The University of the Virgin Islands has been ranked No. 5 among public Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Forbes’ inaugural national assessment of HBCUs, which recognizes institutions based on student outcomes and the value graduates receive from their education.
The Forbes feature, titled “Top HBCUs: 20 Historically Black Colleges & Universities That Set Grads Up for Success,” includes 20 institutions and evaluates graduation and retention rates, alumni earnings, student debt, outcomes for Pell Grant recipients and return on investment.
“This recognition is in line with the GRAND Momentum happening at the University of the Virgin Islands and affirms the extraordinary value of a UVI education,” said UVI President Dr. Safiya George. “From the heart of the Caribbean, we are preparing students to lead, innovate and create meaningful change across the Virgin Islands and around the world. I have long said that there is a lot of magic at UVI, ranging from the cutting-edge marine science, astronomical, and agricultural research to our talented entrepreneurs, writers and world-renowned musicians and alumni.”
George also added, “Being ranked by Forbes among the nation’s top public HBCUs is a testament to the amazing talent of our students who thrive inside and outside the classroom, the excellence of our faculty and staff, and the enduring strength of a University community committed to transforming lives through education, research and service.”
UVI is the territory’s public land-grant university and the only HBCU located outside the continental United States. It operates campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix, offers programs through UVI Online and maintains an extension presence at the University of St. Martin in St. Maarten.
The university describes its educational model as combining academic instruction with experiential learning and personalized support in the Caribbean.
Its areas of strength include marine and environmental science, agriculture, nursing, business, hospitality and research with regional and international applications. UVI’s schools and centers offer programs in those fields while supporting research, professional development and workforce preparation.
Students have access to undergraduate research, internships and hands-on learning, along with workforce-development programs offered through the UVI Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning. Flexible academic options are also provided through UVI Online.
Signature academic opportunities include the Early Medical School Selection Program with Boston University, the Dual Degree Engineering Program and UVI’s Ph.D. in Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change.
“This recognition reflects UVI’s commitment to placing students at the center of everything we do,” said Dr. Pamela Moolenaar-Wirsiy, vice president for Student Success and Innovation. “Through personalized support, experiential learning, innovative academic pathways and career-focused opportunities, we are helping students persist, graduate and prepare for meaningful lives and careers. We are proud to see those efforts recognized nationally.”
Through its two main campuses, St. Maarten extension campus and online offerings, UVI serves students in the Virgin Islands, throughout the Caribbean and beyond.
“This distinction is a source of tremendous pride for the Board of Trustees and the entire Virgin Islands community,” said Dr. Bert M. Petersen, Jr., vice chair of the UVI Board of Trustees. “UVI plays an essential role in educating future leaders, advancing research and strengthening the economic and social development of the Territory and the wider Caribbean. This recognition affirms the University’s impact and the importance of continuing to invest in its mission and its students.”
UVI is a public, historically Black, land-grant institution offering undergraduate, graduate and professional programs focused on student success, academic development, research and community engagement. Additional information about the Forbes ranking and the university’s academic offerings is available online.
Advertisements
