November 2012


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Citation

Chancellor, we are told that good leaders are born not made. Maureen Manchouck was born to be a leader.

She has pioneered novel approaches to the promotion of science and technology, science education and the popularisation of science. In so doing, she has contributed much to the technological creativity and innovative capacity of our nation and region.

For over 30 years she has provided executive management guidance to the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) and for fourteen of those years has been an inspirational leader, serving as the Institute’s President. Over this period, she has produced an enviable record of achievement and has played a key role in elaborating the programmes that have made NIHERST an emblem of national development.

Such a long and productive career does not arise from thin air. Maureen’s professional experience is supported by a sound academic background in the natural sciences. In addition, she has ensured durability and relevance to her profession through extensive professional continuing education and technology management. Accordingly, she has attended numerous conferences around the globe, learning from, but at the same time, contributing to the pool of knowledge. Her presentations have ranged from her pet subject of science popularisation to “foresighting and innovation mapping in the Caribbean”. She has, in addition, studied and contemplated the implications of the topic of gender in education, in particular, the thorny issue of the sexual dimorphism that has appeared in performance at examinations at all academic levels. The relevance of this issue is readily evident in the gender inequality that exists among graduates in this very room, today!

Happily, Mrs Manchouck’s tireless work has been recognised and she has been the recipient of numerous training awards and fellowships but today’s recognition is a most deserving crowning tribute for this pioneering educator, manager and most of all, leader.

I invite you to receive her, Chancellor and, by the authority vested in you by the Council and Senate of The University of the West Indies, to confer upon Maureen Manchouck, the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.