Partnership Strengthened to Expand Pipeline of Bahamian Aviation Professionals

17^th August 2026

University of The Bahamas (UB) is collaborating with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and the Department of Aviation in the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation to expand opportunities for Bahamians pursuing aerospace careers including those in the aviation sector.

UB senior leaders recently joined Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, the Hon. Jobeth Coleby-Davis, and senior officials in the Department of Aviation on a visit to MTSU in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as they signed an amended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for higher education and industry collaboration.

The visit builds on an initial partnership between UB, MTSU and the Department of Aviation focused on strengthening aviation education and expanding national capacity for professional pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and aviation leaders.

MTSU President Dr. Sidney McPhee and members of his leadership team welcomed the Bahamian delegation for substantive discussions and the signing of the amended MOU. The delegation included Chair of the UB Board of Trustees Mrs. Allyson Maynard Gibson, KC, UB President Dr. Robert Blaine III, Vice President of UB North, Denise Barnes, as well as other members of the board.

At the signing ceremony, Minister Coleby-Davis explained how Bahamians will benefit.

“This builds the Bahamianization of our aviation sector, and more importantly, ensures that we continue to prepare the future leaders of Bahamian aviation today. It will strengthen institutional capacity by supporting curriculum development, instructor training, and certification programmes within The Bahamas so that we can deliver more training to existing aviation professionals,” she said.

President McPhee acknowledged the commitment to excellence that will drive the goals of the partnership.

“This is a historic day…in advancing a programme and collaboration on a world-class partnership with the Department of Aviation to enhance the aviation workforce and deepen our shared commitment to excellence, safety, and opportunities for existing and future aviation professionals,” he said.

While in Tennessee, the delegation also toured MTSU’s aerospace facilities, engaged with Bahamian students currently pursuing flight training at the university, and met leaders of Nashville International Airport.

Through the partnership, UB will equip students with the knowledge, technical skills and professional experience needed to contribute to nation building.

UB and MTSU are also collaborating on the preservation and scholarly study of Bahamian cultural heritage through a separate MOU. The agreement paves the way for music faculty and researchers from both institutions to identify and define the elements that comprise the Rhyming Spiritual, a distinctive genre of Bahamian religious music. The work involves documenting and preserving this important expression of Bahamian heritage, and elevating it through scholarly research, creative inquiry and academic collaboration.

Watch the official signing ceremony by clicking here.