Dr Haldane F. Davies of the [British] Virgin Islands is installed as the Third President of the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean based in Jamaica on March 27, 2023. Photo: Facebook/UCC

Dr Haldane F. Davies holds the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD degree in Educational Administration with a focus on higher education from Andrews University, USA and the Master’s degree in Education. He is a business strategic planner, certified mediator and PULSE practitioner and trainer and holds certifications in related areas from Harvard University, Cornell University, University of the West Indies, and Yale University. Photo: Facebook/UCC

Virgin Islander Dr Haldane Floyd Davies, Ph.D. has been officially installed as President of the Jamaica-based University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), less than a year after his appointment to the post. Photo: Facebook/UCC/File

Dr Davies was officially installed as the third President of the educational institution, during an installation ceremony, hosted at its Main Campus at Worthington Avenue, Kingston on March 27, 2023.

In his inauguration speech, Dr Davies expressed gratitude to his supporters and colleagues both in the Virgin Islands (VI) and the United States.

'Not a job for the faint of heart'- Dr Davies

“It is indeed a challenging time for higher education and for higher education leaders [who] are called upon even more to navigate challenging waters of enrollment, finances, faculty staff and student unrests, no confidence votes, political and government interference, just to name a few,” Dr Davies said.

“It is certainly not a job for the faint of heart; however, I accepted the call and I am here today, not by might nor by power or by any doing of my own but by the spirit of Almighty God who directed my path…Since assuming the presidency about six months ago, we have all worked collectively as stakeholders to further advance the cause of this great institution,” he continued.

Dr Davies noted that collectively, University professionals have enhanced their approach to good governance, established a shared governance mechanism in the form of the UCC senate, provided tuition remission and continue to work to ensure that graduates are workforce ready.

Dr Davies is competent in 'strategic leadership & visioning'- UCC Board Chairman

UCC Board Chairman Dr Donald Roomes, in a written statement, noted that he was pleased to introduce Dr Davies to stakeholders of the University, noting that accreditation and quality assurance, investments in student support and technology, internal restructuring and new talent acquisition, realignment of strategic resources, academic strengthening, identification of new strategic partners and increased visibility both locally and regionally, are among the many initiatives he is already addressing.

“Dr Haldane Davies brings with him a wide range of skills and an outstanding record in planning, managing and delivery of higher education. He has demonstrated competencies in strategic leadership and visioning…and an evidence-based management style developed through his many years as a leader in higher education across the Caribbean”, Dr Roomes stated, while adding that Dr Davies and his team can count on the full support of the Board.

Dr Davies is the former Vice President for Business Development at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI).

He is also a former Executive Director of the Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands (FUVI) and presently serves as 1^st Vice President of the Association of Caribbean Tertiary Institutions (ACTI).