The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and The Pierce & Hill Harper Foundation have launched a visionary partnership to develop the next generation of innovative leaders through The Active Architect Master Class Series, an educational program designed and led by award-winning actor, bestselling author and humanitarian Dr. Hill Harper.
The program, running from November 2025 through April 2026, will give a select cohort of 20 to 25 upper-level UVI students the chance to learn directly from Dr. Harper through hands-on workshops, one-on-one mentoring and team innovation projects. Students will be empowered to become “active architects” of their own lives, develop leadership skills, technological literacy and a personal “Blueprint for Life” to guide their future endeavors.
The idea for the initiative began when Dr. Harper served as UVI’s 2025 Commencement Speaker and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University. “Dr. Harper’s visit sparked a shared excitement to continue working together to support student leadership and growth,” said UVI President Dr. Safiya George. “This partnership gives students a rare opportunity to learn from Dr. Harper and reflects UVI’s commitment to preparing our students to lead with purpose, creativity and courage in a rapidly changing world. We are honored to welcome him back to our university community.”
Dr. Una Dyer, UVI Vice President for Strategic Affairs, who is working closely with President George to spearhead the initiative, emphasized the program’s long-term value, stating, “This collaboration represents the kind of transformative learning experience we aim to create at UVI. By connecting our students with an influential thought leader like Dr. Harper, we’re helping them see what’s possible when academic learning meets personal vision and community impact. It’s an investment in the next generation of Caribbean changemakers.”
The program includes two in-person residencies at UVI, scheduled for November 2025 and spring 2026, and two virtual sessions between visits. The curriculum explores identity and purpose, creativity and innovation, and turning personal goals into social impact. By the end of the series, students will complete individual and team projects and will receive the Active Architect Leadership Certificate, co-issued by UVI and The Pierce & Hill Harper Foundation.
Dr. Harper brings a distinguished record of academic and civic achievement to the partnership. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University, graduating magna cum laude and serving as valedictorian of his department, before obtaining both a Juris Doctor (cum laude) from Harvard Law School and a master’s degree with honors from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Beyond his on-screen acting success and entrepreneurial pursuits, he has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to social justice, serving as National Spokesperson for organizations such as The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, The Innocence Project, One Fair Wage, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the National Black Bank Fund and was named Honorary National Co-Chair of the Redevelopment of Black Wall Street.
“The Virgin Islands have always been a wellspring of brilliance and resilience. This collaboration with UVI is about channeling that spirit into leadership that transforms lives — locally, nationally, and globally. True leadership begins with self-mastery and radiates outward,” said Harper. “The most powerful education doesn’t just fill the mind — it awakens the spirit. This master class with UVI is about equipping young leaders to see themselves as the active architects of their own lives and the future of their communities.”
As the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located outside the continental United States, UVI has a long tradition of cultivating leadership, innovation and global awareness among its students.
The program’s first year sets the stage for a continued partnership between UVI and Dr. Harper, envisioned as the “UVI × Hill Harper Leadership Institute.”
“Leadership isn’t a title — it’s an act of service, awareness, and courage. I’m honored to partner with the University of the Virgin Islands to help the next generation of leaders design lives of purpose, integrity, and impact. Together, we’re building architects of change,” noted Harper. As a strong supporter of HBCUs nationwide, Dr. Harper’s collaboration with UVI highlights the University’s role as a center for creativity, innovation and educational excellence in the Caribbean and beyond.
For media inquiries, contact pr@uvi.edu.
About the University of the Virgin Islands
Founded in 1962, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a public, co-ed, land-grant HBCU with campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and an online division serving students globally. UVI offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs designed to prepare students for leadership and impact. As the only HBCU outside of the continental U.S., the university is a leading institution of higher learning in the Caribbean committed to academic excellence, student success, research, and community engagement. Learn more at www.uvi.edu.
About The Pierce & Hill Harper Foundation
The Pierce & Hill Harper Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting
youth empowerment, education and social innovation. Through programs that integrate
mentorship, technology, and creative development, the foundation helps individuals
become active architects of their futures. See this link to biograhy for Hill Harper.
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