Bucs Life

It is my pleasure to invite you to explore the fall issue of our BucsLife Newsletter. As the new Vice President of Institutional Advancement, I am honored to join you on this extraordinary journey to advance the University of the Virgin Islands.

As a nurse, educator, researcher and leader in higher education, Dr. Safiya George has dedicated her entire career to the care and advancement of others. Today, having risen to one of the most influential roles in higher education in the Caribbean, as president of the only HBCU outside the continental U.S., Dr. George combines her deep-rooted compassion for others with bold visionary thinking to position UVI at the forefront for social and economic change in the U.S. Virgin Islands and beyond.

Keisha L. Richards’ journey to becoming the CEO of the St. Thomas Federal Credit Union is anything but conventional. Before setting her sights on finance, Keisha explored a career in cosmetology. However, after a brief stint in the field, she realized it wasn’t the path she wanted. She transitioned into construction, working for Island Block, and later became a bank teller, parking a newfound interest in finance.

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) proudly shines a spotlight on Thriving Charity Advocates, LLC, (TCA), whose generous contributions continue to uplift the university’s Music Program. This professional fundraising organization, based in St. Thomas and recognized as an Economic Development Commission beneficiary, is led by award-winning music producers Wesley Campbell and David Wagner.

White House HBCU Scholar Kyra Edwards is proof that reading is the key to success. An avid reader growing up in Dominica, Edwards always found enjoyment in reading fiction, a past time she continues to nurture despite her busy schedule as a college senior majoring in accounting and minoring in communications.

University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) research scientist Dr. Paul Jobsis is an expert in sea turtle biology and his observations revealed previously unknown facts about the life of Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas). In a paper published in June 2024 in the journal Marine Biodiversity, Dr. Jobsis, UVI Director of the Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, along with Jessica Michael, of the Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative, wrote about three species of cleaning fish, not known to participate in this symbiotic relationship, found cleaning green sea turtles.

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has launched a new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program in Renewable Energy Technology (RET) and is seeking students interested in registering for the Introduction to Renewable Energy course starting January 13, 2025.

From musical concerts to sporting events, take note of important dates and special activities scheduled over the upcoming weeks and months at UVI.

This issue’s multimedia highlight features UVI’s newest recruitment tool that allows students to experience UVI from anywhere in the world! Our Virtual Tour brings our two campuses to life with interactive 360 photos and videos that let students explore UVI and immerse themselves in our campus culture. The tour also showcases sites throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands for a glimpse of island life. Check it out! https://www.uvi.edu/about/campuses/index.html

Welcome to the second issue of the Bucs Life Newsletter! Our collective efforts and shared commitment to excellence have led to many memorable events and achievements that highlight the spirit and dedication of our community.

A proud graduate of UVI's class of 1997, Horace T. Brooks fondly recalls his time at the university as the best years of his life.

With summer just around the corner, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is offering a variety of educational programs to keep students of all ages actively learning and expanding their skills throughout the summer. From youth summer camps to college prep courses, STEM programs, online and on-campus classes, there are many ways for students to get ahead this summer at UVI.  

The University of the Virgin Islands recently bestowed honorary degrees on recording industry artists – Theron Thomas and Timothy Thomas at the 60th Commencement Ceremonies held May 9 on the St. Thomas campus.

Nearly 53 years ago, Beverley Lansiquot started her nursing education at the College of the Virgin Islands (now UVI) and has never looked back.

By utilizing two autonomous ocean gliders, researchers at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) have enhanced their research capabilities and data collection. With three decades of oceanic research at his disposal, UVI Courtesy Professor Douglas “Doug” Wilson leads the University’s efforts to collect data vital to understanding the oceans in this region.

Fans of the Reichhold Center for the Arts (RCA) may have noticed a new “installation” at the entrance to the once-famed performing arts venue, now closed due to extensive damage from the 2017 hurricanes.

As an accomplished young pilot employed by Sea Flight providing daily flight service between St. Thomas and St. Croix, Paul Smith is already working in the field of his dreams.

UVI has been privileged to host some of the most influential public figures and presenters on our campus to share their wisdom with the UVI community

Message from the Interim Vice-President of Institutional Advancement -- Dr. Pamela Moolenaar-Wirsiy

Digital Lending Innovation (DLI) has made a remarkable gift of $35,000 to the University of the Virgin Islands' Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (CELL). The contribution will be key to enhancing women's healthcare initiatives across the U.S. Virgin Islands, particularly the EmpowerU Youth Summit.

For working professionals seeking to sharpen their leadership and management skills, UVI’s School of Business now offers a weekend-only graduate program via Zoom, leading to the degree of Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA). 

UVI alumna and St. Kitts and Nevis native, Catharine Seabrookes-Wilkinson became the youngest principal to take the helm at the St. James Primary School on Nevis.  

Summer Enrichment Programs Transforming High School Students

The Emerging Caribbean Scientists program presented its 24th Annual Fall Student Research Symposium last September.

Tamia Grant grew up on St. Croix and moved to St. Thomas to study biology at UVI. But a visit to UVI's Etelman Observatory changed everything.