NASSAU, Bahamas—The University of The Bahamas (UB) recently announced the appointment of Associate Professor, Mrs. Lottis Shearer-Knowles, as Interim Dean of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CeLEARN), effective August 1, 2022.
As Interim Dean of CeLEARN, Mrs. Shearer-Knowles works with the Office of Academic Affairs to facilitate the development of online degree programmes and expand online course offerings; oversees the expansion of online training courses for faculty; and formulates long- and short-term goals for CeLEARN with key stakeholders, including the review and implementation of strategic goals.
Additionally, Mrs. Shearer-Knowles is responsible for the strategic direction and development of Family Island centres; overseeing enrollment management; and gathering and interpreting data to expand recruitment of CeLEARN students. Other duties include monitoring student retention and success in academic enhancement programmes; monitoring programme completion rates; and ensuring the seamless transfer of CeLEARN students to university programmes.
In this capacity, she will strengthen the University’s relationship with community-based organizations and other external entities to promote lifelong learning, and represent the institution on committees and agencies in the government and private sectors to enhance access to and the promotion of lifelong learning.
A veteran faculty, Mrs. Shearer-Knowles commenced her employment at the institution in 1993 as a lecturer in Journalism and Communication. Since then, she has served in many capacities, including Head of the Journalism and Communication Department, Director of the Honours and President’s Scholars programmes, Director of Student Leadership Programmes, Chair of several university-wide committees, Chair of Communication and Creative Arts, Interim Dean of Liberal and Fine Arts and Acting Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Mrs. Shearer-Knowles has a Master’s Degree in Communication from Northeastern State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of West Alabama.
