Bermuda College has selected Dr. David Sam as its new President!

Bermuda College’s new president, Dr. David Sam’s reputation as a successful change catalyst precedes him. Described as an accomplished, innovative, academic leader with more than 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Sam was at the helm of Elgin Community College in Elgin, Illinois when it was named among the top 150 community colleges for Community College Excellence in 2019 and 2021, and then as a semi-finalist in 2023 by the Aspen Institute, an educational and policy studies organisation.

Dr. Sam’s proven track record also includes helping Elgin earn and maintain a Leader College status from 2012 to 2022, when it received the designation of Leader College of Distinction. Additionally, in 2009, Dr. Sam led the College’s efforts to pass a $178 million capital referendum, transforming the campus into a modern, state-of-the-art learning environment.

Bermuda College Board Chairman, Mr. Nasir Wade stated in a recent press release that “the the Board has utmost confidence in (Dr. Sam’s) 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.”

Education Minister, the Hon. Diallo Rabain echoed his confidence in the choice. “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 Presidential Search Committee conducted an extensive six-month-long search for the new president, yielding 84 local and overseas applicants. Four ‘compelling’ finalists were invited to meet with staff, faculty and administrators on campus and a final interview with the Board as part of a shared governance model, in expectation that the successful candidate would be able to build on the progress achieved by former retired president, Dr. Duranda Greene, and the committed caretaker stewardship of Interim President, Branwen Smith-King, who also served as Chair of the Presidential Search Committee.

“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.

Dr. Sam 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.

“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. “I thank the members of the Board of Governors for the confidence they have shown in my selection s the next president of Bermuda College. The College is poised for greatness, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this journey.”

Pending immigration approval, Dr. Sam will assume his duties on August 5, just prior to the start of the new academic year.