Aerial shot of UVI's St. Croix Campus. Photo Credit: DONDRÉ RICHARDS.
The University of the Virgin Islands is implementing immediate financial controls, including a hiring freeze and institution-wide cost-saving initiatives, following the loss of two key federal grants due to recent executive orders issued by the new Trump administration.
In correspondence obtained by the Consortium, Vice President of Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Leah Vanterpool, announced the measures, describing the development as a “profound disappointment” and a difficult moment for the institution.
“Securing federal funding has been essential to supporting many of our initiatives and the incredible work happening across UVI,” Vanterpool stated. “Unfortunately, I must inform you that, as a result of the new administration’s executive orders, we have lost two of our key federal grants.”
Though the decisions affecting the grants were outside of the university’s control, Vanterpool emphasized UVI’s commitment to transparency and responsible action as it moves through this period of financial uncertainty.
To address the funding shortfall, UVI will initiate a temporary hiring freeze across all departments. The freeze, Vanterpool noted, is a necessary step to stabilize the university’s finances. “We recognize the difficulty this brings and want to acknowledge the strain this will place on our community, especially during such uncertain times,” she wrote. “Please know that this decision, though difficult, is essential in maintaining the long-term viability of UVI.”
In addition to the hiring freeze, the university is calling for cost-saving measures across all sectors. Vanterpool encouraged faculty and staff to collaborate in identifying areas where savings can be achieved without compromising the quality of education or student services. “It is crucial that we all work collaboratively to identify and implement solutions that will help us sustain operations without compromising the quality of our programs or the services we provide to our students,” she wrote. “Your proactive efforts, resourcefulness, and innovative thinking are vital to keeping us on track during this critical period.”
Despite the challenges ahead, Vanterpool reminded the UVI community of its long-standing resilience. “We have faced many challenges in the past, and each time, we have emerged stronger, more united, and even more committed to our mission. This moment will be no different,” she said.
Vanterpool assured faculty and staff that regular updates will be shared in the coming weeks as departments work closely with university leadership to manage the evolving situation. She urged employees to reach out to their department heads or supervisors with questions or concerns and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining open communication.
“Together, we will emerge from this stronger, and we will continue to serve our students and our community with the excellence that has always defined us,” she concluded.
The full impact of the federal funding loss on specific programs or services has not yet been detailed, and Vanterpool did not disclose the total amount of funding lost. The Consortium contacted UVI for further details, and the university confirmed the hiring freeze, adding that an official statement would be released later today.
