STATEMENT: Announcement of Finalists in the University of The Bahamas Presidential Search
19th July 2021
The University of The Bahamas (UB) Presidential Search Committee (PSC), appointed by the UB Board of Trustees, is pleased to announce that it has selected its top three finalists for the position of President of University of The Bahamas, to be appointed at the culmination of current President Rodney D. Smith’s term.
The finalists, in alphabetical order:
Dr. Erik Rolland is a respected professional with 30 years’ experience hailing from the University of California and the California State University system in the United States. Dr. Rolland currently serves as the Dean of the College of Business Administration at California Polytechnic & State University. Prior to that, Dr. Rolland served in leadership positions at the University of California (Merced and Riverside campuses).
Sir Anthony Seldon is a prominent figure in the field of education, shaping the debate on higher education in the United Kingdom and globally. Sir Anthony chaired The Festival of Higher Education and founded the Universities G20, a group of leading independent universities. Until recently, Sir Anthony served as the Vice-Chancellor, University of Buckingham. Prior to that, Sir Anthony was Wellington College’s Headmaster.
Dr. Ian Strachan is a recognized, innovative leader in the field of education in The Bahamas. Currently, Dr. Strachan is the Campus President of UB-North (Freeport, Grand Bahama). A former College of The Bahamas (COB) student, Dr. Strachan is a member of UB faculty, and previously also held vice presidential positions at the university. Prior to leading UB-North, Dr. Strachan served as Vice President of Advancement at COB.
The PSC began its search work in November of 2020. The Board of Trustees hired AGB Search Consultants to assist the work of the committee. Broad input from the university community and other constituents was sought to inform the search through structured listening sessions and interviews. The finalists are expected to complete their final interviews starting the week of July 26, 2021.
Dr. Jonathan Rodgers
Chair, Board of Trustees
Chair, Presidential Search Committee
Office of University Relations
University of The Bahamas
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Chartered on 10th November 2016, University of The Bahamas (UB) is a beacon for national transformation. Approximately 5,000 students are enrolled in the University of The Bahamas system which includes campuses and centres on New Providence, Grand Bahama, San Salvador and Abaco, as well as UB online education. UB’s diverse academic programmes, research engagements, athletics and leadership development experiences equip our students to become global citizens in a dynamic world. For more information, visit www.ub.edu.bs.