University of The Bahamas and Middle Tennessee State University Strengthen Academic and Research Partnership

6^th May 2026

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS – University of The Bahamas (UB) and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) have formalized a partnership to expand academic and scholarly initiatives for students, faculty, researchers and staff, with an emphasis on aerospace and tourism programmes as well as research and cultural preservation.

A delegation from MTSU, headed by President Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, recently visited The Bahamas and spent time at UB, engaging with counterparts and touring the Oakes Field Campus. A UB delegation visited MTSU, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in December 2025.

Both universities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that paves the way for closer collaboration in education, training, research, and other programme initiatives.

Among its key features are the planned development of dual undergraduate, graduate and certificate programmes, as well as cooperation on curriculum design to ensure courses remain relevant and aligned with evolving academic standards. Under the agreement, students of UB and MTSU will be able to transfer credits and participate in study abroad experiences and internships at each university. The MOU also paves the way for faculty and staff to participate in guest lectures, seminars, and conferences.

“I think this is an incredible opportunity for us,” shared UB President, Dr. Robert Blaine, III. “I see this as a synergistic opportunity to bring together programmes and curricula that are going to captivate our students and really create opportunities for them to be the transformative leaders of tomorrow.

“So, we thank them for the opportunity to partner, and to really provide opportunities for students on both sides to be those transformative leaders of tomorrow.”

A central focus of the MTSU delegation’s visit was the exploration of key areas of collaboration to advance academic excellence and workforce readiness. Discussions with UB’s School of Mathematics, Physics and Technology centered on creating articulated pathways for UB students to pursue specialized degrees through MTSU’s established aerospace programme. This initiative also includes opportunities for faculty exchange, strengthening teaching capacity and curriculum development among faculty in the College of Pure and Applied Sciences.

Dr. McPhee, a native of The Bahamas, said he was pleased that tangible results are already taking shape from the partnership, particularly in the areas of Aerospace, Tourism and Hospitality Management and Music. He said those three areas are among MTSU’s many signature programmes.

“We are excited about this particular collaboration,” Dr. McPhee said. “I do think that it is consistent with the mission of UB and certainly that of MTSU. And I think the most important part of this is that our students, both at UB and MTSU, will be the beneficiaries of this partnership.”

Prior to the ceremony, President Blaine and President McPhee reviewed plans for upcoming reciprocal exchange programmes that would allow MTSU students to gain hands-on internship experience in The Bahamas’ tourism sector, while UB students would benefit from immersive internship and training opportunities in Tennessee in aviation and tourism.

Additionally, the institutions formalised collaboration through the signing of a special Memorandum of Understanding to identify and define the elements that comprise the historic Rhyming Spiritual, a distinctive religious genre of Bahamian music. The agreement supports joint research efforts among music faculty to preserve and elevate this unique cultural expression while advancing scholarly inquiry and creative output.

While in The Bahamas, President McPhee and the MTSU delegation also engaged with key national stakeholders, including Executive Vice President at Baha Mar and veteran hotelier Mr. Robert “Sandy” Sands; Chief Executive Officer of the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board Mrs. Joy Jibrulu; CEO of Atlantis, Mr. Vaughn Roberts and VP and General Manager of the Reef at Atlantis, Mr. Leonard Cumberbatch.

Additionally, President McPhee and MTSU faculty conferred with Director of Aviation Dr. Kenneth Romer and other officials at the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation to finalize soon-to-be-announced industry training opportunities for Bahamian aviation professionals.

These conversations are establishing the foundation for long-term collaboration, positioning both UB and MTSU to better serve their students while contributing to national and regional development.