Regional Headquarters, Jamaica. Tuesday, September 17, 2024—The University of the West Indies (The UWI) held a Special Meeting of its University Council University Council on Friday, September 13. The meeting marked the inaugural chairmanship by the new Chancellor, Dr The Most Honourable Dodridge D. Miller, FB, FCCA, MBA, LL.M, LLD (Hon), signalling the beginning of a new chapter of leadership in The UWI’s history.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles in delivering introductory remarks at the meeting commended Dr Miller for his distinguished career as a public servant and for his exceptional service to the University prior to this new role as the 7th Chancellor of the regional university. Extending an official welcome to him as Chancellor Miller, Vice-Chancellor Beckles highlighted his commitment to academic excellence, governance, and diversity, and expressed his confidence in his ability to lead the University to new heights. He praised Chancellor Miller's character, integrity, and passion for higher education, and described him as an honourable man who will uphold the values and traditions of the institution.
In his inaugural address, Chancellor Miller expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the University’s highest office and his commitment of stewardship to The UWI. He indicated that he was approaching his new role with an open mind, including being supportive and collaborative across all parts of the University. Chancellor Miller also articulated his desire to see The UWI to continue its tradition of academic excellence and to make a positive impact on society. He urged the university community to become better at its own story-telling, making The UWI the university of choice.
The special council meeting agenda began with a moment of silence in honour of the late Chancellor, Sir Shridath Ramphal, who passed away on August 30. The agenda then delved into updates on the University's strategic plan, financial report, the new International School for Development Justice (ISDJ), senior appointments, and an update on the implementation of recommendations of the Chancellor's Commission on Governance. These topics were discussed, allowing Council members to exchange ideas and provide feedback.
Chancellor Miller voiced his gratitude for the support of his fellow Council members. He also reaffirmed his commitment to The UWI's mission, stating, “I am committed to the idea of The UWI as an instrument for Caribbean development, and look forward to playing my part in this journey.”
The Vice-Chancellor, also commented on this historical meeting, saying, “This meeting serves as a strong starting point for our new Chancellor. We look forward to his strategic thinking and proactive decision-making to ensure that the University achieves its goals and objectives as we continue on our path to excellence.”
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About The University of the West Indies
The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years.
From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Global Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.
The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.
The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old). The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action. In 2024, The UWI launched a first-of-its-kind global online graduate business school focused on leadership within the context of supporting the SDGs.
Learn more at www.uwi.edu
