Five-year plan cements college’s commitment to community
A plan designed to modernise academic offerings and boost the success of students was unveiled today by the Bermuda College.
The five-year blueprint, Innovate, Inspire, Impact, is also expected to “expand the college’s role as a driver of Bermuda’s social and economic vitality”, the organisation said.
Extensive engagement for the plan took place with faculty, staff, students, alumni and the Government as well as employers and community partners.
Six strategic themes were developed: academic and global competitiveness; student engagement and achievement; faculty and staff excellence; technology and infrastructure modernisation; organisational excellence; and long-term financial resilience.
David Sam, the college president, described the plan as transformative and grounded in real opportunity.
He said: “This plan is more than a road map — it is a commitment to action.
“We are reaffirming our mission to transform lives through innovative education, while ensuring Bermuda College is prepared to thrive in a world of rapid technological and economic change.
“This vision positions us to better serve our students, our workforce and the broader community with bold ambition and renewed purpose.”
Dr Sam noted: “When I first joined the college, I became aware of the tremendous potential that exists here, potential to strengthen our ties with the community, to deepen access to higher education across the island and to help shape a new generation of learners equipped for the future of Bermuda’s economy.
“This dynamic and agile strategic plan gives us the structure and momentum to realise that potential in meaningful, measurable ways.”
He highlighted the college’s commitment to island-wide workforce development.
Dr Sam added: “Bermuda needs talent — skilled, adaptable, confident talent and Bermuda College is uniquely positioned to prepare it.
“Whether it’s training future nurses, supporting adult learners, expanding global pathways or developing industry-aligned programmes, our priority is to ensure every learner is ready to contribute on day one.”
The college said that its plan set out “measurable goals that elevate academic quality, expand access” and strengthen its readiness for the future.
Features include new degrees and learning experiences, enhanced experiences for students such as increased wellbeing services and targeted support for adult learners and evening students.
Technology and infrastructure will be upgraded, with expanded computer labs, digital textbook initiatives and campuswide wi-fi among the improvements.
Financial resilience is also expected to be developed through the diversification of revenue streams, improved operational efficiencies and stronger collaboration with the Bermuda College Foundation.
A central focus of the plan was said to be reaffirming the institution’s role as the “community’s college”.
The college explained that those steps include reintroducing and promoting a credit for prior learning programme to support adult learners and expanding opportunities for continuing and community-based education tied to local needs.
Wellness, fitness and social spaces will be upgraded to “strengthen belonging and student wellbeing”.
Representation on the board of governors is to be broadened “to better reflect Bermuda’s community and industry stakeholders”.
It is understood that execution of the strategic plan will be funded from normal college operations plus any third-party funding that can be secured by the Bermuda College Foundation.
Necheeka Trott, assistant to the president for strategic and special projects, and chairwoman of the strategic planning process, highlighted the collective effort behind the plan.
She said: “This journey was truly a team effort.
“The voices of students, employees, alumni, industry partners and the broader community are present in every priority.
“Together, we crafted a plan that captures our identity and our aspirations.
“It positions Bermuda College to innovate boldly, inspire confidently and create lasting impact for our students, workforce and community.”
Dr Sam thanked those who helped to shape the document.
“Our success over the next five years depends on partnership,” he said.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of the public, our alumni, our industry partners and our government stakeholders.
“Together, we will build the kind of college and the kind of future that Bermuda deserves.”
• The plan is available at college.bm/index.php/about-us/strategic-plan.To see a brochure about it, see Related Media
You must be Registered or to post comment or to vote.
