1935-2011

Nassau, Bahamas - Our College of The Bahamas family is today deeply and profoundly saddened by the loss of President Emerita and Scholar-in-Residence, Dr. Keva Marie Bethel. There are hardly words to aptly describe how much she has meant to our country and our institution.

For so many years The College’s image was her image. The College’s strength was hers. The virtues that guided and sustained our institution, were a reflection of her own. It was through her thoughtful and visionary leadership that The College enjoyed tremendous growth and advancement.

Dr. Bethel led with quiet yet purposeful strength; a steady and guiding hand, that united and built. A gentle and generous spirit, she will be forever remembered for the warmth and kindness she so abundantly shared with everyone she met.

Dr. Bethel was The College’s fourth (4^th) Principal, a position she held from 1982 to 1995. In 1995, she became the first President of a newly autonomous College. Dr. Bethel retired in 1998.

In 2007 she completed what is today referred to as The College’s “Bethel Report”, a report on collegial governance which, going forward, will be a key factor in completing The College’s university transition.

In 2009 she was named one of The College’s first Scholars-in-Residence.

Dr. Bethel’s work and contributions in retirement exceeded that of most as so many sought her counsel and wisdom. She sat on the boards of directors of various entities and continued to serve public interest as she spearheaded numerous initiatives.

Dr. Keva Marie Bethel died in the early hours of Tuesday February 15, 2011. She is survived by a daughter, our colleague and friend, Nicolette, a son Edward, her grandson, Jaxon Elijah, son-in-law Philip, daughter-in-law Tasha and a host of family and friends. There are thousands today in our College community who mourn her passing. Alumni, faculty, staff and the many supporters of The College; our College community joins the thousands in our country who grieve the loss of this truly beloved Bahamian.

Dr. Keva Bethel’s legacy is forever etched in the foundation of our great institution. So dearly loved by an entire community, she has been a mentor, teacher, colleague, counsellor and friend; we are richer for the privilege of having known and worked with her.