Jamaican educator is new NCU president

Jamaica-born educator and current president of the Adventist-owned University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) in Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Trevor Gardner, has been named president of Northern Caribbean University (NCU).

Gardner's appointment was made during a meeting of the university's board of governors on Sunday at the headquarters of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Mandeville, Manchester.

Though his appointment is with immediate effect, he will not fully assume the position until January 1, 2012.

Dr Daniel Fider, who was appointed interim president on June 21 after the sudden departure of Dr Herbert Thompson, will work with Gardner to effect a smooth transition.

Gardner had served as vice-president for academic affairs during NCU's transition from college to university. He was appointed president of the USC in 2004 and spearheaded its transition from the Caribbean Union College to university status in 2006.

"It is an honour to be considered in the line of the heritage of the great leaders who have led this university, inclusive of the last president," said Gardner.

Gardner, who holds a PhD in educational administration, has more than 40 years of experience in academia.

"The appointment of Dr Trevor Gardner is a significant move as NCU seeks to consolidate its position," said Pastor Everett Brown, chairman of the board of governors and president of the Adventist Church in Jamaica.

The position of president of NCU became vacant on June 13, 2011, when Thompson retired "to pursue personal interests".