Atlanta, Georgia - What started off
as one man’s quest to pursue his educational goals has turned into a potential
alliance to help Bahamians seeking education in the United States, and an
Atlanta institution learning how a nation relying on tourism, thrives as a
leader in the industry.
Some
details of the merger are revealed in the spring 2015 issue of an Atlanta-based
education magazine where Bahamas Consul General to Atlanta, Randy E. Rolle is highlighted
as the cover story. Rolle, who happens to be taking courses at Atlanta
Technical College in Georgia, will be gracing the cover of “Tech Talk” magazine. Coincidentally, the year’s theme for the
institution is “Beyond Borders”, one that fits well into where Rolle’s first
year in office has taken him.
He
originally came across Atlanta Technical College while doing some online
research pertaining to students within his jurisdiction and recalled how it
stood out to him.
“What
struck me was the diversity of the programs offered, the rich history of the
college and the success of its graduates,” he stated. “I then met the school’s president,
Dr. Alvetta Peterman Thomas, quite by accident, at a community function and
heard her vision for the college. Immediately, I knew that Atlanta Tech could
be a great resource for Bahamian students.”
As
for why he decided to enroll in classes himself, specifically in the Tourism
Management department, Rolle replied that he simply wants to inspire others
through obtaining his own educational aspirations.
“I
worked within the Ministry of Tourism of The Bahamas for a number of years,” he
said. “It is an industry that can change in an instant and what I learned ten
years ago, may not be applicable today because trends and people change. I want
to understand all I can about it. Also, as opposed to just preaching the
importance of gaining a world-class education to my people at home, I want to
lead by example and enroll.”
Rolle’s
inside perspective has been a welcome to the institution and he has even
invited Bahamas Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Jerome
Fitzgerald and Reginald Saunders, Administrator of the Scholarship and
Educational Loans Division to meet with Atlanta Tech representatives to discuss
ways in which The Bahamas and school can liaise with each other.
“Ingrid
Garcia-Galinat, coordinator of International Students and Global Incentives at
ATL and Tamoura Jones, chair of the Culinary Arts and Hotel/Restaurant/Tourism
Management Department travelled to Nassau already,” noted Rolle. “Overall, we
are very optimistic about alliances with ATC and our local institutions such as
the College of The Bahamas and Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute.”
