By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Chief Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

NEWS of Dr Rodney Smith’s appointment to the top spot at the College of the Bahamas was met with approval from his student body at an American university.

Hampton University Student Government Association President Lawrence Rigby yesterday underscored Dr Smith’s contributions to the institution, where he serves as vice-president of administrative services.

Mr Rigby, a Bahamian, said that Dr Smith played a pivotal role at the prestigious historically black college and university.

“Dr Smith’s administrative record at Hampton has been stellar,” he said. “Hampton University has benefited tremendously from his contribution, and sentiments personally expressed to me by members of the student body, faculty, staff and his colleagues, have supported this claim.

“It is fitting to mention this past July, the university was voted the ‘2014 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) of The Year’.”

Last week, it was announced that Dr Smith, a former COB president, had been selected to return to the helm of the institution.

After more than a year-long presidential search, it was confirmed that the College Council would engage Dr Smith in negotiations for a three-year contract, with the option to renew. It is not clear how long the negotiations will take, however College Council Chairman Alfred Sears last week said he expected parties will be able to finalise an agreement in a short time.

Mr Sears did not respond to calls yesterday, however one COB faculty member told The Tribune that Dr Smith is expected to be “on the ground” on September 1. However, this was not confirmed by school officials.

In a press statement sent to The Tribune, Mr Rigby also shared his personal experience with Dr Smith as a student and fellow Bahamian.

“Dr Smith has served as a wise counsel to me as a young Bahamian studying abroad. I’ve always found comfort in knowing there was one of my own in the halls of the Administration Building making decisions that would affect the quality of my education.

“Many conversations with Dr Smith have led to heartwarming reminders that we both were ambassadors of the Bahamas, and it was our responsibility to protect the name of our beloved country at all costs while here. On any given day on campus, the flag of the Bahamas can be seen flapping strong and proud in ‘Ogden Circle’, as a fixture in the circle of nations – an area reserved for countries that have students on campus.

“Today, fittingly, she flaps a little stronger,” he said.