The Canadian-born academic, according to well placed sources, is getting comfortable in her new surroundings and was said to be making final arrangements for her residence. She is due to take over her post on July 1.
Ms Hodder's arrival has been long awaited as many feel she will play one of the most pivotal roles in the college's history in transforming it into a university.
"If we didn't get Hodder, we definitely needed someone like Hodder," said Dr Ian Strachan, chairperson of the COB English department.
Ms Hodder, the former vice-principal of McGill University is said to have had phenomenal success in galvanising the support of governments and corporate institutions for universities, and has worked on many boards and educational committees in The Bahamas and Canada. Minister of Education Alfred Sears made the long-awaited announcement with Ms Hodder becoming the fourth president of COB on May 22. "She is eminently qualified to fill the post," Minister Sears said, adding that Ms Hodder has the experience and ability to steer the college to university status. He went on to highlight the new president's success at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
"The three principal pillars of the university shall be teaching, research and service," he said. "[Ms Hodder] understands how to strengthen the teaching, research and service capacities. She understands how to work harmoniously with staff, faculty, union and student body to create and sustain an environment of scholarship."
By: VIRAJ PERPALL, The Nassau Guardian
