Herff goes back to Bermuda to strengthen recruiting efforts on the island

 

October 20, 2026 

Herff College of Engineering Dean Okenwa Okoli and Assistant Dean of Engineering Student Services Dr. Isaiah Surbrook traveled to Bermuda during the first week of October to recruit the next generation of Herff engineers and strengthen the Herff College of Engineering’s articulation agreement with Bermuda College. 

The Herff College of Engineering is the only university with an articulation agreement with Bermuda College for engineering, allowing students to transfer courses directly from Bermuda to Herff while earning their bachelor’s degree. 

Surbrook said he left encouraged by the students' enthusiasm for the University of Memphis. 

"They all were very eager to hear about Memphis. They were very welcoming and they want to know more. They are primed and I see why the dean has been pushing us to get into Bermuda," Surbrook said. 

Bermuda College is the only institution of higher education on the island and it only offers a two-year degree. Students seeking a bachelor's must travel overseas, typically to the United States or England, to seek their degree. As part of their visit, Okoli met with the president of Belco, the island's utility supplier, to discuss how the company may be able to financially aid studnets who choose to continue their education at the Herff College of Engineering. 

Along with their stop at Bermuda College, Okoli and Surbrook also visited Warick Academy, Saltus Grammar School, Berkley Institute, Cedar Ridge Academy and Mount St. Agnus Academy, speaking to about 120 students in the process. 

At Bermuda College, Okoli and Surbrook spoke directly to two classes; the college's pre-engineering course and its Calculus 2 class.

Herff may see its first students from Bermuda College this fall, according to Surbrook who said he spoke to one student interested in biomedical engineering and another looking to study mechanical engineering.

"Part of the reason we went is that the articulation agreement has been in place now for a full year and the pipeline hasn't really been primted," Surbrook said. "So, we went to really get that started and, as the only college with an articulation agreement in place for engineering, see what we could do to help move that process along. So, we went and talked to high schools as well and said, 'Hey. You have a great opportunity here to do your first two years and then you come over in two to three years, depending on what you're studying.' Also, talking to counselors and getting the word out. That's where we're at. How can we help them get the word out in Bermuda, not only in the high schools, but also with their own students?" 

 

 

 

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