The UK campus of Queen’s University (Canada) based at Herstmonceux Castle has a new
name, new look and as of this week a new Executive Director in one of the biggest shake
ups in the institution’s 29-year history.
Following an extensive consultation process and review of the international postsecondary landscape, Bader College was selected as the new name for the Bader International Study Centre (BISC).
The name showcases the campus’s connections to Queen’s University and highlights the
unique on-campus and academic experience it provides to students from across the
globe.
The name Bader College also honours donors Alfred and Isabel Bader who gifted
the campus to Queen’s and provides an opportunity to restate their vision for the campus
as a venue for educating students from around the world, as well as showcasing research
strengths, and nurturing connections to both UK and local communities.
“For more than 25 years, our students attending Queen’s at Herstmonceux Castle have
been provided with an immersive and unparalleled academic experience offering access
to the UK and Europe right outside their door,” says Queen’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor
Patrick Deane. “This new name will signal to the international community the importance
of the Castle to our university and its pivotal role in Queen’s new global engagement
strategy.”
Bader College also embodies the broader Queen’s commitment to advancing social
impact and sustainability. Queen’s University recently ranked seventh globally in the
Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for its work in advancing the United Nations’
Sustainable Development Goals. Recent efforts at Bader College have focused on
rewilding and naturalising the Castle estate to help cultivate and preserve the natural
environment and diverse species, while providing a living lab for students, staff, and
members of the public.
The College provides a unique opportunity to students from both Queen’s and other
international universities, featuring small class sizes, strong student supports, a vibrant
community, as well as the opportunity to study and travel in the UK. Students who study
at Bader College are on campus for up to one year as part of their full degree
First-year courses in Arts, Science, Health Sciences, and Education are
offered at Bader College, as well as some specialised programmes for upper-year
undergraduate and professional students.Following the name change and rebrand this week sees Dr Jennifer Medves taking over the reins at the Castle as interim Vice Provost and Executive Director whilst a new permanent postholder is recruited.
Dr Medves is a Professor Emerita from Queen’s University and was Vice-Dean (Health Sciences) and Director of the School of Nursing for ten years before joining the Castle community last year as Director of Student Services.
Speaking this week Dr Medves said: “It’s a real pleasure to be asked to lead this
outstanding academic institution and renowned heritage site. The new name gives us an
opportunity to restate our academic mission, vision, and goals as well and broaden and
strengthen our connections to the local community. I look forward to furthering the
excellent work that has been happening on this historic site for nearly 30 years and to
welcoming the public to the 600-acre Estate.”
The philanthropic impact of the Bader family and Bader Philanthropies, Inc. at Queen’s
University is unparalleled. The Baders, the late Dr. Alfred Bader (BSc’45, BA’46, MSc’47,
LLD’86), his wife, Isabel Bader (LLD’07), and Bader Philanthropies, Inc., led by Daniel
Bader (LLD’21), have been among Queen’s University’s most significant donors, gifting
the 15th-century English castle, Herstmonceux, home to Bader College, providing $31
million in support of the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, a lead gift
of $40 million (USD) in support of Agnes Reimagined, more than 500 paintings and works
on paper to the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, and funding a variety of student awards,
teaching and research chairs, curatorships, and more.