In the regular session of its quarterly meeting on March 8, on the St. Thomas Campus, the University of the Virgin Islands Board of Trustees examined the University’s key performance indicators (KPIs), which were reported using a new format that links the KPIs to the institution’s Strategic Plan. This quarter’s KPIs included data on faculty publications, UVI’s academic offerings, new freshmen in skills courses, faculty service activities, financial aid to students and access to UVI’s data repository. The KPI’s also looked at UVI’s financial indicators, retention rates, average salaries and benefits of employees, endowment and philanthropic support.
In executive session, the Board approved a resolution authorizing the fiscal year 2014-2015 Government of the Virgin Islands appropriation request of $30,055,156. The request is the same amount as the University’s current fiscal year appropriation.
In his report to the Board, UVI President David Hall praised the accomplishments of UVI’s students, recent graduates and faculty. He noted an increase in faculty publications and presentations. He added that the School of Education received a positive review by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education on its site visit. As a significant achievement, President Hall noted that 88 percent of the students in UVI’s Minority Access to Research Careers program who start working on a Ph.D. complete that degree, while nationally 50 percent of students who start Ph.D. programs in the sciences complete their degrees.
Research and Technology Park (RTP) Executive Director David Zumwalt reported that the RTP building, 64 West, has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The park has 19 tenants and a positive prospective deal flow. Zumwalt said he will continue to work with the Virgin Islands Government for approval of pending RTP applicants.
As customary, President Hall recognized UVI employees that have performed exceptionally with the President’s Appreciation Award. Awards were presented to Nereida Washington, UVI’s director of Campus Operations on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix and Charles Martin, UVI’s St. Thomas Campus director of Physical Plant.
Washington was recognized for repurposing vacated spaces on the St. Croix Campus for faculty offices. The spaces were vacated when the College of Science and Mathematics was relocated to the Research and Technology Park building. The renovated spaces ended the practice of dual-occupancy faculty offices on St. Croix.
“We have made a tremendous improvement in the quality of the work space for the St. Croix faculty,” Dr. Hall said. He called it a “magnificent transformation” that has “enhanced the quality of faculty life in a wonderful and meaningful way.”
Martin was recognized for the renovation of the Social Sciences Building on the St. Thomas Campus. “Under his leadership working with architects, construction companies and his own staff, he was able to really transform the Social Sciences Building and has made it the second signature building on our St. Thomas Campus,” Dr. Hall said. “Through his advocacy and his hard work, he transformed that building and has created a new standard for UVI.”
Additionally, President Hall presented Board Chairman Alexander Moorhead with a certificate of appreciation for providing outstanding service and leadership for the past 18 years to the UVI Board of Trustees, and for his service to the Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Educational and Cultural Award Endowment and the UVI Research and Technology Park.
In executive session, the Board set a special meeting for April 19, to review a proposal regarding the establishment of a School of Medicine.