Webber again! - UWI confirms ecologist as new Mona Campus principal
Published:Friday | May 11, 2018 | 12:00 AMRomario Scott/Gleaner Writer
The University of the West Indies (UWI) yesterday confirmed that Professor Dale Webber would serve as the next principal for the Mona Campus.
The Gleaner had first disclosed on Tuesday that the ecologist and pro vice-chancellor of graduate studies had been selected to take up the post on October 1.
According to the UWI, "The appointment was approved by Chancellor Robert Bermudez on behalf of the University Council, following a recommendation from Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hillary Beckles."
Webber will succeed Professor Archibald McDonald, who will retire at the end of September, having served five years as principal of the St Andrew-based campus.
Three persons were being considered to succeed McDonald: Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Open Campus Luz Longsworth, principal of the university's Open Campus; Professor Dale Webber, pro vice-chancellor of graduate studies; and Densil Williams, pro vice-chancellor for industry/academic partnership and planning.
"Professor Dale Webber has had a distinguished career in coastal ecology and environmental management and a strong and consistent record of teaching, graduate supervision, administration, and research excellence, which spans 30 years of service with the UWI," the UWI said yesterday.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Webber was director of the Centre for Marine Sciences from 2005 until July 2015, when he was appointed pro vice-chancellor, graduate studies and research. He is a coastal ecologist with more than 15 years' experience in the environmental field.
"As pro vice-chancellor for graduate studies and research, Professor Webber has mobilised staff and students across all four campuses to develop eight multicampus research clusters," the UWI further noted.
"This has resulted in four successful international grant applications, as well as a US$25-million research monitoring memorandum of understanding between the university and the government of Montserrat. He has also secured the establishment of posts of directors of graduate studies and research at the Cave Hill, Mona, and St Augustine campuses."
(EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that all three persons being considered for the post of principal of the Mona campus had applied for the job.)