In a celebration that blended tradition with modernity, The UWI installed Mr Dodridge D Miller as its 7th Chancellor on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The event marked "a new innings" in the university's leadership history, welcoming Mr Miller, a distinguished UWI graduate with over 30 years of experience in banking, insurance, and financial services.
The installation ceremony is an important rite that signifies the conferment of authority and formally welcomes the Chancellor into the university system—a tradition practised by many universities worldwide.
"I have always held The UWI in the highest regard and could not easily ignore its call to serve. It is with deep humility and immense honour that I accepted this appointment,” Chancellor Miller stated in his address at the ceremony. "Much like a seasoned cricketer, I will take my guard, assess the field, and observe the conditions before making any bold moves."
He emphasised the importance of the university in shaping the Caribbean's future and highlighted the collective responsibility of Caribbean citizens to champion regional institutions: "The UWI has educated the majority of our region's leaders. It is, therefore, our collective responsibility to safeguard the standards that the region rightfully deserves."
As the highest official in The UWI system, in accordance with Statute 4 of The UWI Charter, Statutes and Ordinances, the Chancellor presides over the University Council, the institution's main governance body. The Vice-Chancellor, campus principals, and the executive management team are responsible for managing the university.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles noted the significance of Chancellor Miller's selection in the context of The UWI's strategic direction and the distinction between executive management and governance. The UWI, he said, is progressing towards a hybrid university model that combines academic and entrepreneurial elements, exemplified by the appointment of a distinguished alumnus with a successful corporate background.
"Ladies and gentlemen, by securing the services of the honourable Mr Miller, we believe we have not only struck gold but also discovered oil, aluminium, and rare earth minerals,” Sir Hilary remarked. “We hold him in high regard, just as he respects us. His dedication to this university has been evident in various ways over the decades. We will benefit from his toughness and tenacity, as well as his wisdom and work ethic."
The evening was a true celebration of the rich cultural heritage of a university deeply rooted in the Caribbean. The Barbados Police Service Band provided musical accompaniment for a flag procession that included the Barbados Cadet Corps and a procession of university academics. Musical performances featured a stirring rendition of Rally Round the West Indies by The UWI Dance Ensemble and the Cave Hill Blackbirds Big Band. Additionally, the ensemble performed I Am Alive alongside calypsonian Red Plastic Bag and the Cavite Chorale.
Mr Miller received endorsements and greetings from various regional individuals and organisations, including the West Indies Group of University Teachers (WIGUT), students, the principals of all five UWI campuses, and representatives from other tertiary institutions.
Ms C Sandra Husbands, Barbados's Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training (with responsibility for Higher Education), concluded the segment with remarks on behalf of the Prime Minister of Barbados and Head of Government within CARICOM, Mia Amor Mottley. Minister Husbands conveyed Chancellor Miller's "fullest backing" from the Barbados government. She emphasised that he is a son of the soil, and the nation takes great pride in him.
"He is well-placed and exceptionally well-suited to lead The UWI, connecting his financial and entrepreneurial accomplishments to our region's growth agenda," she stated.
