UB President Outlines Vision to Advance Student Success, Access, and Civic Leadership

22^nd January 2026

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — University of The Bahamas (UB) is charting an ambitious transformation that includes becoming a 50 percent residential campus within the next four years while deepening its role as a driver of national development, civic responsibility, and innovation.

UB President Dr. Robert Blaine, III, outlined the vision during his presentation at the Bahamas Business Outlook 2026 where he addressed the topic: “The Role of University of The Bahamas in a Changing Bahamas”. Dr. Blaine stressed that the national university must not only educate, but actively respond to the country’s evolving social and economic needs.

“The university is a developer of new talent and how that talent has an understanding of civic responsibility is incredibly important,” said President Blaine. “We know the history of brain drain and what that has meant to our nation. But we think about how do we embed in students a sense of civic responsibility and giving back, and understanding that part of their responsibility as an educated learner in our society is to be able to give back to the country that gave you those opportunities.”

UB has been noting tangible signs of growth and confidence in its mission. More than 5,000 students, the second highest enrolment in the institution’s history, are currently studying at both the Oakes Field Campus in New Providence and UB North in Grand Bahama. There is also a shift in student demographics with international student enrolment on the rise.

In a major institutional milestone, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission in Colleges (SACSCOC) named UB a candidate for accreditation in December. The institution is preparing for the next crucial phase in its road to international accreditation: the submission of a compliance certificate to SACSCOC.

UB’s commitment to student success-focused excellence, Dr. Blaine stressed, must have real-world impact.

“We have to stop talking so much and listen a little bit more. Universities, historically, have been these ivory towers…” he said. “And so while I have my expertise, I have to listen to the community to understand what the needs of the community are in order to make sure that we are creating the learning environment for our students to be able to go into your environment and really thrive.”

This approach, he said, requires creating the academic curriculum and learning environment that develop students’ intellect, thirst for knowledge, character and commitment to service. He added that a key consideration is defining the characteristics and attributes of today’s UB graduate.

“What are the intellectual traits that are necessary for the 21st century in a world where we know that they are going to change careers two, three, four times in the period of their lifetimes?” said Dr. Blaine. “What is the through line of thinking and understanding that allows them to thrive in an environment of change. Many of our students have these attributes that we talk about. They are incredible thinkers. They have a true sense of civic responsibility. They are what I like to call “intellectual chameleons” and can move into different environments; a common set of intellectual traits that allow them to fit in no matter where they are.”

Expanding access to higher education is at the core of UB’s mission. The president noted there should be an intensified focus on online education to increase participation throughout The Bahamas.

“We need to extend access to higher education here in The Bahamas,” said Dr. Blaine. “We have potential students in Family Islands all over the nation. Many of those places lack the access because you would physically have to come to Nassau or to Freeport in order to be able to engage in this learning environment, so expanding to now having fully online degree programmes and then [we are] thinking about what resources and accesses are needed in those communities to make sure that those students can have a fully engaged learning environment and never have to leave their Family Island.”

This is part of a broader strategy to cultivate educated citizens prepared to lead, serve, and shape the future of The Bahamas.

Department of Communications (DOC)

University of The Bahamas

2^nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex

Oakes Field Campus, University Drive

P.O. Box N-4912

Nassau, The Bahamas

Tel: (242).302.4355/4365/4354

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.