J.W. MILLER CENTER HISTORY & FACTS
Overview
The John W. Miller Center was established in 1978 as Bethune-Cookman University’s first off-campus instructional site, created to expand access to higher education for working adults and non-traditional students in Putnam, St. Johns, and Flagler counties. Rooted in Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s belief that education should reach those who might otherwise be excluded, the center brought B-CU’s academic excellence to the rural community of Hastings, Florida—a region rich in agricultural history and resilience. Named in honor of John W. Miller, a respected university leader, the center became a symbol of Bethune-Cookman’s ongoing mission to educate, empower, and uplift through service. Today, the Miller Center continues to embody that promise, helping generations of learners achieve their goals while keeping Dr. Bethune’s legacy of access and opportunity alive.
A PROMISE FULFILLED
THE MILLER CENTER DOCUMENTARY
COMING SOON
The story of the Miller Center is one of faith, perseverance, and progress — a reflection of Dr. Bethune’s original vision that education should uplift individuals and transform communities.
Through generations of learners, the promise she made over a century ago continues to be fulfilled every day in Hastings.
History of the
John W. Miller Center
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune's Early Mission
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune attended missionary school from 1894 to 1896, harboring a deep desire to become a missionary in Africa. It was during this time that she discovered the black rose that would become an eternal symbol of the students who matriculate at her beloved Bethune-Cookman University.
From Africa to Florida
When missionary work in Africa was no longer possible, Dr. Bethune found that the same outreach was needed closer to home. In 1899, a preacher invited her to Palatka, Florida to serve as a missionary in Hastings County. She made her home on Lemon Street in Palatka, about 15 miles from today's Miller Center, and fell in love with the area. She was thrilled to carry out her mission of helping individuals escape poverty.
In 1901, tragedy struck when the KKK burned down Dr. Bethune's home, forcing her to flee for her life. Her next destination was Daytona Beach, Florida, where in 1904, with a gift from Gamble, $1.50, and five little girls, she established what would become the great institution known today as Bethune-Cookman University.
Dr. Cleo S. Higgins and The Promise
In 1943, Dr. Bethune recruited Dr. Cleo S. Higgins from Palatka, Florida, where she had been teaching English at St. Johns River Community College. Dr. Bethune began mentoring her to become a future leader. As Dr. Bethune's health began to fail, she made Dr. Higgins promise to one day return to Hastings to serve the people and community she had been forced to abandon when the Klan threatened her life.
By 1977, Dr. Higgins had become Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Bethune-Cookman College. The college was experiencing financial difficulties and facing the painful prospect of laying off faculty members. Dr. Higgins began brainstorming ways to increase student enrollment.
Her first strategy was to sell cha cha, which didn't work. Then she remembered the promise she had made to Dr. Bethune and conceived the idea of offering evening classes for working adults with "9-to-5" jobs. She offered classes at a dramatically reduced rate of $5 per credit hour, but not even one student registered.
Finding the Right Leader
Feeling defeated, Dr. Higgins returned to her home area in Putnam County and began recruiting there. She asked colleagues, neighbors, and churches if they knew anyone who could help organize classes and recruit students. Everyone mentioned one person: Edward Singleton, Jr. Dr. Higgins appointed Mr. Singleton as the center's director and began mentoring him, just as Dr. Bethune had mentored her.
The Experiment Succeeds
Dr. Higgins' promise to Dr. Bethune was fulfilled in 1979 when Mr. Singleton successfully recruited 30 students—15 in Palatka (meeting at the high school) and 15 in St. Augustine (meeting at Trinity United Methodist Church)—for weekend and evening classes. The experiment was a resounding success and generated the revenue the college needed to prevent faculty layoffs.
Fulfilling the Promise
Fulfilling the Promise
By 1977, Dr. Higgins had become Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Bethune-Cookman College. The college was experiencing financial difficulties and facing the painful prospect of laying off faculty members. Dr. Higgins began brainstorming ways to increase student enrollment.
Her first strategy was to sell cha cha, which didn't work. Then she remembered the promise she had made to Dr. Bethune and conceived the idea of offering evening classes for working adults with "9-to-5" jobs. She offered classes at a dramatically reduced rate of $5 per credit hour, but not even one student registered.
Finding the Right Leader
Feeling defeated, Dr. Higgins returned to her home area in Putnam County and began recruiting there. She asked colleagues, neighbors, and churches if they knew anyone who could help organize classes and recruit students. Everyone mentioned one person: Edward Singleton, Jr. Dr. Higgins appointed Mr. Singleton as the center's director and began mentoring him, just as Dr. Bethune had mentored her.
The Experiment Succeeds
Dr. Higgins' promise to Dr. Bethune was fulfilled in 1979 when Mr. Singleton successfully recruited 30 students—15 in Palatka (meeting at the high school) and 15 in St. Augustine (meeting at Trinity United Methodist Church)—for weekend and evening classes. The experiment was a resounding success and generated the revenue the college needed to prevent faculty layoffs.
The Spuds Branch Campus
Armed with her experiment's success, Dr. Higgins sought board approval to continue offering evening and weekend classes. Not only did the board approve, but trustee George C. Miller, Jr., a wealthy businessman from Putnam County, offered to donate his family's grocery store on State Road 207 in Hastings as the satellite location's first permanent home. Its original name was the Bethune-Cookman College, Spuds Branch Campus.
In 1991, the old grocery store was demolished and the current building was constructed. On October 2, 2006, the Spuds Branch Campus was renamed the John W. Miller Center in honor of one of the two brothers, John W. and George C. Miller, who contributed the land and building for the original campus.
Legacy and Impact
To date, over 800 students have graduated from the John W. Miller Center. For more than 40 years, the Center has remained committed to building programs and providing services to the community, giving people the opportunity to gain knowledge, develop their creative potential, and become productive citizens in a pluralistic society.
Mr. Ed Singleton continues to serve as the Miller Center's director to this day. He is not only the heartbeat of the center, but the heartbeat of the community, having even served as its mayor.
YOUR ACCESS
STARTS TODAY !
Have questions about programs,
admissions, or financial aid?
The John W. Miller Center team is
here to guide you every step of the way.
Reach out to us for assistance with applications, class schedules, or student resources — we’re happy to help.
YOUR ACCESS
STARTS TODAY !
Have questions about programs, admissions, or financial aid?
The John W. Miller Center team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Reach out to us for assistance with applications, class schedules, or student resources — we’re happy to help.