The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Institute of Business Technology, formerly the Success Training College, has signed an articulation agreement with Colorado Technical University which will allow students completing associate degree studies at the institute to obtain their Bachelor degrees.

As a gesture of goodwill, Colorado Technical University (CTU) has also awarded scholarships to three Bahamians students at Bahamas Institute of Business Technology (BIBT).

Dr Deswell Forbes, the president of BIBT; Duane Glader, director of Business Development at CTU; Laurie Dugan, Corporate Alliance Executive at CTU; Laverne Gardiner of BIBT Freeport; and Dr Diane Major of BIBT in Nassau, met the Minister for Grand Bahama, Dr Michael Darville, yesterday.

Dr Darville said the arrangement gives students and persons access to higher academic degrees in the Bahamas and Grand Bahama. “This will allow them to capitalise on the opportunities that are presently available in the industrial and tourism sectors on the island. As GB begins to turn the corner in its economy, it is important for students and individuals to prepare themselves for the opportunity that is about the come,” he said.

He said CTU is a large university with two standing campuses and has about 20,000 plus students throughout the US and across the world. Dr Darville said that it is good that persons, particularly those who work full-time, now have the opportunity to pursue higher education at home and commended CTU for awarding scholarships to some of the recent BIBT graduates.

“We are grateful to universities across the world and CTU for helping the Bahamians achieve to their academic goals,” said Dr Darville.

Mr Forbes said the signing was a milestone in the growth and development of the BIBT.

“I believe that is one of the most expansive agreements we have signed in the Bahamas. Not only is it an articulation agreement, but one that will allow us to collaborate with the University on several different levels, including student and faculty development, and to share in the technology and advancement offered by the University,” he said.

The institution was founded in 1998 as Success Training College and underwent a name change two years ago.

“We are pleased to continue to play a role in the development of this community. We are not really a new kid on the block, and we consider ourselves a part of this community,” Mr Forbes said. Mr Glader added that CTU is looking to foster a relationship of growth and collaboration.

Ms Gardiner announced that the three students awarded scholarships were Lechea Dorsett-Charles, who received $15,000, Letecha Garland and Krystal Laing-Russell who were each given $11,000.

“This is really an exciting and wonderful time for BIBT to be able to form a relationship with CTU. It is a dream that has been realised because it has taken a while to find the right university to assist our students,” she said.