UB Board Chair Foreshadows Culture of Quality and Continuous Improvement
16th May 2023
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS – University of The Bahamas (UB) is moving into a new paradigm where a culture of continuous improvement will drive quality and enhance the institution’s ability to fulfil its mission, according to Chair of the UB Board of Trustees Allyson Maynard-Gibson KC.
Maynard-Gibson was explaining the anticipated impact of the accreditation that UB is pursuing and UB’s critical role in national development while remaining globally competitive. She recently delivered the keynote address at the School of Social Sciences’ panel discussion in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Bahamian independence.
UB intends to become the first institution accredited by the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council (NAECOB) in The Bahamas. It is also seeking accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Beyond that, the aim is to maintain the status of each through constant reviews, assessments and improvements of services, policies and infrastructure. In the process, the university will become stronger and better able to fulfil its mission.
For international accreditation, Maynard-Gibson listed what she called compelling reasons.
“There will be greater support and enhancement of student mobility and a diverse student body, a hallmark of many excellent universities,” she said. “Imagine a thriving environment with student exchange programmes whereby students from UB attend other universities for a semester and, in return, UB welcomes and serves students from other universities and both receive recognized credits.”
Among the more than 4,000 current students at UB, there are 22 nationalities and 36% are first generation university students. More than 500 graduates are expected to be added to the UB alumni community at the Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony later this month.
A culture of quality and always striving to be better has other benefits, according to UB’s Board Chair.
“There will be greater development and support for research. International accreditation will put university faculty in a better position to attract quality research and grant funding opportunities and to partner with other higher education institutions with a distinguished record of research and scholarship,” Maynard-Gibson added.
She gave other reasons for being an accredited institution; greater opportunities for faculty and staff exchange programmes, enhanced capacity for financial sustainability and attracting more students as top choice for Bahamians seeking university degrees. There are also benefits for both current and future alumni, Maynard-Gibson noted.
“UB alumni will see an increased value in their already earned degrees. Both at home and abroad our graduates are building strong successful careers. International accreditation will bring external validation of our internal claims and add value to UB degrees,” she said.
The potential for education to transform individuals, communities and the nation was acknowledged even before independence was achieved. Higher education was always viewed as a tool for the country to grow and develop by preparing its people to meet existing and emerging needs, hence the former College of The Bahamas – now University of The Bahamas – was among the early institutions formalized soon after independence.
Months ago, the President of SACSCOC Dr. Belle Wheelan visited The Bahamas and met with the University community. Dr. Wheelan also paid courtesy calls on Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis and the Minister of Education, Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin.
Being accredited is not intended to be a final destination, as maintaining the status means periodic evaluations and enhancements, according to university officials. It is not something for faculty, staff and students to engage in alone, said Maynard-Gibson as she invited all Bahamians to get involved.
“Each of us, collectively and individually, has an important role to play in the successes that we envision. The Board believes that this is one of the most, if not the most exciting ventures in The Bahamas today,” she said.
UB Board of Trustees Chair Allyson Maynard-Gibson KC addresses the university’s role in national development and the anticipated benefits of international accreditation.
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University of The Bahamas
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Chartered on 10th November 2016, University of The Bahamas (UB) is a beacon for national transformation. 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.