The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will host the public memorial and celebration of life service for President Emeritus Dr. Orville E. Kean on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10 am in the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas. Dr. Kean, who passed away at the age of 86 on January 19, 2025, was the University’s third president from 1990 to 2002.
Dr. Kean is remembered as a visionary leader who set UVI on a course to become a leader in economic development in the Territory with the establishment of the Research and Technology Park (RT Park) on St. Croix. He led the University through the recovery from Hurricanes Hugo in 1989 and Marilyn in 1995, while significantly improving and advancing both the physical and institutional infrastructure. Dr. Kean successfully undertook the planning and completion of major capital projects that transformed UVI into a modern institution.
Dr. Kean dedicated his career to the University of the Virgin Islands. He began as a mathematics professor, became vice-chair of the division, acting director of the Caribbean Institute, dean of Instruction, executive vice president, and acting vice president for Academic Affairs – before assuming the presidency in 1990. In 2021, UVI's St. Thomas Campus was renamed the “Dr. Orville E. Kean Campus of the University of the Virgin Islands” to honor his extensive service and contributions to the University and the Virgin Islands.
Tributes may be emailed to keantributes@uvi.edu by Jan. 31, for printing in the memorial booklet. The service will not include a viewing or casket. In lieu of flowers, friends and colleagues are encouraged to make a donation to UVI in memory of Dr. Kean. Donations can be made to the Orville Kean Endowment via this link https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/VLQYJg?vid=1got8f, or by mail to the following address: University of the Virgin Islands, Office of Institutional Advancement, # 2 John Brewers Bay, St. Thomas, VI 00802 or by calling (340) 693-1040 for more information.
For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.
