Flagler & Bermuda College Expand Partnership
The U.S. Consulate General recently celebrated expanded collaboration between Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, and The Bermuda College.
A spokesperson said, “The two schools completed an articulation agreement which supports Bermuda College students in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Coastal Environmental Science at Flagler College, then expanded the agreement to include transfer pathways for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in business administration, education, hospitality and tourism management. The expanded agreement marks a significant milestone in advancing academic opportunities in the United States.
“During a celebratory meeting, U.S. Consul General Karen Grissette congratulated key stakeholders for their continued collaboration and expanding ties between Flagler College and Bermuda. They were:
- Flagler College Vice President of Institutional Advancement Kristy Myers;
- Flagler College Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of Faculty Art Vanden Houten;
- James W. Babcock and B. Teri Ludwick Babcock Associate Professor for Biological Sciences, Dr. Terri Seron;
- Bermuda College Interim President Branwen Smith-King;
- Acting Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Necheeka Trott;
- Director Emeritus of the Atlantic Conservation Partnership [ACP] / Flagler Forward Campaign Steering Committee Honorary Co-Chair James Babcock;
- Philanthropist Richard Winchell; and
- Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo [BAMZ] Principal Curator Ian Walker.
“I am proud to celebrate the expanded agreement between Flagler College and The Bermuda College,” said U.S. Consul General Karen Grissette. “Former Bermuda College Vice President Dr. Phyllis Curtis-Tweed was instrumental in expanding this agreement after a series of meetings we held in 2022.
“The partnership continues to flourish with the support of Bermuda College and education stakeholders like James Babcock, who has fostered strong collaborations with other Bermuda education and environmental partners. Congratulations to all the partners for their dedication to expanding U.S.-Bermuda education opportunities.”
The Bermuda College has well-established partnerships with over 20 U.S. colleges and universities and continues to encourage additional partnerships to study in the United States.
Acting Vice President Necheeka Trott highlighted this practical pathway to higher education in the United States, noting “Bermuda College is pleased to expand its partnership with Flagler College through new, two-plus-two articulation agreements. This initiative offers students a practical and affordable pathway to achieve their academic and career goals.
“By starting with Bermuda College and then transferring to Flagler College, students can pursue degrees in Business Administration, Education, Hospitality and Tourism Management, or Coastal Environmental Science. It’s a natural fit for both institutions due to the significance these career pathways hold in their respective jurisdictions. We look forward to a lasting partnership with Flagler.”
U.S. Consul General Karen Grissette, who has prioritized expanding educational opportunities in the United States for Bermudians, thanked Flagler leadership for their visit to Bermuda, and welcomed a cohort of Flager students undertaking the Bermuda Shipwreck Ecology summer study abroad course.
A spokesperson added, “Over the course of two weeks, these students will snorkel and scuba dive to study the island’s coral reefs and historical shipwrecks. Highlighting Flagler’s strong partnerships with Bermuda, two students from the previous years’ cohort were selected for internships with the Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS], the support charity for the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo [BAMZ]. These interns will have an extended stay in Bermuda and will receive valuable hands-on experience, focusing on conservation and environmental awareness.
“The study abroad and internship opportunity aligns with Flagler’s commitment to expanding educational exchange ties in Bermuda and further supports its Coastal Environmental Science curriculum which explores diverse topics such as marine biology, ecology, and oceanography.
“The Bermuda Zoological Society and Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, & Zoo are extremely pleased to have such a meaningful and long-term relationship with Flagler College. Both their Shipwreck Ecology Course and BAMZ internships provide meaningful impact for the students about Bermuda’s natural history and the importance of island environments. We look forward to welcoming more Flagler students in the coming years.”
“There has been a strong connection between Flagler’s Coastal Environmental Science program and Bermuda’s Marine Science program over the years. Flagler donor James Babcock first facilitated introductions to Bermuda College. Babcock is a steady proponent of Flagler’s Coastal Environmental Science program and has strong ties in Bermuda, including serving on the board of the Atlantic Conservations Partnership alongside the Bermuda Zoological Society. In 2014, Babcock facilitated a partnership between the aquarium and Flagler’s CES program to host students for a study abroad summer course that he funded. [Flagler’s press release]
