Dr. Safiya George will commence her tenure at the University of the Virgin Islands in August 2024. By. UVI
The University of the Virgin Islands has announced the appointment of Safiya George as its sixth president. Dr. George will replace Dr. David Hall when she takes up the role in August of this year.
Dr. George reacted to the news of her appointment by UVI’s Board of Trustees with elation. "Becoming a President has been a long-standing dream and goal for many reasons, including my love for interdisciplinary engagement and my keen ability to foster collaboration and productivity among scholars, students, staff, and others from different disciplines," she said.
Currently serving as the Dean of Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Dr. George had led significant academic and organizational advancements. Under her guidance, the college has effectively managed two nurse-led health centers, supporting a large student body across multiple campuses, and becoming a global leader in caring science in the process.
Dr. George promised to bring the same leadership philosophy to UVI. “As a servant leader, I am confident I will be an effective President for the University of the Virgin Islands and will remain humble and grounded with a sincere desire to improve outcomes and the lives of students, faculty, staff, and the community,” she vowed.
Chair of UVI’s Board of Trustees Henry Smock expressed his confidence in Dr. George's appointment. "Her leadership experience, visionary and innovative approach, combined with her familiarity with UVI and the local and geographic regions it serves, make her the ideal candidate to lead our institution into the future," he stated.
Dr. George's educational journey is deeply intertwined with UVI, where she completed her initial nursing degrees. Her illustrious academic career continued at Emory University, culminating in a Ph.D. in Nursing Research. Her previous roles include several faculty positions at the University of Alabama and Emory University, as well as serving as Assistant Dean for Research and the Director of Scholarly Affairs at the University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing, highlighting her extensive experience in academic leadership.
The selection of Dr. George followed a year-long international search for talent initiated in February 2023. Mr. Smock commended the presidential search committee for their diligent efforts during the process, which included hosting the top three candidates in open forums across UVI campuses.
Dr. George will succeed President Hall, who has been at the helm of the University since 2009. “We will remain eternally grateful to Dr. Hall for his exemplary leadership and commitment to this University’s success and exponential growth for so many years,” Mr. Smock declared. “With her guidance, the college has effectively managed two nurse-led health centers, supporting a large student body across multiple campuses.”
