(BIS Photos/Raymond A. Bethel, Sr.)

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Students and members of the public had the opportunity to participate in a Lecture and Book-Signing Event by Dr. Sidney McPhee, Bahamian President of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and author of the book, China Through the Eyes of an American University President, at Chapter 1 Bookstore of the College of The Bahamas on Monday, March 9.

Dr. McPhee’s book, published in June of 2012 by the Hanban-Confucius Institute, comprises a photographic essay of more than 100 illustrations capturing the people and places of China and revealing the nation’s charm and complex culture.

The book describes sites of interest such as Dunhuang, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, and has portraiture of people – young and old. China Through the Eyes… also captures Chinese cuisine.

Dr. Mcphee traveled to more than 40 cities of the People’s Republic of China.

In 2013, China's foreign ministry designated the book a significant cultural presentation. Most recently, in December of 2013, Dr. McPhee received the Confucius Institute’s ‘Individual Performance Excellence Award’ during the 8th Annual Global Confucius Institutes Conference in Beijing, China. This is the highest award given by China’s Ministry of Education and was presented to President McPhee by the Deputy Premier of China.

In October 2010 Dr. McPhee was appointed senior advisor to the Chief Executive of Hanban-Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing.