The University of the West Indies (The UWI), has announced the appointment of Dodridge D Miller, as the institution’s seventh chancellor—the highest office-holder in The UWI.
Miller, who is expected to serve a seven-year term beginning August 1, 2024, will succeed Robert Bermudez who has served as chancellor since 2017.
At The UWI’s Annual Meeting of Council held virtually last Friday, Bermudez announced his tenure as the sixth chancellor was coming to an end.
Bermudez’s seven-year term began in 2017. During the announcement, the outgoing chancellor thanked everyone who supported him during his tenure.
Bermudez said in the last seven years the world changed rapidly and education was not spared, even though it provides many opportunities and possibilities such as advanced technologies like Artificial intelligence (AI).
“But at the same time, it is challenged on several other fronts, finance is a global problem the cost of tertiary education has exploded and will continue to grow as technology and knowledge expands so will the cost of operating these institutions,” Bermudez said.
The former chancellor reminded those listening on Friday that The UWI is predominately funded by the contributing countries in the Caribbean and is dependent on these countries for support.
Back in April 2017, former education minister Anthony Garcia announced Bermudez as the new UWI chancellor, an announcement that The UWI did not agree with.
Bermudez was the second Trinidadian to hold this position following Dr Eric Williams.
Meanwhile, incoming chancellor, Miller is a graduate of The UWI and is described as a Caribbean luminary with over 30 years of leadership experience in the banking, insurance, and financial services sectors.
He was the group president and chief executive officer of Sagicor Financial Company for more than two decades until he retired in March 2023.
Upon the confirmation of his appointment, Miller said, “It is with great humility that I accept your appointment as chancellor of this distinguished and important university. For most of my adult life, I have been an advocate for a strong, vibrant UWI. As a corporate executive, I demonstrated my support for your mission and remained committed to the certainty of your path as you sought to build the capacity of the region’s human capital.”
He added: “As chancellor, I will strive to uphold the strong principles and values of the university, and with your guidance and support hope to contribute to the very important task of fashioning a Caribbean that is sustainable and that can engage the rest of the world on equal terms. I look forward to being a part of The UWI’s journey towards the continued development of our region. I am honoured.”
—With reporting by CMC