Greetings. I'm Dr. Nerita Hughes, the president here at Bay College. As we bring 2025 to a close, I encourage each of you to embrace our focus word for the year: Elevate.
This season offers us a meaningful and strategic pause and an opportunity to reflect not only on what we wish we had done, but on how far we have truly come. Together, we have elevated our work, our students, our colleagues, and our community. We have expanded opportunities, strengthened partnerships, and created spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered.
These accomplishments reflect our dedication, your resilience, and your steadfast commitment to Bay College's mission. During this time of rest and renewal, I encourage you to look back with gratitude at the challenges you have overcome, the goals you have achieved, and the impact you have made. Celebrate the moments of growth, large and small. Celebrate the ways you have lifted others and the ways that you have elevated yourself.
In the words of the late Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you’ve made them feel.”
As we look ahead to a new year, may we continue to rise together, continuing to inspire, innovate, and illuminate the path for those we serve.
Wishing you a peaceful, joyful, and restorative holiday season. May it be filled with warmth, connection, and moments that remind you of the difference you make every single day.
With that, happy holidays and cheers to an elevated 2026.
About Bay College
Bay College is the community’s college with a mission of: Student Success, Community Success, and Culture of Success. Bay is devoted to each individual’s achievement in the classroom, on-campus, online, in the community and into the workforce by providing career certificates, associate degrees, transferable university credits, industry certifications, trainings, and professional development programs which develop skillsets, enrich individuals, and advance careers. #BayIsTheWay