UB president nominated to collegiate board

UB president nominated to collegiate board
Dr Rodney Smith (file photo)

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – University of The Bahamas (UB) President Dr. Rodney Smith was recently nominated to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

AASCU is a Washington-based higher education association of nearly 400 public colleges, universities and systems whose members share a learning and teaching centred culture.

It has a historic commitment to underserved student populations and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development.  

Smith was elected to serve a three-year term on the Board of Directors at the 2019 Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. 

He was also appointed to serve on the Committee on International Education.

This committee serves in an advisory capacity to assist AASCU initiate and recommend policies, programs and services dealing with international education and global initiatives, in accordance with the organization’s mission and goals.

The committee’s oversight includes two areas of focus: member campuses and AASCU. For member campuses, the Committee’s oversight includes identifying programs, services and strategies that can assist them in the process of comprehensive internationalization.  

Smith said: “This is a good thing for University of The Bahamas particularly, given that the Board of Trustees of UB will be asked to approve a policy requiring all undergraduate students at the institution to have at least one study-abroad experience by the end of their third year; however, they must complete the fourth year at UB prior to graduation.”

For AASCU, the Committee serves as a presidential advisory group, providing essential input and guidance on its activities, programs, services related to international education and global initiatives.

Dr. Smith’s appointment helps to fulfil the objectives put forth in the 2016 University of The Bahamas Act to foster national, regional and international development by embracing technological innovation and advancing and disseminating knowledge.