February 2015


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Message from the Principal: 55 years of sound leadership

Demonstrating the qualities of a good leader is not only to be found in persons holding high or public office, but it must also be fostered in the daily things we do as citizens. It should be inherent in our attitudes; our choices and our actions as parents, as students, teachers and as children: all of us vital parts of civil society. We must be committed to contributing in a positive way to the general good. What we do on a daily basis is and will always be connected to the outcome of the principles and ideals that we adhere to; those that will eventually define who we are, or who we want to become.

Leadership is founded on integrity and trust; it is a manifestation of all that you are. As responsible custodians of a rich and unique heritage, it is incumbent on all of us to work diligently and unwaveringly to attain admirable ideals, along with noble standards.

On October 12, five years and five decades ago, the institution that would become the St. Augustine campus of The UWI was born. It was the second offspring of the regional university. We have struggled through several epochs as we grew with this nation and region, and throughout we have held fast to these ideals and standards, which must be governed by our mission to serve our communities with respect and within the rule of law. This campus, of which I have been a part for 45 years, has grown in ways I have personally witnessed, becoming the largest Campus of The UWI system. With the support of our key stakeholders, as Principal I have considered it my duty to continue to build relevance, access, quality, reach and physical expansion and responsiveness by expanding access and creating more spaces for teaching and learning.

History has demonstrated that alumni from The UWI have always made significant contributions as leaders and thinkers; spanning all spheres. The trend for The UWI to produce regional and visionary leaders is not only still required, but more urgently expected. The UWI system, as a reservoir for leadership, remains a critical part of the puzzle if we are to continue to develop as a nation.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Campus Principal: Professor Clement Sankat
Director of Marketing and Communications: Dr. Dawn-Marie De Four-Gill
Editor: Ms Vaneisa Baksh [vaneisa.baksh@sta.uwi.edu]

Contact us:
The UWI Marketing and Communications Office
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Email: uwitoday@sta.uwi.edu