Dr. Keva M. Bethel, CMG
President Emerita
The College of The Bahamas

Dr. Keva M. Bethel is a distinguished educator whose career in education has spanned more than four decades. During the first sixteen years after the completion of her studies at the University of Cambridge in Great Britain, she was a classroom teacher of Spanish and French, Head of Department and Deputy Head Mistress at the Government High School. While occupying this last position, she had the opportunity to participate in planning initiatives which were being undertaken in preparation for the establishment of the then proposed College of The Bahamas. She agreed in 1975 to be transferred to the fledging college, which formally began operation in September of that year.

Dr. Bethel spent twenty-three years at the College of The Bahamas, serving in various capacities throughout that period - first as Chairperson of the Division of Humanities, as Academic Dean, as Vice-Principal and, after a period of study leave (sponsored by COB), during which she completed PhD studies in Educational Administration at the University of Alberta in Canada, she served as Principal from 1982-1995. In 1995, when the new College of The Bahamas Act came into force, she was named the institution’s first President. She retired from the College in August 1998.

Dr. Bethel is active in community affairs, serving as a Director on several corporate boards and as a member of a variety of youth and other non-governmental organizations. She currently heads the Education Committee which oversees the award and monitoring of Government guaranteed student loans. She is an Honourary Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Widow of the late E. Clement Bethel, she is the proud mother of one son, Edward, one daughter, Nicolette and proud grandmother of one grandson - Jaxon Elijah Bethel.

His Excellency Dr. Davidson Hepburn,
President, United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO
& Former United Nations Ambassador

Dr. Davidson L. Hepburn was elected President of the 35th Session United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, (UNESCO) on September 14, 2009.

Dr. Hepburn became the first individual from the Caribbean State to hold the post of President of the General Conference during the 60 years of UNESCO. He is no stranger to the international community, having previously served for 15 years at the United Nations, 10 of which as Ambassador of The Bahamas to the UN. He has been involved with UNESCO since 1993, and has served as Chairman of The Bahamas National Commission to UNESCO, as well as Chairman of the Committee on Conventions and Recommendations.

Dr. Hepburn is the recipient of many awards including the Chevalier de la Legion d’honneur from the French Government for promoting Franco-Bahamian relations in Language and Culture. He is fluent in three working languages, English, French and Spanish, having earned a Ph. D Degree in Comparative Languages and Literature as well as Diploma in International Relations from “lInstitute des Hautes Etudes in Geneva, Switzerland.

Dr. Hepburn is a graduate of Florida A & M University and is a 56 year member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is an Elder in the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk.

Dr. Hepburn is married to Dr. Ada Thompson-Hepburn and is the father of one son, Scott.