UWI seeks successor to Webber; UTech hunt for president still on
Published:Monday | February 20, 2023 | 1:07 AMErica Virtue/Senior Gleaner Writer
The University of the West Indies (UWI) and the neighbouring University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) are both searching for new executive leaders of their respective Mona and Papine campuses.
Professor Dale Webber, the UWI principal, may opt to return to teaching, while UTech has not chosen any of the five people shortlisted and interviewed for the presidency.
Professor Colin Gyles has not been confirmed for UTech’s presidency despite acting in the role since the departure of Professor Stephen Vasciannie in 2020.
The Gleaner was informed by a source three weeks ago that Webber, who was also appointed pro vice-chancellor on August 1, 2018, will be stepping down. He previously served as pro vice-chancellor for graduate studies and research.
The UWI’s search for a new principal is ongoing.
‘The university is looking for a transformational leader with a proven track record and turnaround experience in crisis management to lead the Mona Campus in these challenging times by attaining key performance indicators as indicated in its Triple A Strategic Plan,” an advertisement read.
“The successful applicant will be expected to enhance areas of strength and address present and emerging priorities, which include, but are not limited to, digital transformation, reduced funding, capital projects, entrepreneurship, and higher education in emergencies.”
The principal reports directly to the vice-chancellor and is designated pro vice-chancellor. The successful applicant will be part of the university’s executive management and chair bodies responsible for the campus’ academic, business, and financial affairs.
The successful applicant must have a terminal degree, a minimum of 10 years’ experience at the executive management level, and must have led a sizeable department or organisation.
The UWI principal is expected to assume duties by August 2023.
Webber could not be reached for comment on Sunday.
Meanwhile, 12 people were shortlisted for first-round interviews at UTech. Following interviews, five were shortlisted for the second round. The top three were Professor Carol Archer, Dr Wayne Wesley, and Professor Andrew Spencer, the current Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) president.
A reliable source said that Archer is the most accomplished of all three, with more than 200 publications as an academic.
Dr Wayne Wesley, registrar of the Caribbean Examinations Council, was reportedly considered to have less “scholarly work”.
The Gleaner was informed that Spencer opted for the position as CMU head as the remuneration package was more attractive than UTech’s presidency’s.
Spencer was first interviewed in March 2022 and again in June 2022, The Gleaner understands.
He was appointed CMU president last September.
Wesley had pledged to return a call from The Gleaner and Archer could not be reached for comment.
Gyles, when he was first appointed to act as president, outlined four major development emphases, but noted that “the stability of the university is of paramount importance”.
He took over the reins at UTech through the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a toll on both universities’ financial viability.
Lloyd Carney was installed as UTech’s third chancellor on Monday.