MORRISON
Professor Errol Morrison, former chief executive officer of Blue Cross of Jamaica, has been appointed president of the University of Technology (UTech), effective March 1.
Professor Morrison will replace Dr. Rae Davis, who served the institution for 10 years.
"I would like to foster its (UTech's) student-centredness and promote an entrepreneurial approach to research and development aided by national, regional and international fund-raising," said Professor Morrison.
Suitable successor
Chairman of the University Council and Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Blossom O'Meally-Nelson, said Professor Morrison had accepted a five-year contract as president of the institution.
The pro-chancellor said she was confident that Professor Morrison was a suitable successor to Dr. Davis who left the university last December.
"UTech requires a unique individual with a rare combination of skills to take it to another level at this time and Professor Morrison is one such individual," said Dr. O'Meally-Nelson.
"In this regard, we are happy to welcome on board, this eminent scholar who has also distinguished himself as an internationally renowned educator, researcher and medical practitioner," she added.
President's functions
UTech's president functions as its chief executive officer and is responsible for the university's strategic leadership, ensuring the maintenance of high academic standards, initiating and cultivating mutually beneficial partnerships with stake-holders and leading UTech's fund-raising efforts for future financial sustainability.
Professor Morrison is the first person to receive a double professorship at the University of the West Indies. He received his medical degree from the Royal University of Malta in 1969 and later completed a master's and doctoral programme at the University College, London, and University of the West Indies (UWI), respectively.
He has led a long and distinguished career in education and medicine, serving as pro-vice chancellor and dean, School of Graduate Studies and Research, UWI, since 1999, taking a year off to be president and CEO of Blue Cross of Jamaica (2005-2006).
