season at Bentley, President Chrite talks with students and professors about the resilience of our community during an incredible year. 

Watch the Video

 


 

Announcing the Provost Search Committee

Dec. 17, 2021

President Chrite shares the members of the Provost Search Committee and provides an update on the process for finding Bentley's next academic leader.

Read his Message

 


 

Advancement VP Maureen Flores to Join BSO

Dec. 14, 2021

President Chrite announces that Vice President for University Advancement Maureen Flores will depart Bentley to work at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. 

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Thank You for the Strategic Positioning Feedback

Nov. 19, 2021

President Chrite shares the data and feedback shared by students, faculty and staff in the first four engagement sessions hosted by the university to provide input for the strategic positioning process. 

Read his Message

 


 

Donna Maria Blancero to Step Down as Provost

Nov. 16, 2021

President Chrite announces that Provost Donna Maria Blancero will step down in June 2022 and return to teaching at Bentley. 

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No Place for Sexual Harassment or Assault

Nov. 1, 2021

President Chrite recommits to being a community that rejects sexual harassment, discrimination, assault or misconduct of any kind. 

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Strategic Positioning Process Next Steps

Oct. 7, 2021

President Chrite shares next steps with faculty and staff on the strategic positioning process, as well as the new strategic positioning website. 

Read his Message

 


 

A Plan for Bentley’s Future

Sept. 28, 2021

President Chrite shares an update on the upcoming strategic positioning process and invites community members to join the planning process.

Read His Message

 


 

Waltham News Tribune‘A Year of Black History’ series begins  

Sept. 21, 2021

President Chrite is part of the Waltham Public Library's upcoming series celebrating ''A Year of Black History.'' This story features a Q & A previewing his talk on ''The Important Role and History of HBCUs.'' 

Read the Story

 


 

Announcing Bentley’s New Chief Information Officer

Sept. 13, 2021

President Chrite shares an update on new leadership for Bentley's Division of Information Technology. 

Read His Message

 


 

Strategic Planning Town Hall Invitation

Sept. 9, 2021

President Chrite shares an invitation for faculty and staff to join an upcoming "Town Hall" to discuss the upcoming strategic planning process. 

Read His Message

 


 

Bentley is Back (video)

Sept. 8, 2021

From Move In Day and Convocation to the first football game of the season, this video captures the excitement of the new year with narration from President Chrite's first convocation speech as the university's new leader. 

Watch the Video
 

 


 

Back to Business

Sept. 7, 2021

President Chrite's message to students, faculty and staff to start the new academic year.

Read His Message

 


 

‘We Expect Great Things from You’

Sept. 2, 2021

President Chrite welcomes new students to Bentley at the convocation ceremony in the Bentley Arena.

Read His Remarks

 


 

Vaccination Requirement for Faculty and Staff

July 27, 2021

President Chrite announces that faculty and staff will join students in being required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect the campus community.

Read His Message

 


 

New York TimesHistorically Black Colleges Finally Get the Spotlight

July 18, 2021

President Chrite offers insight for this article which highlights that, despite the recent influx in donations, some HBCUs are still struggling to survive.

Read the Story

 


 

A Busy First Week

June 3, 2021

Scenes from President Chrite's first few days on campus.  

See the Photos

 


 

Q and A with President Brent Chrite

June 1, 2021

Best advice you've received? Most interesting place you've visited? Learn more about Bentley's ninth president in this question and answer story. 

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‘Ready and Eager to Get to Work’

June 1, 2021

President Chrite's message to students, faculty and staff on his first day as Bentley's ninth president. 

Read His Message

 


 

Video: ‘I'm Excited about What We Can Build Together’

June 1, 2021

President Chrite walks out his front door and onto campus, meeting with students and touring the campus on his first morning as Bentley's president. 

Watch the Video

 


 

Boston Globe: Bentley Names First Black President

March 17, 2021

Bentley announces experienced higher education leader Brent Chrite will be the university's next president. 

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Boston Business Journal: Bentley University Names First Black President

March 17, 2021

President-elect Brent Chrite discusses his appointment as the ninth president in Bentley's 104-year history. 

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Waltham News Tribune: Waltham's Bentley University Names New President

March 17, 2021

Bentley's appointment of Brent Chrite as president-elect is featured. 

Read the Story

 


 

The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education: The First Black President of Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts

March 22, 2021

 The announcement of Brent Chrite as the next leader of Bentley University is highlighted.
Read the Story

 


 

Bentley Names E. LaBrent Chrite its Ninth President

March 17, 2021

The university's board of trustees voted unanimously in favor of Dr. Chrite, the president at Bethune-Cookman University and former dean of the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business, following a nationwide search and with input from Bentley students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Read the Story