When Dr Dorcas Cox joined the team at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) over a year ago, she did not imagine the journey she was about to embark on would be so monumental.

Dr Cox’s professional experiences across various industries has equipped her with a diverse skillset that is invaluable for her position as quality assurance and accreditation liaison officer. As aggregator in BTVI’s journey towards accreditation with the Council on Occupational Education (COE), she plays a crucial role.

“I am very pleased with our progress, and I am proud to be a part of the experience,” said the skillful project manager.

BTVI’s candidacy of accrediation became effective on September 13, 2024. The institution-wide exercise involves extensive evaluation from curriculum design to infrastructure and student support services. Cross-functional working teams are creating solutions to meet criteria of ten quality assurance standards. In collaboration, the teams are streamlining workflows, collecting, monitoring and evaluating data for greater efficiency.

“Using this approach, we give team members developmental exposure while building camaraderie and excitement throughout the institution. The journey has been fast paced,” said Dr Cox.

“I work with subject matter experts to ensure the information and data provided to evidence successful adherence to quality standards is accurate and relevant. We are advancing towards exemplifying a set of ideals and quality assurance standards. Continuous process and performance improvement across the institution is imperative to meet the needs, pace and demands of industry,” added Dr Cox.

COE is an accrediting agency of higher education institutions recognised by the United States Department of Education. It has over 500 members across the US, including public technical colleges, private career colleges, registered apprenticeship schools and federal institutions.

Dr Cox will be among BTVI team members attending the 2024 COE annual meeting on November 12-14 in Atlanta, Georgia. There will be workshops along with key accreditation and leadership training. The event is exclusively for institutions already accredited or in candidate status.

Though there is much work to be done, Dr Cox is pleased with what has been achieved during the thorough, intense process. She recognised BTVI staff and faculty for their contributions to the accreditation process, emphasising that it has been a group effort and she sees their commitment to the goal.

“Let’s continue to do more of what works. For us that has been active two-way communication, weekly group brainstorming sessions, e-blasts that keep individuals informed and engaged. Let’s continue to honour our commitment to excellence, believe in ourselves and in each other, support and encourage each other and celebrate our milestones along the way,” she stated.

• “Gain An Edge” is a collaboration of Lyford Cay Foundations, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on issues surrounding education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net.