What started off as one man's quest to pursue his educational goals has turned into a potential alliance to help Bahamians seeking education in the United States, and an Atlanta institution learning how a nation relying on tourism, thrives as a leader in the industry.
Some details of the merger are revealed in the spring 2015 issue of an Atlanta-based education magazine where Bahamas Consul General to Atlanta, Randy E. Rolle is highlighted as the cover story. Rolle, who is taking courses at Atlanta Technical College (ATC) in Georgia, will be gracing the cover of "Tech Talk" magazine. Coincidently, the year's theme for the institution is "Beyond Borders", one that fits well into where Rolle's first year in office has taken him.
He originally came across ATC while doing online research pertaining to students within his jurisdiction and recalled how it stood out to him.
"What struck me was the diversity of the programs offered, the rich history of the college and the success of its graduates," he said. "I then met the school's president, Dr. Alvetta Peterman Thomas quite by accident at a community function and heard her vision for the college. Immediately, I knew that Atlanta Tech could be a great resource for Bahamian students."
As for why he decided to enroll in classes himself, specifically in the Tourism Management department, Rolle said he wants to inspire others through obtaining his own educational aspirations.
"I worked within the Ministry of Tourism of The Bahamas for a number of years. It is an industry that can change in an instant, and what I learned 10 years ago may not be applicable today because trends and people change.
"I want to understand all I can about it. Also, as opposed to just preaching the importance of gaining a world-class education to my people at home, I want to lead by example and enroll."
Rolle's inside perspective has been a welcome to the institution and he has even invited Minister of Education, Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald and Reginald Saunders, administrator of the Scholarship and Educational Loans Division to meet with Atlanta Tech representatives to discuss ways in which The Bahamas and school can liaise with each other.
"Ingrid Garcia-Galinat, coordinator of International Students and Global Incentives at ATC and Tamoura Jones, chair of the Culinary Arts and Hotel/Restaurant/Tourism Management Department traveled to Nassau already," said Rolle. "Overall, we are very optimistic about alliances with ATC and our local institutions such as the College of The Bahamas and Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute."

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