The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS  

Tribune Staff Reporter  

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net 

THE Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas (UTEB) has expressed intense disappointment over the University of The Bahamas’ (UB) decision to appoint Dr Robert Blaine III as its fourth president instead of Bahamian candidate Dr Maria Woodside-Oriakhi. 

After a nine-month search, UB announced Dr Blaine’s appointment, insisting the selection process was thorough and inclusive. 

Dr Woodside-Oriakhi has over 25 years of experience at UB, progressing from a temporary assistant lecturer to her current role as provost and vice president of academic affairs. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in mathematics from Brunel University, a Master of Science in mathematics from the University of Sussex, and a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of Georgia.

UTEB president Daniel Thompson argued that Dr Woodside-Oriakhi was a more suitable candidate. Over the years, his union has repeatedly expressed frustration with the refusal of selection committees to choose a Bahamain for the top post.

“We are definitely disappointed at this stage in the university and the nation’s development that serious consideration is not given to our own home-grown Bahamian academics who qualify,” Mr Thompson told The Tribune yesterday. 

“In fact, Dr Robert Blaine, if you look at his resume, he served as an associate provost, that’s a level just above a dean. He has never been a president; he had been a city developer. He has been involved in city planning and administration. 

“In fact, when we saw his application, we never saw him as a serious contender, and we were surprised that he ended up emerging as victorious. And so, we are very disappointed that our own Dr Maria Woodside-Oriakhi was not given serious consideration.”

He noted that none of the three finalists had prior experience as a university president.

“I admit that both of them have deficiencies in that none of them have served as president, but you have a Bahamian who has served as a provost and vice president compared to someone who only made it to an associate provost,” he said. 

“I think it’s unfortunate, and I just trust and hope that for the sake of the country and for the sake of the university, I am proven wrong. I am just hoping that he will be able to fill the gap and be what they want him to be.”

According to Mr Thompson, the majority of faculty supported Dr Woodside-Oriakhi; however, he said that the union would ultimately support the new president.

“Notwithstanding our disgust, notwithstanding our disappointment, notwithstanding our feelings –– marginalised as a Bahamian, we will still support for the sake of the university whoever is selected.”

Dr Blaine is expected to take office July 1, 2025.