Dr. Robert Blaine, III, Selected as Next President of University of The Bahamas
17th March 2025
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS – The Board of Trustees of University of The Bahamas (UB) has announced the selection of Dr. Robert Blaine, III as the institution’s next President, effective 1st July 2025.
The appointment of Dr. Blaine, a transformative leader with a distinguished record in academic excellence and implementing sustainable quality enhancement initiatives, follows an extensive national and global search that attracted over 90 candidates. He will become the fourth President of UB, marking the institution’s 13th presidency since its inception as the former College of The Bahamas.
Chair of UB’s Board of Trustees Mrs Allyson Maynard-Gibson, KC, announced at a press conference held on Monday 17th March at the university’s Oakes Field Campus that Dr. Blaine was chosen based on his vision and expertise, aligning with the university’s mission and strategic priorities.
“In advancing academic excellence, he has been the driving force behind initiatives that expand access to quality education, fuel economic vibrancy, and forge meaningful partnerships with local and global communities,” said Mrs. Maynard-Gibson.
“These are all important areas of growth and opportunity for UB. His leadership in securing funding, building philanthropic relationships and guiding public campaigns demonstrates a keen understanding of the strategies necessary for growth and mobilisation of talent to achieve an overarching mission.”
UB’s legacy and impact has solidified it as a pillar of academic distinction, and with a crucial national development mission, it is fundamental to The Bahamas’ resilient growth and development. The university is aggressively pursuing national and international accreditation as it engages a continuous improvement paradigm.
Reflecting on this new leadership opportunity, Dr. Blaine shared his enthusiasm for the future.
“I am deeply honored to be selected as the next president of the University of the Bahamas. I look forward to working closely with the Board of trustees and UB stakeholders to serve the students, while advancing and supporting national development.”
Among the key considerations in the Board’s selection of the new president were expertise in leading national and international accreditation efforts, commitment to expanding educational access and research excellence, ability to elevate the university’s role in national development, and leadership in strengthening enrollment and academic programmes at UB North, the university’s location in Grand Bahama.
Mrs. Maynard-Gibson added that Dr. Blaine will work closely with Acting President Janyne Hodder to ensure a seamless leadership transition. To support his onboarding, the Board is establishing a Presidential Transition Committee comprised of university representatives, industry leaders, and community stakeholders. The committee will provide strategic guidance, support, and oversight during this critical period, enabling him to effectively engage with the university community and implement its vision.
“As we welcome this new chapter, we are deeply grateful for the contributions of Acting President Janyne Hodder and her team. Her leadership, passion and strategic focus – especially in advancing our accreditation efforts – continue to be an important pillar of UB’s evolution,” Mrs. Maynard-Gibson said.
The presidential search process began in June 2024 with the appointment of the Presidential Search Committee (PSC), comprised of representatives from UB and the broader community, and guided by executive search firm AGB Search. Following careful review and multiple rounds of assessment, the pool of applicants was eventually narrowed to three finalists. Insights and feedback from UB’s stakeholders – faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, the business community, civil society, unions and the public – were integral to the selection process.
Office of University Relations
University of The Bahamas
2nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex
Oakes Field Campus
P.O. Box N-4912
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365