Dr David Sam Named Bermuda College President
Dr. David Sam has been appointed as the new president of Bermuda College, pending immigration approval, and will assume his duties on August 5, 2024.
A spokesperson said, “Dr. David Sam has been selected as Bermuda College’s new president – the seventh in the institution’s fifty-year history. In announcing the news today, Board of Governors Chair, Nasir Wade said the selection was made after an extensive six-month-long search by a presidential search committee. Pending immigration approval, Dr. Sam will assume his duties on August 5, just prior to the start of the new academic year.”
“Dr. Sam has a proven track record as a ‘change agent’ with more than 25 years of experience in higher education,” said Mr. Wade. “He is a thought leader and the Board has utmost confidence in his ability to leverage the well-known legacy of the College to achieve even greater prominence in the community, through innovation and partnerships, for the next 50 years and beyond.
A spokesperson said, “Originally from Ghana, Sam has spent a ‘lifetime’ in the United States working as a collaborative leader, and is anticipating being at the helm.:
“I am eager to bring my ‘A-game’ daily to collaborate with all stakeholders to advance the mission of the College and serve the people of Bermuda,” Dr. Sam stated.
The spokesperson said, “Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain said the announcement of Dr. David Sam as the new president was pivotal for the institution, especially as the College approached its 50th anniversary.”
“This appointment, following a rigorous and thorough second search process, brings a leader of exceptional calibre to the helm. Having had the opportunity to engage with all the candidates, I was truly impressed by their vision and capabilities. Dr. Sam’s experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to build on Bermuda College’s legacy and execute our strategic plan.
“The government has steadfastly committed to the college through robust support programs such as the College Promise program, dual-enrolment opportunities, and a consistent annual funding grant of $300,000 for financial assistance since 2017. These initiatives have significantly contributed to the college’s ability to provide accessible and quality education.
“I am confident that under Dr. Sam’s guidance, Bermuda College will usher in a new era of growth and innovation, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone of higher education in Bermuda. I look forward to collaborating with Dr. Sam and witnessing the continued evolution of Bermuda College.”
The spokesperson said, “Dr. Sam has served as president of Elgin Community College in Illinois. Prior to that he was president at North Harris College in Texas. He holds a Doctorate of Philosophy [Ph.D.] in International Relations from Tufts University; a Juris Doctorate [JD] from the University of Akron; a Master of Laws [LLM] in Energy Law and Policy from the University of Dundee; a Master of Business Administration [MBA] from Northwestern University; a Master of Arts [MA] in Law and Diplomacy from Tufts University; a Master of Arts [MA] in International Development from Tufts University; and a Bachelor of Arts [BA] in Economics, History, and Political Science from Illinois State University. Dr. Sam has also served as Chief Financial Officer at the college level, bringing both administrative and financial expertise and experience to the College.”
“We are honoured to have Dr. Sam join us,” stated Mr. Wade. “His vibrant demeanour, passion for student success, and his ability to genuinely connect with others are all attributes we value and welcome. He guides with his heart and wears his integrity on his sleeve. His general nature is to rise to any challenge and ensure individual success transitions into team and organisational success. We envision a future of unbounded potential for Bermuda College and for all those who share in the College’s mission of access and opportunities leading to local and global success for our students. The Board is indebted to the hard work and commitment of the Presidential Search Committee which comprised governors, alumni, faculty, staff and student representative.”
What an inspiration. So many professional degrees.