University of The Bahamas (UB) is a beacon of hope that has transformational power, Acting President of UB Janyne Hodder asserted as she reflected on the institution’s almost 50-year-long existence.

On Friday 10th November, though UB celebrates its seventh charter anniversary, the institution has existed for almost half a century, initially as the College of The Bahamas created through an act of parliament which amalgamated several institutions.

Hodder was a faculty member at COB upon its inception and eventually held the position of president for several years. Now, she is helping to guide UB to the goal of national and international accreditation. Affirmed by the Board of Trustees, this imperative is one on which the entire university community is focused. This particular era is significant, she acknowledged.

“I want the public to remember our history, the history that we share, and the role we play in national development,” said President Hodder. “I want the public to feel proud of us. I also want them to demand of us that we continue to stay closely aligned with the needs of employers, the needs of families, the needs of individuals; that we serve them, so that they keep our feet to the fire and we keep contributing and meeting the needs of the nation.”

The nation celebrated the historic transition to University of The Bahamas on 10th November 2016 with immense pride. The first charter day was the fulfilment of a long-held dream predicated upon the notion that higher education and a national university held the power to lift The Bahamas to new heights of excellence and shape national identity.

The institution’s legacy has consistently reflected a distinct commitment to responding to national needs and being a key facilitator of nation-building. With the university charter enshrined in the University of The Bahamas Act, 2016, came an increased focus on creating a competitive advantage for the nation and driving quality in academic programmes and services.

In a special charter day message, UB Board Chair Allyson Maynard-Gibson, KC conveyed the urgency of an intensive focus on accreditation.

“As we work towards achieving national and international accreditation, we are enhancing our capacity to fulfill our nation-building mission, efficiently serve every member of academia, and cultivate the next generation of inspired leaders and trailblazers who will make the world mark the manner of our bearing,” Mrs. Maynard-Gibson noted.

“With nearly five decades of continuous operation, our impact as a national university and a catalyst for progress is undeniable.”

President Hodder emphasized that UB belongs to and deeply impacts everyone.

“The most important thing to remember is that it belongs to you,” she said. “Whether you’re a student thinking of coming to UB for undergraduate education, this is yours. You own it; come to us. If you’re a student who’s attending us right now, it’s yours. You own it; tell us what’s great, tell us what needs to be fixed. And if you’re alumni, you own us. We’re part of your life, we’re a part of your story, so come celebrate with us.

“We belong to The Bahamas, and we’re a specific community that transforms lives. You belong in this community and I think Charter Day is an opportunity to celebrate that.”

Over the years, the institution has achieved notable milestones; it transitioned from a two-year degree granting institution to one with an expended baccalaureate degree offering. Graduate degrees are steadily growing and a keen focus on internationalization includes study abroad and student exchange programmes with higher education institutions around the world and a diverse multi-ethnic student population. UB also published its 29th research volume last month and scholarly research by faculty has been included in international peer-reviewed journals. UB alumni are at the forefront of their professions in the public and private sectors.

As a demonstration of the confidence that the public continues to have in the national university, UB announced that on its seventh charter day, legacy donor RBC Royal Bank of Canada, was scheduled to make a significant donation to support the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions. Graduates of this school not only account for the vast majority of practicing professionals in the country, but are competently serving in roles abroad. An increase in private giving has been one of the encouraging indicators of the institution’s growth.

Also on Friday, UB’s College of Liberal and Fine Arts was scheduled to host an award dinner to honour Bahamians who have made significant contributions to the canon of Bahamian literature – Patricia Glinton-Meicholas, Patrick Rahming, Susan Wallace and Ian Strachan.