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Appointment of the Presidential Search Committee
By The Board of Trustees of University of The Bahamas (UB
Jan 18, 2021 - 7:05:46 PM


The Board of Trustees of University of The Bahamas (UB) has appointed a Presidential Search Committee (PSC) to establish the process by which the new President of the University will be selected and hired. Appointed in November 2020, the PSC has secured the services of the firm, AGB Search, as the search consultant. AGB Search has conducted over 200 searches for Presidents and Chancellors of colleges, universities, university systems, and related associations and foundations.

The Presidential Search Committee is comprised of representatives of the University community and the wider public, to ensure the highest degree of integrity, accountability and confidentiality. Its membership includes:    

Dr. K. Jonathan Rodgers, PSC Chair (Board of Trustees Representative),           

Mr. Brian Jones, PSC Deputy Chair (Board of Trustees Representative),

Ms. Calpurnia Campbell (Bahamas Public Services Union Representative),                    

Mr. Mackenson Charles (UB Student Government Association Representative),

Mrs. Phillipa Moss-Collie (Public Managers Union Representative),

Mrs. Rhonda Eldridge (Community Representative),

Mr. Ed Fields (Community Representative),

Mr. Barry Rassin (Board of Trustees Representative),

Ms. Antoinette Russell (Community Representative),

Mr. Troy Strachan (UB Alumni Association Representative),

Mr. Daniel Thompson (Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas Representative),

Mrs. Alessandra Holowesko, PSC Secretary (Board of Trustees Representative).

 
The PSC will ultimately search for and evaluate the most qualified candidates for leadership and refer a shortlist of suitable prospects to the BOT. The Board will make the final decision as to which candidate is offered the position of President. Since its formation in November 2020, the PSC has met three times and has the following mandate:

1. The PSC shall observe strict confidentiality in conducting the search.
 
2. The PSC, working with the Board of Trustees and AGB Search, will carefully review the statement of desired qualifications for the new President that will guide the candidate evaluation process and be shared with candidates and nomination sources.

3. The PSC will adopt a timetable for completion of the search leading to the appointment of a President as soon as possible.
 
4. With the assistance of AGB Search, the PSC will conduct a robust national and international search to attract highly qualified candidates.
 
5. The PSC will conduct preliminary interviews to select the candidate finalists who, in the committee’s judgment, merit consideration for an invitation to participate in finalist interviews.

6. The Chair of the PSC will authorise the release of periodic reports to the University community concerning the progress of the search. These reports will be published on the University’s website at www.ub.edu.bs .

To achieve full stakeholder participation, listening sessions will be scheduled in short order.  The feedback received will shape the completion of a pre-search study and position profile document.  The approved profile document outlining relevant information about the University, the desired qualities and qualifications of the new President and the search process will then be advertised by February 2021.

UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith has advised the BOT that he will not seek renewal of his contract when it expires on 31st July 2022. President Smith has given his assurance that he remains committed to fulfilling his mandate at UB and ensuring a smooth, collaborative transition in leadership.
 
Dr. Smith has given exemplary, visionary and transformative service and leadership and played a pivotal role in the institution’s transition from College of The Bahamas to University of The Bahamas. Under his leadership the University has become a vibrant, growing institution, with an increased global presence. Dr. Smith not only led his team of highly professional administrators in the implementation of the world’s most advanced data management system, Ellucian Banner, but the University became the recipient of the 2020 Impact Award. This award recognizes excellence in the student experience, innovation and digital transformation. Over the past six years, President Smith and his team have built a solid foundation for institutional expansion. He also led the transformation of the Oakes Field Campus with a new entrance and campus expansion at what was formerly Tucker Road and the renovation and construction of facilities in New Providence and Grand Bahama. Additionally, the University has a Five-Year Strategic Plan and is pursuing international accreditation. In January 2020, ground was broken for a $95 million University Residence and Multi-Purpose Complex. More recently, the Oakes Field Campus was further expanded with the acquisition of land on Moss Road and University Drive where the Clarence A. Bain Building was located.

The PSC looks forward to completing this critical work and in doing so will honour the mandate issued by the Board of Trustees. Ultimately, the PSC aims to deliver a high-caliber list of finalists for the position of President of the University for consideration by the Board, guided by its desire to see the continuation of the University’s growth and success.

Queries about the presidential search may be directed to presidentialsearch@ub.edu.bs.

 

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