Six UB Students Win Prestigious Canadian Scholarship

Six UB Students Win Prestigious Canadian Scholarship

Six University of The Bahamas (UB) students have been awarded the coveted Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) scholarship, selected from among more than 90 UB applicants and thousands of candidates across the Caribbean. The ELAP is one of the most sought-after awards in the region.

UB has the highest number of selected scholars for 2018.

The ELAP scholars are Samia Thompson, Elise Barnett, Olivia Forbes, Ketley Brown, DeShae Dean and Ashlee Gardiner whose scholarships include full tuition and university fees, books, airfare, housing, food and health insurance at a value of approximately $25,000 per student for one semester of international study.

Interim Director of Global Studies & Programmes and Assistant Professor of English Studies Dr. Jacob Dyer-Spiegel believes in the transformative impact of global experiences.

“We are so pleased that six brilliant UB students have been awarded one of the Caribbean region’s most prestigious academic scholarship awards. One of the most important functions of an educator and an educational institution is to inspire, motivate, and empower the student community. Embedded in these uplifting pillars is the act of recognizing outstanding academic performance. Indeed, when we as a community see incredible examples of intellectual pursuit, work ethic, community service, and leadership; public acknowledgment allows students to become models for the entire campus, setting the tone for an increasingly global education across the UB system,” Dr. Dyer-Spiegel noted.

UB is building into its academic affairs affording international learning experiences for all students by their third year of matriculation. Provost Dr. Linda Davis and her team are strengthening educational partnerships with top universities around the world.

“Any university without an internationalization strategy will quickly lose ground. In preparing students for a better life in a global society, we believe it is critical to expanding student access to international programmes and experiences. The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Programme for CARICOM member states merges UB’s strategic interest in expanding global partnerships while providing an avenue for students to have an international experience by the third year of their undergraduate programme. We are elated that The Bahamas is now among the most active participants,” Dr. Davis explained.

Currently, the Office of Global Studies and Programmes is developing its inbound study abroad capacity with experiential learning activities and upgrading accommodations and health and safety protocols. This is necessary in order to receive students from abroad at UB’s campuses in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Gerace Research Institute and eventually across the UB system. Additionally, the office is preparing for the next call for ELAP applications, expanding and deepening partnerships to continue exposing students to international educational opportunities.

“Over the next few months, we will grow the number of Canadian partner institutions and leverage pre-existing relationships. Indeed, it is our hope that access to scholarships for international experiences will make enrolment more enticing to prospective students and families who may otherwise look overseas for their full degree programmes. It is our hope that these prospective students and families—through these dynamic partnerships and exchange programmes—will soon understand that they can have a global education right here at UB,” Dr. Dyer-Spiegel explained.

 

SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY AWARDEES

Ms. Elise Barnett, English Studies major, GPA 3.66

Ms. Ketley Brown, Business Administration major with a concentration in Banking and Finance, GPA 3.53

Mr. Othniel Duncombe, Business Administration-Accounting major, GPA 3.56. He will pursue professional activities in The Bahamas this Fall as an ELAP scholar.

 

TRENT UNIVERSITY AWARDEES

Ms. De’Shae Dean, a Business major with a focus on Marketing, GPA 3.55

Ms. Ashlee Gardiner (UB-North), a Biology major with a minor in Chemistry, GPA 3.34

Ms. Samia Thompson, a Psychology major, GPA of 3.55

Ms. Olivia Forbes, Marketing major, GPA 3.45