University of The Bahamas Begins New Academic Year With Bold Innovations to Transform Student Experience
12th August 2026
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS – Transforming the living and learning experience at University of The Bahamas (UB) is taking centre stage as the national university enters the 2026-2027 academic year with a major focus on infrastructure upgrades, technology, student services and operational excellence.
From President Dr. Robert Blaine, III, and members of his Executive Leadership Team at Tuesday’s Faculty and Staff Seminar held at the Oakes Field Campus came the message that UB is moving forward with tangible investments and measurable priorities to improve student success and the university’s impact.
The seminar marked a new 2026-2027 Academic Year, and brought together faculty and staff from across the academy in New Providence and Grand Bahama.
“We have $8 million worth of infrastructure projects happening all around campus to create the teaching and learning environment that is really going to transform our campus and increase the outcomes for our students,” said Dr. Blaine. “I’m excited about what’s happening because these improvements will increase not only how we feel as a team, but our ability to continue doing the great work that we do. Then we can keep building student success-focused excellence.”
Across the Oakes Field Campus, bathrooms are being renovated, roofing projects are underway, and existing student residences are being upgraded. There are also plans to expand the university’s overall residential capacity and modernize laboratories and technology-enabled learning spaces.
A new high-speed Wi-Fi network is also planned for the Oakes Field Campus, designed to strengthen connectivity and provide students and faculty with enhanced access to online learning resources, digital platforms, research tools and emerging technologies.
In addition to physical transformation, UB is developing a new five-year strategic plan which will take effect in 2027 and for which the university has held widespread consultations.
“I am excited because we’re going to, very shortly, present a framework for the new strategic plan. The goal with this framework is for us to be able to validate that we heard what was said. So, we will be coming together to build the how of what we want to be able to do. This will be the work that we’re really going to focus on this semester with our strategic planning,” President Blaine added.
Meanwhile, work continues to achieve full accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). In December 2025, UB achieved accreditation candidacy with SACSCOC. It is also simultaneously pursuing national accreditation with the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas.
SACSCOC President Dr. Stephen Pruitt delivered a future-focused keynote address at the seminar and affirmed that the accreditation process is partnership-oriented work.
“One of the things I want you to know as you move forward into the next and final steps in the membership [process] is that we are not here to change you,” said Dr. Pruitt. “Remember that above all things, our job is to make sure you fulfil your mission, and that we are your partner in fulfilling that mission.”
Guided by the President’s vision, UB is also placing greater emphasis on using innovation to improve how it serves students. For the second consecutive year, the university has made direct contact with virtually every new student accepted for Fall 2026 and plans to have them all enrolled before they come to campus for orientation activities next week. This allows for better planning for staffing, resources and services overall. The university also anticipates increased student enrolment for Fall 2026.
The effort reflects a broader shift toward proactive student engagement, with the university seeking to identify and address student needs earlier rather than waiting for challenges to emerge.
Chair of the UB Board of Trustees Mrs. Allyson Maynard Gibson urged a renewed commitment to excellence and building community to advance the hard work of those who helped establish and develop the national university.
“We are strengthening our programs, expanding partnerships, investing in our campuses, and most importantly, continuing to educate and prepare the next generation of Bahamian leaders professionals, innovators, and citizens,” said Mrs. Maynard Gibson.
“None of this happens by accident. It happens because people work hard, because faculty care deeply about their students, because staff members, often behind the scenes, make this institution function every day, because our students believe in what is possible, and because there is a shared conviction that the University of The Bahamas matters not only to those of us within this institution, but to the future of our country.”
President of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Dr. Stephen Pruitt and UB President Dr. Robert Blaine, III, at the UB Faculty and Staff Seminar 2026 held at the Performing Arts Centre, UB’s Oakes Field Campus on Tuesday 11th August, 2026.
Following the UB Faculty and Staff Seminar held on Tuesday 11th August, officials gathered for this group photo in the Performing Arts Centre. From left are: Dean of the College of Tourism, Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Leisure Management Mr. Mario Adderley; UB Board Trustee Dr. Raquel Barr- Edgecombe; VP Technology Services Mr. Dion Gibson, VP Student Services Mr. Joe Stubbs; AVP Institutional Strengthening and Accreditation. Dr. Walteria Tucker Rolle; Dean of Social and Educational Studies Dr. Thalia Micklewhite; Assistant Provost Tourism and Hospitality Dr. Michelle Allen; President of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Dr. Stephen Pruitt; VP Enrolment Management Dr. Marcella Elliott-Ferguson; VP Finance and Chief Financial Officer Mr. Patrick McFall; Dean of Pure and Applied Sciences Dr. Veronica Toppin; Chief of Staff Ms, Felicity Humblestone; Dean of Liberal and Fine Arts Dr. Craig Smith, Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas (UTEB) President Mr. Daniel Thompson, and Vice Chair of the Academic Senate Dr. Dion Hepburn.
Dr. Stephen Pruitt, SACSCOC President addresses the UB Faculty and Staff Seminar on Tuesday 11th August, 2026.
Chair of the UB Board of Trustees Mrs. Allyson Maynard Gibson, KC, calls for a shared responsibility in achieving and sustaining excellence at UB.
Faculty and staff attend the opening session of the annual seminar where they were updated on key priorities and connected with colleagues across the University.
Chair of the Academic Senate Dr. Nicolette Bethel explains the senate’s role in shared governance at UB.
UTEB President Mr. Daniel Thompson addresses the opening session of the Faculty and Staff Seminar 2026.