University Drive Season 6 Episode 8 – Saturday 10th October 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused human contact to be reassessed and reimagined. In this episode Associate Professor of Chemistry and AVP of Institutional Strengthening and Accreditation Dr. Danny Davis is our guest to discuss the technique that traces COVID-19 cases and contacts as a way to help defeat the pandemic that has caused death and turmoil in The Bahamas and around the world.
University Drive Season 6 Episode 6 – Saturday, 12th September 2020
What should we all be doing to have a more secure, peaceful and prosperous future? The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a call to action in transforming the world by 2030. The Government and Public Policy Institute at University of The Bahamas is inviting the Bahamian public to share ideas on how to achieve five of the 17 SDGs. Our guests for this episode are Policy Fellow Lesvie Archer and Policy Assistant Jeannie Gibson.
University Drive Season 6 Episode 5 – Saturday, 5th September 2020
One year after Hurricane Dorian lashed Grand Bahama, rebuilding and restoration are still going on. Among those helping home owners restore their dwellings are students of UB-North’s pre-Apprentice Carpentry programme, non-profits Heart 9 ’11, the Hope Foundation and Templeton, as well as community champions including Revelation Faith Apostolic Ministries. William Keegan, Leterah Munnings, Bishop Sidney McIntosh, and Leroy Noel join us for a conversation about courage and hope.
University Drive Season 6 Episode 4 – Saturday, 29th August 2020
With a new academic year upon us, educational institutions throughout The Bahamas have had to reimagine how to connect with students and deliver their curricula.
Some schools will provide face-to-face learning, some will deliver online instruction, yet others will engage in a hybrid approach. This episode will explore the dynamics of online/virtual and remote learning in a post COVID-19 environment with education technology expert Zena Dean.
“Black Lives Matter”! What does it really mean and what are the parallels, if any, with the United States and The Bahamas? In this episode, Dr. Crystal deGregory, noted historian, explores what it means to be Black in the 21st century.
University Drive Season 6 Episode 1 – Saturday, 8th August 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced evolution and pivoting in many areas. For new grads, it means focusing not only on academics, but other desirable qualities for a competitive advantage. Two-time valedictorian and multilingual Janika Bellozier shares her journey of sacrifice, perseverance, and true grit to encourage others to see opportunities, rather than obstacles.
University Drive Season 5 Episode 12 – Saturday, 19th January 2020
In this era, navigating the complexities of manhood can prove challenging. Reinforcing positive self-images and narratives is key. Our guests in this episode were all motivational speakers at a recent “Understanding Manhood” Conference held at UB: Brandon Frame, Founder, The Black Man Can; Malik Champlain, Passion, Hunger Drive; Marcus Blackwell, Make Music Count; Ilbert Sanchez, Garçon Couture; Marc Abelard, William James College.
University Drive Season 5 Episode 11 – Saturday, 12th January 2020
What is the role of private giving in building a strong and resilient university? VP of Institutional Advancement Dino Hernandez and Director of Alumni Affairs Elvardo Thompson talk about solidifying connections and growing a culture of giving.
University Drive Season 5 Episode 10 – Saturday, 7th December 2019
In the Vision 2020 Working draft of the National Development Plan it notes that “collectively, our built and natural environment must be protected and developed in a rational, thought-provoking manner. Our guest, Assistant Professor Henry Hepburn an architect and urban planning professional explores the dynamics and necessity for strategic urban planning and development.
University Drive Season 5 Episode 9 – Saturday, 30th November 2019
Shakespeare is not the easiest text to comprehend but even now he is the inspiration of the “Literature Behind Bars” programme. Our guests are English professors Dr. Craig Smith and Dr. Philip Smith who are seeking to evolve their instruction for incarcerated persons at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.
University Drive Season 5 Episode 8 – Saturday, 23rd November 2019
Promoting lifelong learning opportunities is part of a key UN Sustainable Development Goal. Exactly how is UB doing that and what are some of the gains through online learning? Acting VP of Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Oriakhi and (title) Dr. Edward Bethel are the guests on this episode of University Drive.
University Drive Season 5 Episode 7 – Saturday, 16th November 2019
A CULTURE OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
In a world where competitive advantages are critical for success, can we afford not to pay attention to systematic continuous improvements? Our guests, Vice President of Human Resources Dr. Mychal Coleman and Continuous Improvement Coordinators Shantell Mackey and Fritz Cox, join us to talk about building a culture of continuous improvement in the University community.
University Drive Season 5 Episode 6 – Saturday 9th, November 2019
WELLNESS POST TRAUMA
In September 2019, The Bahamas got a very unwelcomed visitor. When it departed, it left people’s lives in shambles, ripped away peace of mind and the normalcy they had known. Today, many people in The Bahamas are living a new reality. How do we help our brothers and sisters cope with hurt, pain, feelings of loss, guilt, and longing? University psychologist Dr. Michelle Bettin is our guest on University Drive.
University Drive Season 5 Episode 5 – Saturday 2nd, November 2019
“Building a Resilient Bahamas” has been the buzz phrase since Hurricane Dorian, but what does that actually mean? On this episode of University Drive, UB alumni Ms. Kelly Armstrong, environmental scientist, and Mr. Leonard Sands, construction engineering technologist, explore resiliency from an environmental and infrastructure perspective and what we can do to be stronger and more adaptive.
University Drive Season 5 Episode 4 – Saturday 26th, October 2019
Global warming has not only spawned extreme, ferocious weather systems but it’s also made adaptation and resiliency in planning more urgent. This is particularly true for small island developing states like The Bahamas. Dr. Vik Nair in this episode of the University Drive podcast delves into the intricacies of climate change on our tourism product in a post Dorian environment.
University Drive Season 5 Episode 3 – Saturday 19th, October 2019
In this post Hurricane Dorian environment of displaced persons, the issue of illegal migration has taken on renewed significance. How has this matter emerged? What is the historical and modern context? Are we examining all the complexities? Associate Professor Dr. Chris Curry provides insight.
University Drive Season 5 Episode 2 – Saturday, 12th October 2019
The plight of men and women behind bars in The Bahamas, the factors that led them there and their future has an impact on the wider Bahamian society. The findings of UB researchers and professionals in correctional services was the central focus at the recent Beyond Our Prisoners panel presentations. This week’s episode features the accounts of former offenders and the research findings about incarceration.
University Drive Season 5 Episode 1 – Saturday 5th October, 2019
REBOUNDING AND STRATEGIC PLANNING
Almost three years after its charter and before Hurricane Dorian struck, UB was strategically planning for its growth and development over the next five years. Now more than ever, there is an urgency to identify and achieve key goals. President Dr. Rodney D. Smith talks about this and other matters on the first episode of University Drive for Season 5.
University Drive Season 4 Episode 29 – 19th June 2019
During the summer, UB’s Oakes Field Campus becomes a bustling mecca for young school students participating in various programmes. This episode explores the diversity of these summer programmes and how they are helping to drive interest in university life.
University Drive Season 4 Episode 9 – 25th May 2019
The Language of Life
Three UB employees and Chinese language students Antoinette Pinder-Darling, Philip Armbrister and Tameka Lundy talk about their experiences with the Chinese culture, differences and similarities with the Bahamian culture and global experiences. Tune in to the conversation.
University Drive Season 4 Episode 8 – 11th May 2019
Brenarvio Knowles and Asheen Smith had dreams of a university education that came true when they successfully completed UB’s Summer Bridging Programme. After graduating from high school, they realized that they needed a firmer foundation to positively change their circumstances. As first generation university students, they talk about the road that led them to university life and what they expect for their future. Tune in to the conversation.
University Drive Season 4 Episode 7 – 4th May 2019
An enriching college experience is more than just amazing professors and awesome lectures. A truly rewarding experience is one that balances life both in and out of the classroom and exposes students to engaging co-curricular activities that home their leadership skills while creating well-balanced, well-adjusted young adults. Dean of students Mr. Joe Stubbs and Director of Greek Life Mr. Ashley Knowles share some of the opportunities available outside the classroom to prepare students for a better life in a global society.
University Drive Season 4 Episode 6 – 27th April 2019
Earth Day 2019 – Protecting the Bahamian Species
Human beings have irrevocably upset the balance of nature and, as a result, the world is facing the greatest rate of extinction since the loss of the dinosaurs more than 60 million years ago, according to the Earth Day Network. Our guests on this episode are UB alums Craig Powell, of the Ocean Sanctuary Alliance (OSA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ancilleno Davis, founder of Bahamians Educated in Natural and Geospatial Sciences); as well as Dr. Vik Nair, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research at UB.
University Drive Season 4 Episode 5 – 6th April 2019
What is it like for that young person from Long Island, Exuma or even Grand Bahama relocating to New Providence to attend the University of The Bahamas? For decades, many young people from throughout the archipelago have migrated to Nassau leaving behind their safety net in pursuit of tertiary education. Nikell Johnson, a native of Long Island shares her experience of coming to Nassau in 2007 as an impressionable and somewhat oblivious teenager to embark on a journey that would shape and change her future.
University Drive Season 4 Episode 4 – 30th March 2019
Who or what influences the career path we choose? In many instances, our career paths are influenced by what we have been exposed to directly or indirectly. The children of the late Dr. Keva M. Bethel were undoubtedly influenced by their mother as both are university professors. Dr. Edward Bethel and Dr. Nicolette Bethel share their memories of their mother as president of COB and we explore the importance of research and the attainment of a PH.D as a viable pursuit for this generation and the next.
University Drive Season 4 Episode 3 – 23rd March 2019
EDUCATION FOR LIFE
Continuing education and lifelong learning is one of the vital avenues to extend access to tertiary education. There is a growing focus on personal and professional development, online learning and academic enhancement. The Dean of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CELEARN) Dr. Tyler Adams and the Director of CELEARN Dr. Lorraine Bastian-Jones are our guests on this episode.
University Drive Season 4 Episode 2 – Saturday, 16th March 2019
The episode features part-time faculty JoAnn Callender as a “Warrior Queen” and showcases how UB is contributing to resilience in the performing arts. It also features the story of UB Hall of Fame Inductee Delton Bain, a 1978 graduate.
LOFTIER GOALS FOR MINGOES ATHLETICS
Success is evident in different ways. The institution’s athletics programme has achieved incremental successes and is still pursuing loftier goals. University Athletics Director Kimberley Rolle; Mingoes athletics first full-time coach Ednal Rolle (track and field and cross country), Men”s Soccer Coach Dion Godet; Men’s Soccer Team Captain Julio Jemison; and national heptathlete record-holder Ken Mullings are the guests on the first episode of University Drive season 4. Listen to them reveal their motivations and aspirations for UB Mingoes Athletics.
University Drive Season 3 Episode 12 – 8th December 2018
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Assistant Professor of Architecture Henry Hepburn and architecture students Helson Ambrose and Donovan Knowles explain the process underway for the creation of a Master Plan for University of The Bahamas-North in Grand Bahama to expand across a 200-acre expanse of land. Students enrolled in the Design Studio III class are developing two schemes for the phased development of the campus. The process started with the Design Studio II class which completed the research for an envisioned Master Plan.
University Drive Season 3 Episode 11 –1st December 2018
THE PORTAL OF ORAL AND PUBLIC HISTORY
The art of story-telling has been an intrinsic part of the Bahamian experience. Over time, conversations have been used as ways to share experiences, transmit culture and preserve history. Dr. Tracey Thompson, Director of “From Dat Time”: The Oral & Public History Institute (FDT) at UB shares insights on the work of FTD and the art of capturing and documenting oral history.
University Drive Season 3Episode 10 – 24th November 2018
FACING THE FUTURE
The world is feeling the effects of climate change, particularly small island developing states like The Bahamas which face the vulnerabilities of coastal erosion and forestry degradation. Assistant Professor at UB and Visiting Researcher Dr. Adelle Thomas, a Human-Environment Geographer, and Mr. Christopher Russell, Director of Forestry, discuss the sustainability measures that The Bahamas must implement to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the archipelago.
University Drive Season 3 Episode 9 – 17th November 2018
THE ROLE OF PUBLIC POLICY IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Government and Public Policy Institute (GPPI) at UB is intended to play a leading role in matters of public policy development and sustainability. Executive Director and Senior Policy Fellow Mr. Zhivargo Laing discusses how the Institute plans to shape the research, design and implementation of public policy in The Bahamas and internationally.
University Drive Season 3 Episode 8 – 10th November 2018
THE UNIVERSITY IMPERATIVE
UB Alumnus and Vice President of the UB-North campus in Grand Bahama Dr. Ian G. Strachan provides the context for the academic, operational and infrastructural priorities of the campus. He also shares his experiences as a student of the College of The Bahamas and hopes for the development of a robust University that prepares students for a global society.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Delivering tertiary education to students throughout the archipelago directly impacts UB’s mission of supporting and driving national development. The University system is a natural environment for lifelong friendships and memorable social interactions. Family island natives Alexis Lightbourne, an architecture major, and Ryan Rolle, an education major, discuss how their national and international UB experiences have led them to become leaders in their own right.
ACADEMIC SUSTAINABILITY
Academic affairs is the lifeblood of a University, feeding not only education and research but also other scholarly pursuits that reflect the rigours of higher learning. The landscape that UB is shaping is as unique as the archipelago that provides the environment in which it operates. UB Provost Dr Linda Davis and Dean of Graduate Studies and Research Dr. Vikneswaran Nair discuss the strategies for developing graduate education, online learning and an inclusive governance structure.
University Drive Season 3 Episode 4 – 6th October 2018
FROM ADVERSITY TO TRIUMPH: THE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT
The life of a University of The Bahamas (UB) student is no bed of roses. The demands and expectations of higher education are intense. So imagine adding to that the onerous responsibilities of being an elected public official. Such is the life of the Member of Parliament for Bain and Grants Town Hon. Travis Robinson. The tourism management major at UB shares his story of triumph over adversity and breaking barriers as a guest on University Drive.
University Drive Season 3 Episode 3 – 22nd September 2018
YOU CAN BANK ON IT
The fees levied by financial institutions has become a hot button issue for Bahamian consumers as competition increases for banking clients. Why are these fees charged and how they are affecting consumers? Guests Algernon Cargill, adjunct faculty, and Bannerman Campbell, UB student, answer these and other burning questions. Plus, find out how The Bahamas, Haiti and China intersect in the alumnus spotlight on Williamson Gustave.
University Drive Season 3 Episode 2 – September 15th 2018
THE UBSTRONG STUDENT EXEPRIENCE
Building character is essential to the mission of University of The Bahamas. But what does this mean and how does this impact the student experience? UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith shares the vision and how it is being realized. This episode also includes a feature focus on “UB Moving Forward”.
University Drive Season 3 Episode 1 – 8th September 2018
DECONSTRUCTING CRIME AND VIOLENCE
UB researchers have collected data from the population of the Bahamas Department of Corrections and an analysis of the information reveals some intriguing details about educational attainment and crime and illegal drugs in the lives of sentenced inmates. Can this information be used to impact crime and violence in the country? Researchers Dr. Pandora Johnson and Mr. William Fielding tell us. Also, a candid conversation with alumna Deandrea Hamilton gives us a glimpse into the life of a determined entrepreneur.