The Office of Administration is pleased to announce appointments approved at last month's meeting of the University Council. The appointments, which will become effective from August 1, 2024, are as follows:
Dr. Maurice D. Smith was re-appointed University Registrar. Dr Smith's responsibilities as Chief Administrative Officer are multiple, complex, and ever-evolving. Having won the respect of both colleagues and students, it was noted that his calm manner and collegial approach have consistently led him to identify the best course of action in any given situation. As an innovative leader, Dr Smith championed creative and new approaches to challenges, including initiatives which have led to noticeable increases in income generating and grant funding projects. He would have guided on matters of governance and the administration of the newly established Five Islands Campus, spearheaded a successful UWI 75th Anniversary programme, modernised the recruitment of executive and senior leaders within the University, strengthened the regional university’s policy framework and agenda, introduced several leadership and staff engagement programmes and guided the execution of official ceremonies even in the pandemic.
Mrs. Laleta Davis Mattis was re-appointed University General Counsel. Known for her excellent knowledge of the University’s Governance Procedures, Mrs Davis Mattis is adept at interpreting and applying them in various litigation and appeals matters involving both staff and students. The Council recognised her ability to provide pragmatic solutions and anticipate risks across legal and related fields. Mrs Davis Mattis is a forward-looking, innovative thinker who is passionate about the University's vision and mission. Her collaborative and insightful approach, along with her enthusiasm, has helped the University navigate several challenging jurisprudential matters effectively.
Dr. Donovan Stanberry was re-appointed Campus Registrar, Mona. Having utilised his extensive experience to strategically restructure and optimise operations in the Office of the Campus Registrar, Dr Stanberry was commended for actively supporting regional initiatives and partnerships thus contributing to the One UWI Agenda. He would have mitigated challenges associated with the on-boarding of academic staff, engaged a new approach for health insurance coverage for students and staff, and improved the
management of data. Dr Stanberry played a pivotal role in the recruitment of international students, and the reinstatement of the Staff Matters Committee to ensure that the HR matters for ATS staff are treated objectively and professionally. He also secured essential funding for the renovation of the Health Centre. Dr Stanberry also successfully implemented technological solutions in postgraduate admissions and registration.
Dr. Dawn-Marie De Four-Gill was re-appointed Campus Registrar, St. Augustine. Dr De Four-Gill led the digital conversion and streamlining of student administration and staff operations from face to face to online during COVID. As a higher education leader and practitioner for over twenty-five years, Dr De Four-Gill's collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that decisions and actions are consistent with University governance and regulations were highlighted. She was recognised as the Project Sponsor and Champion of the Campus-wide Strategic Workforce Planning Project, which is focused on ensuring the Campus has the right skills to fulfil pivotal and mission-critical tasks. Dr De Four-Gill championed and led at the strategic level, the implementation of Ellucian CRM Recruit, a recruitment and enrolment management software, the first significant product implementation on the campus since 2008. CRM Recruit has improved the management of the admissions process and the overall applicant experience. She is described as fair, articulate, emotionally intelligent and measured.
Mr. Jonathan Archie was re-appointed Deputy Campus Registrar, Mona. His management of scarce resources and his advocacy for the creation of a cross-functional team strategy to engage potential and existing students resulted in an increase in enrolment. His strong institutional knowledge of regulations and procedures governing Registration, Admissions, and Examinations was commended as were other accomplishments, which included the lobbying for increases in student wages. He also led the improvement in the efficiency of the administration of online examinations.
The Council accepted the recommendation to appoint Dr Camille Samuel as the new Campus Registrar, Five Islands Campus. Dr Samuel currently serves as Deputy Campus Registrar, St. Augustine Campus. She is noted as a transformational leader who is solution-oriented, responsive, and capable of promoting a people-centred culture. The Campus would have derived significant benefit from her relationships with the Enterprise Resource Planning Systems provider.
University Council also re-appointed a number of Faculty Deans. These included: Professor David Akombo, Faculty of Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Cave Hill; Professor Troy Lorde, Faculty of Social Sciences, Cave Hill; and Dr Adrian Lawrence, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Mona.
The UWI congratulates all appointees and looks forward to successful terms of office.