The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Albert A. Sheen Campus came alive on Wednesday afternoon as students filled the Activity Center Terrace for the return of “WOW Wednesday,” a time-honored UVI tradition designed to engage, energize, and connect the student body.
This week’s event, the “WOW Wednesday” Barbershop Bash: was hosted by the Office of Student Life and Leadership Development in collaboration with Karribbean Kutz Barbershop. From 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, UVI students lined up for free, professional haircuts, including fades, linings, and sharp styles that not only freshened their look but boosted their confidence mid-semester.
“This is what UVI is all about: students being the lifeblood of our institution and us creating avenues for engagement that build community, culture, and pride,” said Dr. Colvin Georges Jr., Dean of Students. “Partnerships like this, where local businesses like Karribbean Kutz step in to pour into our students, show the seamless bond between UVI and the wider Virgin Islands community.”
The event was more than just about haircuts. Powered by UVI’s own talented student DJs, the Barbershop Bash blended music, culture, and campus pride. The sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. were present, adding to the growing presence of NPHC organizations as UVI works to reignite Greek life on campus. UVI Counseling Services also contributed to the day’s success, further emphasizing the collaborative spirit behind WOW Wednesday.
For Michael C.V. Bell, the new Director of Student Life and Leadership Development, a proud UVI alumnus (Class of 2023), the day was personal. “My charge as director is to give our students licenses to dream, to create memories, and to leave here not just with a degree, but with skills, pride, and momentum for life and leadership,” Bell said. “WOW, Wednesday is part of that mission. It’s about making student life unforgettable.”
What is WOW Wednesday?
WOW Wednesdays provide students with the opportunity to network with their peers, explore various clubs and organizations, and connect with different departments, all while enjoying music from DJs and engaging in fun activities.
WOW Wednesdays will take place bi-weekly from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
The momentum continues to build. The upcoming WOW Wednesday is scheduled for October 1, 2025, at the Activity Center Terrace, which will be transformed into Buccaneer Plaza. With the theme “Shop Til You Drop,” the event will showcase local Virgin Islands brands, vendors, and plenty of sweets and treats, giving students an opportunity to support local businesses while celebrating another proud moment of UVI pride and community connection.
Equally important was the love, kindness, and generosity shown by the Karribbean Kutz family. Their willingness to pour into students at no cost reflects a deep commitment to giving back, both to the UVI community and the wider Virgin Islands. Their continued efforts to step beyond the barbershop and into spaces of mentorship, service, and outreach stand as an example of the community spirit that UVI celebrates and uplifts.
“As President Safiya George has emphasized in her vision for UVI, the university is not just about academics. It is about creating transformative experiences that reach beyond the classroom, strengthening bonds with the wider community while preparing students to lead in every sphere of life,” said Bell. “WOW Wednesday embodies that vision: a celebration of culture, student empowerment, and the shared momentum of the Virgin Islands moving boldly into the future. With sharp cuts, sharper pride, and the promise of more to come, UVI’s WOW Wednesday has returned with the momentum of a movement.”
