Rededication to a Noble Mission Ahead of Sixth Charter Anniversary of University of The Bahamas
4th November 2022
Erik Rolland President of UB
University-building is heavy lifting, but the load is for everyone who wants to overcome challenges, nimbly adapt and transform The Bahamas. This is the focus for those who are leading the charge for University of The Bahamas (UB) to thrive as another charter anniversary draws near.
From its founding as the College of The Bahamas (COB) in 1974, to its transition to a university in 2016, the institution has represented the hopes and dreams of a nation destined for greatness. As UB nears its sixth charter anniversary on 10th November 2022, university champions are fostering resilience and reinvention.
“This is an era marked by widespread ambiguity and change. Systems that we once held as true and robust have been shaken at their core and it has forced us to re-think and put into action alternatives to make us stronger, more creative, and daring in our innovation,” says University of The Bahamas President Dr. Erik Rolland.
“Universities are at the vanguard of that. UB has a place in leading and driving change for our best selves and our best nation.”
Dr. Rolland, who assumed the leadership of the institution in August, has identified creating a shared vision as one of the top priorities, with people-centeredness as a fundamental aspect of that. The indomitable Bahamian spirit was a driving force behind the establishment of COB through an act of Parliament in 1974.
Today, the majority of graduates of the institution are earning baccalaureate degrees, the number of graduate degrees has doubled and the alumni body is over 20,000. UB has partnerships with higher education institutions in North America, the United Kingdom and Asia in an expanding emphasis on internationalization. It is also focusing intensively on being accredited.
Dr. Rolland says while the institution is forging ahead it must also pay homage to its extraordinary foundation and the expansive network of advocates and supporters of higher learning who have contributed to its growth. Acknowledging the enormous potential of UB is a part of that.
“One need only look at the men and women of excellence across The Bahamas and around the world, who were once UB students, to recognize UB’s role in the growth and development of this great nation. We are equipping our students with the skills to bring about transformation at all levels,” he says.
The theme for UB’s charter month in November, “One UB – Nation Building”, is a clarion call for a collective focus on shaping a resilient future. In his message announcing the month-long celebrations, Dr. Rolland was clear.
“While UB was formalized on 16th November 2016, its roots and legacy are grounded in the College of The Bahamas and the dedicated, courageous and visionary people who shaped its foundation,” he said.
“Today, we hold fast to the same commitment, the same tenacity and determination to transform lives and make the Commonwealth of The Bahamas better and stronger. We need everyone involved in the work of university-building.”
During the month, UB is welcoming back its alumni, supporters, friends, parents and stakeholders to reconnect with students, staff and faculty, as well as the institution through an exciting line-up of events and activities. In addition to Homecoming events occurring in New Providence and Grand Bahama, other events for the month include a festival, an honours convocation, open house, UB Blue pride days, and special lectures.
The comprehensive Charter Month schedule is accessible online at www.ub.edu.bs.
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- UB Oakes Field Campus
Office of University Relations
University of The Bahamas
2nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex
University Drive, Oakes Field Campus
P.O. Box N-4912
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365
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, and San Salvador, 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.