The University of the Virgin Islands Board of Trustees convened on Saturday at the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix for its quarterly meeting, where several decisions were made to advance the institution's strategic goals and initiatives.
The board unanimously approved UVI’s 2025 fundraising target of $5 million, aimed at bolstering financial resources for university programs. Additionally, the board endorsed a 10 percent alumni giving rate and set a goal for 100 percent participation in giving from both the Board of Trustees and the President’s Cabinet.
In a move to enhance the governance of the university's foundation, the board also approved the recommendation from the Foundation of the University of the Virgin Islands (FUVI) to appoint George Marshall Miller as a public member. Miller, a seasoned attorney admitted to the Virgin Islands bar since 1975, brings a wealth of legal experience and has made substantial contributions to the local community. He earned his Juris Doctor from Columbia University in 1971 and is expected to support UVI's mission through his new role on the FUVI board, which plays a key role in assisting the university with educational and charitable objectives.
During the meeting, the trustees approved the establishment of three new cabinet-level positions. The new roles include vice president for strategic affairs and executive director of FUVI, vice president for Student Success and Innovation, and vice president for Research and Economic Business Development. The board announced the appointments of Una Dyer, Dr. Pamela Moolenaar-Wirsiy, and Dr. Rick Nader, respectively, to fill these positions. UVI President Dr. Safiya George said the creation of these roles is intended to strengthen student opportunities and outcomes, enhance research infrastructure, and align the university with her vision of serving as a driver for social mobility in the Virgin Islands and the broader region.
At the meeting, George presented the President’s Appreciation Award to the UVI Visioning and Strategic Planning Co-design Committee, which is chaired by Sharlene Harris, vice president for Information Services and Institutional Assessment, along with Una Dyer. The committee was recognized for its efforts in engaging the community and spearheading the university's strategic planning process. "In my first 79 days, I have a lot to be grateful for," George remarked. "I would like to recognize the 20-plus members of the UVI Visioning and Strategic Planning Co-design team that have been doing a great job of engaging the community in our strategic planning process."
George also highlighted several student accomplishments during her presentation, including the achievements of White House HBCU Scholar Kyra Edward and Miss UVI LaMonee Morris, who recently represented the university at national forums. She praised the contributions of UVI students and faculty in cutting-edge research activities, including publications in peer-reviewed journals, and acknowledged the newly elected leadership of the student government associations on both the St. Croix and St. Thomas campuses.
Additionally, the board welcomed two new members: Barbara Flemming, who will serve as the faculty trustee, and Jermika Roumout, who joins as the student representative. The board also approved George's goals for the 2024-2025 academic year, outlining the university's strategic direction for the coming months.
During the executive session, the Board of Trustees reviewed executive session minutes, received committee reports from the Academic, Research and Student Affairs Committee as well as the Finance and Budget Committee, and were updated on personnel and legal matters.
