Bucs Life

As I reflect on my first months as Vice President for Institutional Advancement, I am filled with gratitude and optimism. Immersing myself in the vibrant culture of the Virgin Islands and the powerful legacy of UVI has deepened my appreciation for the role this institution plays in shaping futures and strengthening our community.

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is proud to welcome Dr. Lora Battle Bailey as the new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Since stepping into her role on July 1, 2025, Dr. Bailey has immersed herself in the life of the University, engaging with faculty, staff and students, and preparing to lead the institution’s academic affairs with a deep sense of purpose and momentum.

Jasmine Roberts, a nursing student on UVI’s Albert A. Sheen Campus, is making strides in the medical field beyond the Territory. This summer, she was selected for the highly competitive Cleveland Clinic Nurse Associate Externship Program—becoming the only participant from the Caribbean among 150 externs and the first UVI student ever accepted.

Lindell Joseph didn’t always know she would become a leader in nursing. After graduating from high school in New York, she returned to St. Croix at her father’s urging to “focus” and enrolled at UVI. On the Albert A. Sheen Campus, she explored a variety of subjects, from English literature to anatomy and physiology, following her curiosity wherever it led.

Thanks to the financial support of a bestselling author, ten UVI students are on their way to pursuing dreams of becoming writers and future educators. In January 2025, UVI announced a gift of $75,000 from the Patterson Family Foundation, founded by world-renowned author and philanthropist James Patterson. The gift awarded ten scholarships for $7,500 to UVI undergraduate and graduate students aspiring to careers in writing or teaching writing. 

As temperatures rise across the Virgin Islands, researchers at the University of the Virgin Islands’ Caribbean Green Technology Center (CGTC) are working to better understand—and help communities adapt to—the impacts of extreme heat.

As part of the next phase of implementing UVI’s GRAND Momentum strategic plan, the University of the Virgin Islands has partnered with Arizona State University’s University (ASU) Design Institute (UDI)—recognized as the nation’s most innovative university for ten consecutive years—to co-develop a transformative roadmap that positions UVI as a regional leader in education, workforce development, innovation and economic growth.

UVI celebrated the official opening of the newly renovated Albert A. Sheen Campus Dining Pavilion on Aug. 18, 2025. The facility, now serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, features expanded menu options in addition to major upgrades to enhance the UVI community dining experience.

In this issue, we invite you to journey into the heart of the U.S. Virgin Islands with Through the Ghut: A Ridge to Reef Story—a powerful short film that showcases groundbreaking research by scientists at the University of the Virgin Islands.

The University of the Virgin Islands’ Reichhold Center for the Arts Youth Moviemaking Workshop is proud to announce the digital release of The Fearkeeper.

From the start of Fall UVI Online classes to Homecoming activities, take note of the many important dates and upcoming events taking place at UVI.