At its quarterly meeting held on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, on the Orville E. Kean Campus, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Board of Trustees reported continued progress in strategic initiatives and institutional advancement. Trustees also approved the University’s Fiscal Year 2026 fundraising goal of $5 million, reaffirming UVI’s commitment to academic excellence, financial sustainability, and student success. 

Board Chair Henry Smock opened the meeting by welcoming four new trustees — Carolyn Hermon-Percell, Trinity Austrie-Granger, Mitchell Turnbull (Student Trustee), and Dr. Xuri Maurice Allen (Faculty Trustee) — noting the value of their diverse perspectives. 
 “It’s important that our trustees not only see the reports,” said Smock, “but also get a feel for the campuses themselves. We have so many special places at UVI that show who we are and where we’re headed.” 

 

Board Approves $5 Million Fundraising Goal 

The Board voted unanimously to approve the University’s 2026 fundraising goal of $5 million, an alumni giving rate of 6–8 percent, and a 100 percent Trustee Giving Rate. 

Board members commended the efforts of the Institutional Advancement team for building stronger philanthropic partnerships and expanding donor engagement opportunities throughout the UVI community. 

 

President George Highlights “The Magic That Happens at UVI” 

In her report, President Dr. Safiya George celebrated UVI’s continued progress in academics, operations, and research. 
 “It gives me great pleasure to share some highlights about what I call the magic that happens at UVI,” said Dr. George. 

She emphasized UVI’s commitment to operational excellence, digital transformation, and workforce development, with initiatives underway to enhance cybersecurity, streamline administrative processes, and integrate artificial intelligence into teaching and learning. 
 “It takes a lot to run a university,” Dr. George said. “Too many steps or inefficiencies can negatively impact students. Our commitment has been to become more efficient while still compliant — and that includes embracing digital transformation and artificial intelligence.” 

 

Key Accomplishments and Partnerships 

Among the notable accomplishments shared were: 

  • Continued advancement toward a regional medical campus and School of Public Health. 
  • Ongoing campus improvements, including cafeteria upgrades, fitness center renovations, and a new Master Campus Plan. 
  • Renewed partnerships with the Department of Tourism, Arizona State University, and other regional educational institutions. 

 

Strategic Goals and Community Recognition 

The Board also voted to ratify President George’s 2025–2026 Presidential Goals, aligned with the Grand Momentum Strategic Plan (2025–2030), which focuses on financial transformation, operational excellence, academic innovation, research growth, workforce development, and community impact. 

“Our goal is not just to identify problems but to find solutions — to ensure UVI continues to be a place of opportunity and excellence,” said Dr. George. 

Chairman Smock commended the leadership team for their progress, noting that UVI’s administration continues to demonstrate exceptional commitment, teamwork, and results across all areas of operation. 

During the meeting, Dr. George presented the President’s Excellence Award to several outstanding members of the Office of the President and the Office of Strategic Affairs, along with UVI’s inaugural Presidential Scholars, in recognition of their exemplary leadership, dedication, and impact on the University community. She explained that she created the Presidential Scholars Program to provide high-achieving students with direct experience in leadership and university administration. The Presidential Scholars serve within the Office of the President, assisting with special projects, events, and initiatives that advance UVI’s mission while developing their professional and leadership skills. 

 

Honorees included: 
 Una Dyer, Vice President for Strategic Affairs and Executive Director of FUVI 
 Jeannine Francis Brown, Program Manager for Presidential Communications & Special Projects 
 Jessica LaPlace, Executive Assistant 
 Louise Fontaine, Budget and Financial Analyst 
 Kierra Enrique, Psychology Major (Presidential Scholar) 
 R’Daejah Milligan, Business Management Major (Presidential Scholar) 
 Trevincia Browne, Senior Accounting Major (Presidential Scholar) 
 Darin Connor, Psychology Major (Presidential Scholar) 

 

Executive Session Actions 

Board Chairman Smock reported that while in Executive Session, the Board approved and received reports and updates on the following: 

  • Approved the minutes of the June 21, 2025, meeting 
  • Received a report from the Academic, Research & Student Affairs Committee (ARSA), including potential commencement-speaker candidates 
  • Approved two resolutions recommended by the Finance and Budget Committee 
  • Held a discussion on personnel matters 
  • Received an update on legal matters 

 

For more information, contact: 
 Tamika Thomas Williams 
 UVI Director of Public Relations 
 Email: pr@uvi.edu 
 Phone: (340) 693-1065 
 Website: www.uvi.edu