The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Board of Trustees convened in regular session on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Medical Simulation Center on the Albert A. Sheen Campus. During the meeting, trustees reviewed institutional progress aligned with the University’s G.R.A.N.D. Momentum Strategic Plan and approved several governance actions supporting research integrity, institutional oversight, and philanthropic engagement.
Among the actions taken, the Board approved the appointment of Cleve E. Warren as a public member of the Board of Directors for the Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands (FUVI). The appointment was recommended by the Foundation’s Board to strengthen fiduciary oversight and advance the Foundation’s mission of supporting UVI’s academic and institutional priorities.
Warren currently serves as Chief Investment Officer and Chief Investment and Advancement Relations Officer for the Florida State College at Jacksonville Foundation. He previously served as the institution’s chief financial officer and interim vice president for administration and finance. A retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, Warren brings extensive leadership experience in finance, economic development, and higher education governance, including service as chair of the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees and chair of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.
Trustees also approved a revised Internal Audit Charter recommended by the Audit Committee. The updated charter aligns the University’s internal audit governance structure with current global auditing standards and clarifies the independence, accountability, and oversight responsibilities of the Office of Internal Audit.
In addition to formal action items, the Board received several committee reports highlighting institutional progress and strategic priorities.
The Board of Trustees unanimously approved three policies developed through the Office of Sponsored Programs: the Administrative Policy for Allegations of Research Misconduct, the Human Research Protection Program Policy, and the Proposal Review and Submission Policy. These policies establish institutional procedures for research integrity, the protection of human research participants, and the review and submission of sponsored research proposals.
The Planning Committee also provided updates on key performance indicators aligned with the University’s strategic plan.
During her report to the Board, UVI President Dr. Safiya George highlighted continued progress in advancing academic excellence, student success, research competitiveness, and institutional transformation.
The President noted several milestones during the reporting period, including:
“These outcomes reflect the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners who continue to advance the mission of the University,” said President George. “Together, we are strengthening UVI’s role as a driver of workforce development, innovation and opportunity for the Virgin Islands and the broader Caribbean region.”
During her report, Dr. George also recognized members of the University’s audit team with the President’s Award for their exceptional work supporting the University’s audit processes and strengthening institutional accountability and financial oversight.
President George commended the team for their diligence, professionalism, and commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity and transparency in the University’s administrative operations.
Members of the audit team receiving the President’s Award included Zeldon Hicks, Leoneal Furet, Radiant R. Daly, Sharleen A. Fahie, Austin Rogers, Imogene Hodge-Ottley, Arlene Auguste, Devery Phipps, Robert Chen, Earlyn Casimir, Louise Richards, Shauna Matthew, Valderie Abramsen and Brandon A. Chambers.
The Board entered executive session during the meeting to discuss confidential matters and reported actions taken before adjournment.
While in executive session, the Board:
The Board of Trustees last met in regular session on Oct. 18, 2025. A complete list of Board meetings is available on the Board of Trustees page on the UVI website at www.uvi.edu.
For more information, please contact the UVI Office of Public Relations at pr@uvi.edu or (340) 693-1059.
About the University of the Virgin Islands
The University of the Virgin Islands is a public, co-educational, land-grant institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, UVI is the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) outside the mainland United States. The University is committed to student success and to educating and empowering students through an environment that promotes creativity, innovation and excellence in teaching, learning, research and community engagement.
For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.
