74.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsLocal newsHaldane Davies Appointed President of University of the Commonwealth Caribbean

Haldane Davies Appointed President of University of the Commonwealth Caribbean

Winston I. Adams, group executive chairman of the UCC Group of Companies, has announced the appointment of Haldane Davies as the new president of the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean.

The university is the largest private non-affiliated higher educational institution in Jamaica, with more than 7,000 students locally. Davies assumes the role effective Sept. 15, succeeding Professor Dennis J. Gayle, who assumed the role of chancellor effective Sept. 1.

Haldane Davies (Photo courtesy of the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean)

“The UCC is pleased to welcome Dr. Davies, who is the former vice president for Business Development at the University of the Virgin Islands, where he served with distinction for the last 16 years and was instrumental in securing major multimillion-dollar grants and contracts, helping to initiate numerous high priority projects and enhancing the UVI’s presence in the Caribbean region and beyond through various partnership agreements,” Adams said in a news release announcing the appointment.

“Dr. Davies also contributed to the strengthening of the UVI through his leadership of its business and consulting arm, the Institute for Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness, and more recently with the expansion of the Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning. He is a former Executive Director of the Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands and helped shape and drive important policies as a member of the president’s cabinet,” said Adams. Davies also serves as first vice president of the Association of Caribbean Tertiary Institutions.

“It is with a deep sense of humility and gratitude that I accept the responsibility granted to me to serve as president of the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean,” said Davies. “The UCC/UCC Global is an innovative and entrepreneurial institution that fosters leadership and innovation through its programs and initiatives, which are in sync with the evolving needs of Jamaica, the region, and the world; and I am indeed honored to facilitate along with others the next chapter of its exciting journey,” he said, thanking the UCC board of directors and the UCC Global board of advisors for the confidence placed in him to lead the university at this juncture.

Davies said he stands committed to carrying out its mission of “preparing local, regional and global students to become exceptional leaders, innovators, and scholars in a caring and intellectually stimulating academic environment.”

Davies holds a doctor of philosophy degree in Educational Administration with a focus on higher education from Andrews University, and a master’s degree in Education. He is a business strategic planner, certified mediator and PULSE practitioner, trainer, accreditation evaluator, competency assessor, and former member of the Baldrige Board of Examiners and holds certifications in related areas from Harvard University, Cornell University, the University of the West Indies, and Yale University, according to the release.

“Haldane’s career in the private and public sectors has provided him extensive experience in planning and managing multimillion-dollar higher education projects which will be of tremendous benefit to the UCC, now celebrating 30 years of service to Jamaica,” said Donald Roomes, chairman of the UCC board of directors.

“We anticipate his contributions along with the UCC team in continuing to create new and innovative opportunities for income generation through additional targeted expansion globally, enhancing sustainability and the further growth of strategic partnerships, contract acquisitions, and entrepreneurial activity,” said Roomes.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.