USVI Public Records

Document text

President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President PRESIDENT’S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS The President’s Report for this reporting period is organized into two sections. Part I provides highlights of new and ongoing presidential initiatives and institutional accomplishments since the last report. Part II highlights major accomplishments within the framework of Pathways to Greatness, the University’s current strategic plan. This framework has been adopted to ensure that all Components and Departments across the University are focused on areas that the University has determined are critical to our future success. I continue to be extremely impressed with the productivity and commitment of our University’s students, faculty, staff and administrators. PART I: PRESIDENTIAL INITIATIVES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS I am honored to share with the Board of Trustees highlights of the University’s activities and achievements for the reporting period. This section contains some of the major achievements of the University. These accomplishments speak to the commitment and resilience of our students, faculty, staff and administrators. STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS  Angelique Flemming, a sophomore psychology major on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, was crowned Miss University of the Virgin Islands 2017-2018 at the 37th Annual Miss UVI Ambassadorial Competition held April 8, 2017 at the St. Croix Educational Complex on St. Croix. This was the most diverse group of contestants in the history of UVI including students from St. Kitts, Idaho, Beirut, Lebanon and St. Croix and from various ethnic backgrounds. The other 1 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President contestants were Shantee Sookraj, Nigencia James, Alexandra Abi-Mikhael, and Rachel Arneson.  Three UVI student entrepreneurs won $60,000 at the Annual 13D Entrepreneurship Competition on April 21, on the St. Thomas Campus. The 13D Competition, sponsored by 13D Research and Viya, formerly Innovative, is designed to eliminate the obstacle of financing for UVI student entrepreneurs who have developed potentially profitable businesses, but have little or no access to start-up capital. Ten teams competed in the first round, which took place on April 7th. Five teams advanced to the finals. The winners were: o Karima Reid, a UVI nursing major, who won the $30,000 first place award for Speedy Redemption Lentil Burgers, which creates, in a packable form, the vegetarian protein that Speedy Redemption Deli uses for its vegetarian burgers. Customers have demanded the flavorful burger patties in order to create their own vegetarian dishes at home. The new firm will be able to satisfy this market demand by providing the vegetarian protein to local groceries and restaurants. o Gerald Bellot, a junior applied mathematics major and Joy Grant, a sophomore social science major, received the $20,000 second place award for their Da Vinci Health App. Da Vinci is a smartphone app that combines mental exercise with physical movement, a combination that research has shown to enhance mental acuity and physical condition. Da Vinci also won the second-place prize and $3,000 in the global health game design competition, Games4Health, the world’s largest and most competitive student health game design competition held at the University of Utah on March 30. The 160 teams represented 86 universities and 14 countries, including Australia, Brazil, China, Portugal, South Korea, and the United States. Bellot and Grant are the first ever UVI students to be selected to be a part of the competition. Their selection was also impressive given that half of the invited teams were comprised of graduate students. o Aaron Gumbs, a Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) major, received the $10,000 third place award for King Events, an event and wedding planning service. The firm, which specializes in custom event design and implementation, is a one stop shop for those who want to create an event or plan their wedding in the Virgin Islands.  Acceptance into Post-Baccalaureate Programs: o Villishia Gregoire (biology major) has been accepted into a PhD program into a PhD program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Michigan State University. o Elangeni Yabba (mathematics major) has been accepted into a PhD program at Albert Einstein School of Medicine. o Lorne Joseph (chemistry major) was accepted into a PhD program in chemistry at Rutgers University. 2 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President o Annalyn Brown (biology major) was accepted into a PhD program in Pharmacology at the University of the Sciences and into a post-baccalaureate program at Case Western Reserve. o Michael Rosario (psychology major) has been accepted into a PhD program in Neuroscience at Boston University School of Medicine. o Erlin Ravariere (biology major) has been accepted into the Early Medical School Selection Program (EMSSP) at Boston University School of Medicine o Shenee Martin was accepted into the Ph.D. Neuroscience Program at Michigan State University. She is an Emerging Caribbean Scientist (ECS) scholar on the St. Thomas campus mentored by Dr. Kimarie Engerman.  Andre Joseph was one of four persons selected from youth programs throughout the nation representing over 48+ Children, Youth & Families at-Risk (CYFAR) Programs. Joseph is a former Croixville Apartment participant who was selected to give a presentation at the National Professional Development Meeting in Washington, D.C. The fact that he is a rising sophomore is evidence of a complete turnaround in his life. Furthermore, he has become a member of the Brothers with a Cause organization on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, which focuses on helping encourage other young men in the community to attend college and give back to their respective communities. Majoring in business and continuing to write poetry has set him apart from many other youth; and his appreciation for the opportunity to share with the meeting audience is another demonstration of his growth over the years.  Rather than engage in typical Spring Break leisurely activities, the first Alternative Spring Break, an experiential learning initiative, was piloted on the St. Thomas Campus to provide the opportunity for six students and two advisors to immerse themselves in education on social issues, service work, and reflection. The Alternative Spring Break took place at Ridge to Reef, an organic farm on St. Croix. The participants were immersed in a new and different cultural context where they experienced the realities of life on an organic farm, volunteered for up to four hours in the mornings in the field, slept in cabanas with “dry compost” bathrooms, and were disconnected from technology, cell phones and computers, for most of the day. Hands on workshops produced calabash bowls, cordage, cups from bamboo and woven baskets from coconut branches. The participants were reflective in the context of service and action and were required to keep a journal as well as participate in daily debriefing sessions. All of the participants indicated that they would participate in another Alternative Spring Break initiative designed to promote the goals of Goal 2A, and they would encourage others to do so as well. 3 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICATIONS Student names are bolded. Faculty names are italicized.  Brown, Elizabeth, Marilyn E. Brandt, Andia Chaves-Fonnegra, Tyler B. Smith, and Erin Muller (2017) “Clustering of White Plague Disease at Different Spatial Scales on a Mesophotic Coral Reef in the U.S. Virgin Islands.” UVI Research Day. April 7, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Callwood, Vernon, Amelie Jensen, and Katharine Egan. “Implementing Public High School- Based Research and Science Communication Projects on Marine Debris in a NOAA Priority Watershed.” UVI Research Day. April 7, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Cassel, Nakeshma. “Doping of 2-D Nanomaterials: Investigation of Chemical Environment and Electronic Structure Effects.” American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition. April 3, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Cassell, John, Paul Jobsis, Edwin Cruz-Rivera, and Sandy Wyllie-Echeverria. “Palatability of Seagrass Species in Brewers Bay,” St. Thomas USVI. UVI Research Day. April 7, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Celestine, M.J., Joseph, L.S., & Holder, A. A. (2017). “Kinetics and Mechanism of the Oxidation of a Cobaloxime by Sodium Hypochlorite in Aqueous Solution: Is it an Outer-sphere Mechanism?” Inorganica Chimica Acta, 454, 254-265.  Donihe, Michele. “Habitat Preference and Movement of Dasyatis americana: Impacts of the Non- native Seagrass Halophila stipulacea and Delineation of Diel Movement Patterns.” UVI Research Day. April 7, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Duffing Romero, Mareike, Richard Nemeth, et al. “Does Variability in Water Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Influence the Movement Patterns of Two Caribbean Fish?” UVI Research Day. April 7, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Duke, Mara, Sennai Habtes, Mary Beth Decker, Tyler Smith. “Spatial and Temporal Variations in Zooplankton Abundance, Distribution, and Diversity in Brewers, Perseverance, and Flat Cay” UVI Research Day. April 7, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Egan, Katharine, Tyler Smith, Shay Viehman, Daniel Holstein. “Predicting the Distribution of Threatened Stony Corals in Mesophotic Coral Reefs using Environmental and Physical Factors.” UVI Research Day. April 7, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Ewan, Kristen, and Sennai Habtes. “Linking Planktonic Larvae to Parrotfish Aggregation Sites in the USVI.” UVI Research Day. April 7, 2017. Poster Presentation. 4 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  Green, Damon, and Richard Nemeth. “The Effects of Invasive Seagrass Halophila stipulacea on the Habitat Preference and Health of Juvenile Nassau Grouper Epinephelus striatus.” UVI Research Day. April 7, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Heidmann, Sarah. “Environmental Drivers of Mutton Snapper (Lutjanus analis) Movement Patterns across a Seascape.” UVI Research Day. April 7, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Hillbrand, Paul, and Paul Jobsis. “An Assessment of Male Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the Nesting Population of Buck Island Reef National Monument, St. Croix, USVI.” UVI Research Day. April 7, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Howe, Colin, Dan Holstein, Nicole Fogarty, Tyler Smith. “Resilience of Fransplanted Fused Staghorn Coral, Acropora prolifera, to Non-natal Habitats Shaped by Environmental and Ecological Conditions.” UVI Research Day. April 7, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Isaac, Annette, and Cigdem Alagoz. "Measuring Project-Based Learning in a STEM Classroom," UVI Research Day, April 8, 2017, Great Hall, University of the Virgin Islands, Albert A. Sheen Campus.  Jerris, Kyle. “The West Indian Sea Egg (Tripneustes ventricosus) can Learn to Eat the Invasive Seagrass Halophila stipulacea.” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 4, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Joseph, Lorne. “A Novel Solution for Powering Our Planet: Comparative Study of a Novel Titania Sol and a Titania Powder for the Improved Efficiency of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells.” American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition. April 3, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Joyce, Quianah, presentation at American Astronomical Society Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas, January 3-7, 2017.  Joyce, Quianah, Fortenberry, Alex, Gendre, Bruce ; “Comparing Data from Telescopic X-Ray Instruments: Can We Trust All Satellites?”, American Astronomical Society General Meeting (2017). Print.  Keller, Jessica A., Kristin Wilson Grimes, Andrew S. Reeve, and Renata Platenberg. "Mangroves Buffer Marine Protected Area from Impacts of Bovoni Landfill, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands." Wetlands Ecology and Management (2017): 1-20.  Lasseigne, Danielle, Julie Masura, Kristin Wilson-Grimes, and Marilyn E. Brandt (2017) “Quantifying Microplastics in St. Thomas Coastal Environments.” UVI Research Day. April 7, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Lawrence, M.A., Celestine, M.J., Artis, E.T., Joseph, L.S., Esquivel, D.L., Ledbetter, A.J., Cropek, D.M., Jarrett, W.L., Bayse, C.A., Brewer, M.I. and Holder, A.A., 2016. “Computational, Electrochemical, and Spectroscopic Studies of Two Mononuclear Cobaloximes: The Influence of 5 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President an Axial Pyridine and Solvent on the Redox Behaviour and Evidence for Pyridine Coordination to Cobalt (I) and Cobalt (II) Metal Centres.” Dalton Transactions, 45(25), pp.10326-10342.  Lawrence, Steve, and James Dante. "Toxic Heavy Metal Determination", UVI Research Day, April 8, 2017, Great Hall, University of the Virgin Islands, Albert A. Sheen Campus.  Michaelrose Ravalier (Ivanna Eudora Keen High School) & Nadia Monrose. “Would using PBL to Teach Cell Division Meet the Needs of Students in a Differentiated Learning Environment?” UVI Research Day.  Nicholas, Genique. “Bioavailability of Methylmercury in Rice Cereal and Fish.” American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition. April 3, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Twenty UVI undergraduate students presented at the Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM, which took place in Washington DC on March 2-4, 2017. Three students (Chanae Ottley, Clilia Davis, Villisha Gregoire) won awards. Most of these students also presented their work at UVI Research Day. o Arnold, Lauren. “Identification of Nassau Grouper Eggs in the Plankton: Is Size a Valid Metric?” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 3, 2017. Poster Presentation. o Davis, Clilia. “Extraction and Purification of Potential Anti-Sickling Agents from Lemongrass and Green Papaya.” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 3, 2017. Poster Presentation. Award Winner.Bruney, Lennon. “Size of Coral Colonies Determines the Mean and Variability of Growth Rate.” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 3, 2017. Poster Presentation. o Durand, Torhera, Bernard Castillo, Narome Belus, and Anayah Ferris. “Total Antioxidant Activity in Virgin Islands Plants.” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 4, 2017. Oral Presentation. o Francis, Jamisha. “Comparison of Fluorescence Spectra of Toxic and Non‐Toxic Fish”. Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM.” March 4, 2017. Poster Presentation. o Gregoire, Villisha. “Estimating the Risk of Alcohol Onset Soon After Cannabis Onset: A Triggering Process?” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 3, 2017. Poster Presentation. Award winner. o Lewis, Shantae. “Extracting DNA from Halophila stipulacea Plants around the Virgin Islands.” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 4, 2017. Poster Presentation. 6 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President o Liburd, Samuel. “A Bioinformatics Approach to Classify Viruses Using a Decision Tree Model.” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 4, 2017. Oral Presentation. o Morton, Calwyn. “Leaf Variation in the Invasive Species Halophila stipulacea.” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 3, 2017. Poster Presentation. o Ottley, Chanae & Christopher Plyley. “Behavioral Patterns of the Index of Non‐Repetitive Sequences.” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 3, 2017. Poster Presentation. Award winner. o Pelle, DeWein. “Migration of Yellowfin Groupers during Solar and Lunar Periods.” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 4, 2017. Oral Presentation. o Peets, Jakobi. “Wake-induced Oscillations of a Flexible Cylinder in Tandem Orientation with a Rigid Cylinder.” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 3, 2017. Poster Presentation. o Petsche, Cheryl. “What to Wear? Camouflage Selection in a Caribbean Sponge Crab.” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 4, 2017. Poster Presentation. o Roper, Zola. “What Effect do Summer Science Camps Have on their Participants? An Assessment of the 2016 Youth Ocean Explores Program.” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 3, 2017. Poster Presentation. o Smith, Cassia. “Machine Learning Approach for the Prediction of Dissolved Oxygen Concentration.” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 3, 2017. Poster Presentation. o Yabba, Elangeni. “A Mathematical Investigation into the Effects of Temperature, Salinity, and Currents on Coral Disease Dispersion.” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 4, 2017. Oral Presentation.  Querrard, Rodney, presentation at American Astronomical Society Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas, January 3-7, 2017.  Ramseyer, Tanya. "Factors Controlling the Abundance of the Macroalgae, Dictyota spp. and their Interactions with Stony Corals in St. Thomas, USVI." UVI Research Day. April 7, 2017. Poster Presentation. 7 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  Santana, Nora, Risa Gordon, Ismael Rosado Jr., and Celil Ekici. "Critical Study and Community Based Approaches to Lionfish Problem for a Culturally Responsive STEM Education in the Caribbean," UVI Research Day, April 8, 2017, Great Hall, University of the Virgin Islands, Albert A. Sheen Campus.  Santana, Nora, Risa Gordon, Ismael Rosado Jr., and Celil Ekici. "Eat to Beat Campaign for the Lionfish Problem with the Students, Community, Fishermen, and Chefs.” 2017 St. Croix Agrifest. February 18-20, 2017. Fairgrounds, Estate Lower Love, St. Croix.  Sarah Dillie. “Investigation of the Possible Connection of Pre-school Enrollment and Funding to Graduation Rates.” UVI Research Day. April 7, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Shaw, Ryan. “Identifying the Role for Shp in Preventing Cholestasis.” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 4, 2017. Poster Presentation.  Shem, Matthew (Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School), Michele Guannel, & Nastassia Jones. “Integrating STEM with the Arts to Motivate Middle School Students.” UVI Research Day.  Tison, Krislen. “Towards the Understanding of Extreme Crossover Interference in Model Species C. elegans, Sp. 29 and C. briggsae.” Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. March 4, 2017. Poster Presentation.  2016 MMES Graduate Student Capstone Project. “Do Well-Established, Out-Planted Staghorn Corals Host More Diverse Fish Populations?” UVI Research Day. April 7, 2017. Poster Presentation. ALUMNI UPDATES  Emmanuel, Shanan (Biology BS 2016) has been accepted into a PhD program in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Florida with full funding  Jones, Merlene Assistant Principal at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School, former Education major recently received Ph.D. degree  Martin, Shenee’ (Biology BA 2016) has been accepted into PhD programs in Neuroscience at both the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Michigan State University 8 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS PRESENTATIONS (FACULTY AND STAFF)  Alagoz, Cigdem and Celil Ekici "Individualized Math Progress Map", UVI Research Day, April 8, 2017, Great Hall, University of the Virgin Islands, Albert A. Sheen Campus.  Bailey, Donald S. and Rhuanito Soranz Ferrarezi, “Production of Basil Varieties in the UVI Commercial Aquaponic System.” Aquaculture America 2017 February 19-22, 2017, San Antonio, TX, World Aquaculture Society, 2017.  Bailey, Donald S. and Rhuanito Soranz Ferrarezi, “Improving Cantaloupe Fruit Sugar Content in the UVI Commercial Aquaponic System.” Aquaculture America 2017, February 19-22, 2017, San Antonio, TX, World Aquaculture Society, 2017.  Becerra, R.L., et. al., (Cucchiara, Antonino) "Photometric Observations of Supernova 2013cq Associated with GRB 130427A", Astrophysical Journal (2016), 832..175T.  Brandy, Yakini. “Proposed Oxidation of Gerianol and Nerol into Citral A and Citral B: Components of Lemongrass Oil.” UVI Research Day, April 7, 2017, St. Thomas, VI. Poster Presentation.  Brown, K. H. Learn the Signs. Act Early. in the U.S. Virgin Islands: Progress, Successes, Challenges, and Lessons Learned. Act Early Ambassador Learning Circles Meeting. January 2017. Invited Presentation.  Brown, K. H. Learn the Signs. Act Early. USVI Team: Reflections on Year One. Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) LTSAE Grantee Quarterly Call. April 2017. Invited Presentation.  Cummings, Lawanda. T. Burns, & R. Peters. “The Extended Path to Proficiency and Inclusion for African American Students: An Environmental Science Educational Pipeline.” Hawaii University International Conferences (HUIC) Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences & Education 7th Annual Conference. Honolulu, HI 2017.  Cummings, Lawanda, T. Burns, & R. Peters. “The Extended Path to Proficiency and Inclusion for African American Students: An Environmental Science Educational Pipeline.” Hawaii University International Conferences (HUIC) Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences & Education 7th Annual Conference. Honolulu, HI 2017.  Davis, Clilia and Brandy, Yakini . “Extraction of Lemongrass and Synthesis of (E & Z)-3,7- Dimethyl-2,6-Octadienal (Citral) – A possible Anti-Sickling Agent”. Emerging Researchers 9 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President National (ERN) Conference in STEM, March 2, 2017, Marriott Washington Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, DC. Poster Presentation. (Awarded 2nd place in Chemistry and Chemical Sciences).  Davis, Clilia, Andres Butler, and Brandy, Yakini. “Possible Anti-Sickling Agents in Lemongrass: Synthesis of Neral and Geranial by Oxidizing their Precursor Alcohols.” UVI Research Day, April 7, 2017, St. Thomas, VI. Poster Presentation.  Ekici, Celil, & Plyley, Chris. (Jan 2017). "Inquiry-based Calculus with Difference: Continuous and Discrete Modeling of Mathematics in Population Growth." Presented at the Joint Mathematics Meetings, January 7, 2017, Marriott Atlanta Marquis Hotel, Atlanta, GA.  Ekici, Celil, Chris Plyley, Cigdem Alagoz, Angie Estien. "Math Circles for Integrated STEM Learning Communities." Presented at the Joint Mathematics Meetings. January 6, 2017, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Atlanta, GA.  Ekici, Celil and Chris Plyley, "Population Dynamic Modeling and Control with Discrete and Continuous Models in Calculus", UVI Research Day, April 8, 2017, Great Hall, University of the Virgin Islands, Albert A. Sheen Campus.  Godfrey, R. W., S. R. Joseph, J. A. Martinez, H. C. Nelthropp, S. A. Lakos, R. L. Stanko, H. G. Kattesh, S. A. Lockwood, and B. E. Gillespie. 2017. “Evaluation of the Effect of Hot Iron Branding on Cortisol and Cortisol Binding Globulin Concentrations in Young Senepol Cattle.” J. Anim. Sci. 95:34-35. doi:10.2527/ssasas2017.069. Southern Section Meeting of the American Society of Animal Science.  Godfrey, R. W., S. R. Joseph, J. A. Martinez, H. C. Nelthropp, S. A. Lakos, R. L. Stanko, H. G. Kattesh, and S. A. Lockwood. 2017. “Evaluation of the Effect of Hot Iron Branding on Pen Score, Chute Score, Exit Velocity and Flight Distance in Young Senepol Cattle.” J. Anim. Sci. 95:35-35. doi:10.2527/ssasas2017.070 Southern Section Meeting of the American Society of Animal Science  Guannel, Michele, and Nastassia Jones. “Re-engaging Teachers in their Craft through Action Research.” Network of STEM Education Centers 2017 Conference, June 22-24, 2017, New Orleans, LA. Roundtable Discussion.  Guannel, Michele, and Nastassia Jones. “Re-engaging Teachers in their Craft through Action Research.” Network of STEM Education Centers 2017 Conference, June 22-24, 2017, New Orleans, LA. Roundtable Discussion.  Harney, Suzy. “Student Perception of the Evaluation of Course Experiences.” Poster Presentation. UVI Research Day, 2017.  Harney, Suzy & Stalliard, Ayopha. “How Faculty Design Assessments and Students Preference.” Round Table Discussion. UVI Research Day 2017. 10 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  Hill, John. “Inter-culturalism as it Relates to Diversity in Early Childhood.” Presentation Proposal accepted at the 2017 Georgia Association of Multilingual, Multicultural Education Symposium, Atlanta, GA.  Hodge, Shaniqua, Kimarie Engerman, and Doris Battiste. “Comparing Substance Use Behaviors between UVI Students and Young Adults in the Community.” UVI Research Day, April 7, 2017, St. Thomas, VI. Poster Presentation.  Holland-Minkley, Amanda, Thomas Lombardi and Madeline Smith. "Strategies for Including Soft Skills and Interdisciplinary Content in CS Education." 2017 ACM SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, March 9th, 2017, Seattle, WA.  Jones, Nastassia. “Exploring the Impact of Campus-Wide Experiences on SCI 100 Students.” UVI Research Day, April 7, 2017. St. Thomas, VI. Poster Presentation.  Jones, Nastassia, and Michele Guannel. “Exploring the Impact of Extracurricular Experiences in General Science Courses.” Network of STEM Education Centers 2017 Conference, June 22-24, 2017, New Orleans, LA. Poster Presentation.  Jones, Nastassia. “Making STEM Count in the Virgin Islands: Increasing Economic Competitiveness through STEM Education Research and Training.” VI-EPSCoR 2017 Annual Conference, April 6, 2017, St. Thomas, VI.  Jones, Nastassia, and Michele Guannel. “Exploring the Impact of Extracurricular Experiences in General Science Courses.” Network of STEM Education Centers 2017 Conference, June 22-24, 2017, New Orleans, LA. Poster Presentation.  Matthew, Shem, Michele Guannel, & Nastassia Jones. “Integrating STEM with the Arts to Motivate Middle School Students.” UVI Research Day, April 7, 2017. St. Thomas, VI. Poster Presentation.  Monrose, Nadia. "Teaching Elementary School Mathematics for the 21st Century: Multiplicative Reasoning." School of Education Afterschool Program at Gladys Abraham Elementary School. VI, St. Thomas. March 23, 2017. Professional Development.  Staff, Jan, et al. "3-D MHD Disk Wind Simulations of Jets and Outflows from High-mass Protostars." Poster presentation at the American Astronomical Society Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas, January 3-7, 2017. 11 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President PUBLICATIONS AND PAPERS ACCEPTED  Adams, C. L. & Lawanda Cummings. “Standing on the Box You’ve Built: Using Technology and Learning Tools to Build Knowledge and Agency among 21st Century Students at HBCUs.” Faculty Resource Network National Symposium Journal. Retrieved from http://www.nyu.edu/frn/publications/advancing.social.justice.classroom.to.community/index.html 2017  Battiste, Doris, Alyssa Ryan, and Kimarie Engerman. “Prevention Programming in the U.S. Virgin Islands.” Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 28(2), May 2017.  Battiste, Doris, Alyssa Ryan, and Kimarie Engerman. “Prevention Programming in the U.S. Virgin Islands.” Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 28(2), May 2017.  Brown, Karen H., Alvarez McHatton, P., and Frazier Trotman Scott, M. (Eds.). “Faculty of Color Navigating Higher Education.” Lanham, MD: Roman and Littlefield Education, 2017. Print  Carrieri, Damian, Thomas Lombardi, Troy Paddock, Melissa Cano, Gabriel A. Goodney, Ambarish Nag, William Old, Pin-Ching Maness, Michael Seibert, Maria Ghirardi and Jian-Ping Yu. "Differential transcript and Articles protein profiles under nitrogen starvation of Synechocystis 6803 wild-type and ∆glgC, a mutant incapable of glycogen storage." Algal Research, vol. 21, pp. 64-75.  Corcoran, M.F., et. al., (Morris, David) "The 2014 X-Ray Minimum of η Carinae as Seen by Swift", The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 838, 2017ApJ...838...45C.  Coward, D.M., et. al., Gendre, Bruce "The Zadko Telescope: Exploring the Transient Universe", Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia (2017), 34..5C.  Cruz‐Rivera, Edwin, Cheryl Petsche, and Tamer Hafez. "Detecting Sex‐related Differences in Mesograzer Feeding Experiments: An often Overlooked Source of Intraspecific Variation in herbivory." Limnology and Oceanography: Methods (2017). DOI: 10.1002/lom3.10179 (online version, waiting for placement in an issue).  De Pasquale, Massimiliano, et. al., (Gendre, Bruce) "Challenging the Forward Shock Model with the 80 Ms follow-up of the X-ray afterglow of GRB130427A.", Galaxies, vol. 5, issue 1, p.6, 2017Galax...5...6D.  Engerman, Kimarie. “Back Seat Preference: Drive When Needed.” Women Called to Lead: Empowering Women of Color in Academic STEM Leadership. Ed. Kimarie Engerman.  Engerman, Kimarie, S. Luster-Teasley, C. Washington, and O Bolden-Tiller. “Women Called to Lead: Empowering Women of Color in Academic STEM Leadership.” Santa Barbara, CA, Fielding University Press. 2017. 12 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  Fee, Samuel, Amanda Holland-Minkley and Thomas Lombardi, editors. New Directions for Computing Education: Embedding Computing Across Disciplines. Springer, 2017.  Fee, Samuel and Thomas Lombardi. "Adapting Problem-Based Learning to Database Courses in the Digital Age." Deconstructing the Education-Industrial Complex in the Digital Age”, edited by Douglas Loveless, Pamela Sullivan, Katie Dredger and Jim Burns, IGI Global, 2017, pp. 116- 133.  Flemming, Paul L. (2016). “Similarities and differences between public and private sector leadership strategies in the Caribbean: Empirical findings on the link between leadership, culture and performance. Journal of Business and Management Studies, Vol.2 No. 4, pp1-14.  Flemming, Paul L. (2016). The effect of the relationship between transformational leadership, organizational culture and performance: Empirical findings from four public sector organizations in the United State Virgin Islands. Australian Journal of Business and Management Research, Vol.05 pp 1-13  Flemming, Paul L. (2017). Building a climate of change with a link through transformational leadership and corporate culture: A management key to a global environment. International Journal of Business and Social Research .Vol.7 (1) pp 44-55  Flemming, Paul L. and Flemming, Barbara E. (2017). The link between transformational leadership traits and corporate culture types: The prerequisites for sustainable performance in public and private sectors organizations. Business and Management Studies, 3(1), 55 – 70. https://doi.org/10.11114/bms.v3i1.2255  Flemming, Paul L. (2017). Corporate culture and performance: Is leadership the missing link? Lambert Academic Publishing  Gayle, Michael C. & Raskin, Jonathan D. (2017). DSM-5: Do counselors really want an alternative? Journal of Humanistic Psychology. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1177/0022167817696839 (Dr. Gayle, Department of Psychology and Sociology)  Gendre, Bruce; Orange, N.; Morris, David; Cucchiara, Antonino; Drost, D.; Giblin, T.; Hakkila, J.; Klotz, A.; Neff, J.; Smith, D.; et al., “GRB 170202A: Etelman observatory optical observations”, GCN 20598 (2017). Print.  Gendre, Bruce; Orange, N.; Morris, David; Cucchiara, Antonino; Drost, D.; Giblin, T.; Hakkila, J.; Klotz, A.; Neff, J.; Smith, D.; et al., “GRB 170208B: Etelman observatory optical observations”, GCN 20636 (2017). Print.  Greenstein, Steven, & Celil Ekici (Accepted). At the Intersection of Teaching and Cultural Diversity: Modeling a Culturally Responsive Mathematics Pedagogy for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Journal of Mathematics and Culture, 2017. 13 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  Hendrickson, Kenny and Kula Francis. “Finding True to Self-Authenticity in Public University’s Faculty Experience.” Studies in Higher Education.  Hendrickson, Kenny and Kula Francis. “Social Justice, Public Justice, and Public Problem Solving.” Theory in Action.  Hendrickson, Kenny and Kula Francis. “The Undesirability of Programmatic Desensitization on Frontline Correctional Thinking.” International Journal of Business and Social Sciences.  Hendrickson, K. and Kula Francis. “Finding True to Self-Authenticity in Public University’s Faculty Experience.” Studies in Higher Education (2016): in review. (Master of Public Administration Program)  Holland-Minkley, Amanda and Thomas Lombardi. (2017). "Educators as Clinicians: Small Data for Education Research.” New Directions for Computing Education: Embedding Computing Across Disciplines”, edited by Samuel Fee, Amanda Holland-Minkley and Thomas Lombardi, Springer, 2017.  Huang, K., et. al., (Cucchiara, Antonino) "ALMA and RATIR observations of GRB 131030A", Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan, (2017), 2017PASJ..119H.  Iaconi, Roberto, et. al., (Staff, Jan) "The effect of a wider initial separation on common envelope binary interaction simulations", Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 2017MNRAS.464.4028I.  Lombardi, Thomas. "Macroanalysis in the Arts and Sciences. “New Directions for Computing Education: Embedding Computing Across Disciplines”, edited by Samuel Fee, Amanda Holland- Minkley and Thomas Lombardi, Springer, 2017.  Luster-Teasley, Christa Washington, and Olga Bolden-Tiller. Santa Barbara, CA: Fielding University Press. 2017, 40-53.  Motl, Patrick M., et. al., (Staff, Jan) "A Comparison of Grid-based and SPH Binary Mass-transfer and Merger Simulations", The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series (2017), 2017ApJS..229…27M.  Pinckney, James, et. al. (Bernard Castillo II) "Seasonal changes in phytoplankton community structure in a bioluminescent lagoon, St. Croix, USVI”, Marine Ecology Progress Series (2017), In Press.  Platenberg, Renata. “Ameiva polops.” The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 (2016): e.T118A71739354. 14 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  Platenberg, Renata. “Amphisbaena fenestrata.” The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 (2016): e.T74855567A75171311.  Platenberg, Renata. “Typhlops richardii.” The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 (2016): e.T75607416A75608249.  Platenberg, Renata, and Robert Powell. “Borikenophis sanctaecrucis.” The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 (2016): e.T40791A71740001.  Platenberg, Renata, et al. “Ameiva exsul.” The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 (2016): e.T50009074A50009079.  Platenberg, Renata, et al., “Magliophis exiguus.” The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 (2016): e.T190561A71748191.  Platenberg, Renata. “The Secret Life of a Subtropical Forest”. Destinations Magazine (2017), St. Thomas. OTHER ACTIVITIES  Adams, Catherine (Department of English, Humanities, and Modern Languages) was accepted into a 2017 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Summer Institute in Chicago  Hamilton, Dara (Department of Psychology and Sociology) was accepted to the ADVANCE Women of Color 2017 Summer Writing Retreat (SWR) sponsored by Jackson State University and Norfolk State University  Cummings, Lawanda (Department of Social Sciences) was accepted to the ADVANCE Women of Color 2017 Summer Writing Retreat (SWR) sponsored by Jackson State University and Norfolk State University  Michael, Noreen and Callwood, Gloria members of Region II Health Equity Council (RHECII)- New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands- attended its annual meeting in Providence RI, March 2017. Dr. Michael was elected as Co-Chair of RHECII at its March 2017 meeting.  Mills, Kimberly (VIUCCED) was invited to participate with the Executive branch of government at a National Governors Association (NGA) conference. The NGA conference focuses on Juvenile Justice Reform efforts. The Virgin Islands was 1 of only 4 states/ territories selected to participate out of many other applicants across the nation.  Brown, Karen (VIUCCED) was appointed by Governor Kenneth Map and Commissioner of Education Sharon McCollum to serve on the Virgin Islands Advisory Panel in Special Education (VIAPSE). 15 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  Walker, Sheena (Department of Psychology and Sociology) was accepted to the ADVANCE Women of Color 2017 Summer Writing Retreat (SWR) sponsored by Jackson State University and Norfolk State University.  The Cooperative Agreement grant for $900,000 over three years: the VI Department of Human Services Research partnership (HSRP) (Grant# 90YR0083-01-00) from the Office of Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is in the second half of the last year of the three- year funding. (Noreen Michael, Lead Investigator).  Hard copies of the Environmental Scan of the Head Start/Early Head Start and the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) programs were presented to the Provost and President, with partners receiving hard copies during the March 2017 partnership meeting. GRANTS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS FUNDED  The Biotechnology & Agroforestry program received a $55,750 grant from USDA-NIFA-SCBG program administered through the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture to study Turmeric production potential in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 16 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President SIGNIFICANT INSTITUTIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS SUCCESSFUL ACCREDITATION SITE VISIT As part of the University’s reaffirmation of accreditation process with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), UVI hosted a Site Evaluation Team on March 19-22, 2017. UVI was selected to be a part of the first cohort of universities to participate in the MSCHE Collaborative Implementation Project (CIP) to submit their self-study report and undergo an evaluation team visit during the 2016-2017 academic year. The University was very honored to be selected to participate in this special cohort of institutions that applied the Middle States Commission's new standards. Lessons learned in the process will be used for the wider implementation of the revised standards for all MSCHE institutions. During the site visit, the Visiting Team met with various UVI stakeholders including all shared governance and advisory groups. This included meetings with more than 125 administrative leaders, faculty, and staff and interviews with more than 60 students. The seven-member Visiting Team, chaired by Dr. Hilda Colon and accompanied by MSCHE Vice President Dr. Ellie Forgarty, presented its exit findings and recommendations to an open forum of the campus community on March 22, 2017. PRIME MINISTER OF DENMARK ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AT UVI UVI had the distinct honor to host the Danish Prime Minister, His Excellency Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who visited the U.S. Virgin Islands for the Transfer Day Centennial commemoration activities in the Territory, which took place on March 31, 2017. At the invitation of President Hall, Prime Minister Rasmussen visited the St. Thomas Campus on Saturday April 1st. Prime Minister Rasmussen was accompanied by a Danish delegation of senior representatives from the Office of the Danish Prime Minister, the Office of the Royal Danish Consulate General in New York, including Consul General, Ambassador Anne Dorte Riggelsen and Danish press. During the Prime Minister’s visit, he announced that the Danish Government will establish a scholarship program for students from UVI to study at a Danish university for one semester. The five-year commitment amounts to approximately $750,000. The first scholarships will be granted in 2018. We believe this will be the foundation for an even stronger collaboration between UVI and Denmark in the future. The funds will help to remove economic barriers for students who wish to study abroad but would otherwise be limited by financial constraints. The commitment by Prime Minister Rasmussen and the Danish Government will also assist us in achieving one of our important educational goals for UVI students, which is to "expose them to the world." Graduating students who are "globally sensitive" is part of the transformative Goal 2A of our strategic plan, "Pathways to Greatness." Following the presentation of the study-abroad scholarship program, the Prime Minister met with fourteen of our students and was very impressed by the exchange of ideas. 17 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President 53RD COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES WITH NATIONAL SPEAKER AND VIRGIN ISLANDS HONOREES UVI awarded 317 degrees at this year’s commencement ceremonies on May 11 and 12, on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix and on the St. Thomas Campus, respectively. Iyanla Vanzant, prolific and commanding author, soulful priestess, television personality and healer of people, was this year’s keynote speaker who also received an honorary degree. The University also recognized two outstanding Virgin Islanders at the commencement ceremonies by awarding honorary degrees to Ms. Ruth E. Thomas, an outstanding educator, and Mr. Stanley Jacobs, a musical icon. The Alumni Affairs Office in collaboration with the Office of the President, facilitated the 50th year reunion activities for the Class of 1967. In 2015, the University initiated a program inviting the 50th reunion Class back to campus to participate in the commencement ceremonies. The Class of 1967 is comprised of 35 graduates residing in the Virgin Islands and the mainland United States. Six graduates of the Class of 1967 attended the commencement brunch and participated in the procession with the Class of 2017 graduates. The Class members who participated in the ceremonies were Dr. Frank Mills, Dr. Sidney Rabsatt, Ms. Lydia Hendricks, Mrs. Gloria Biske Loberg, Dr. Simon Jones-Hendrickson, and Ms. Deanna Sackey. This commencement ceremony was particularly special because it occurred during the Centennial year of the Virgin Islands’ transfer to the United States, and during the 55th Anniversary of the University. As part of this year’s commencement, President Hall publicly acknowledged the support of the Governor, Delegate to Congress and members of the 32nd Legislature of the Virgin Islands with the University’s commemorative medallion. The University commissioned the creation of the special medallion that on one side represents the 55th Anniversary of the University, and on the other side the Centennial commemoration. President Hall also invited past UVI presidents to serve as platform guests, so they could be publicly recognized for their contributions. President Emerita LaVerne E. Ragster and Ms. Pamela Richards Samuel, on behalf of her late father President Emeritus Arthur A. Richards, were able to attend the ceremony on the St. Thomas Campus. President Emeritus Orville Kean and President Emeritus Lawrence Wanlass were unable to attend. The commencement keynote speaker and honorees also received the medallion. The Honorable U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor was the first to receive this commemorative gift in February 2017, as part of the Student Convocation. UVI CELEBRATES 55TH EMERALD JUBILEE CHARTER MONTH ACTIVITIES UVI celebrated its 55th Anniversary with several Emerald Jubilee events during its March Charter month that are worthy of recognition. These events showcased the wonderful talent and a new level of excellence and creativity. 18 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President o "Strong Currents" “Strong Currents: A Tribute to Austin ‘Tom’ Clarke” was written and directed by Professor David Edgecombe. Based on Clarke’s novels, “The Meeting Point” and “Storm of Fortune,” the play was showcased at UVI’s Little Theater and ran at various dates from March 16-25. o UVI Charter Day Concert The Charter Day Concert, produced by our Music Department at the Reichhold Center on March 17th featured UVI’s Concert Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble and Steelpan Ensemble performances. o Women’s History Month The power and struggles of women in society were eloquently explored in the March Women's History Month forum, "Empowering Women to Break the Glass Ceiling." This event included presentations, insights and wisdom from former Congresswoman Donna M. Christensen, President Emerita LaVerne E. Ragster, Ms. Tamara Lang, Director of our Hospitality and Tourism Management program, and the Virgin Islands songstress, Ms. Lorna Freeman. Our students were provided excellent examples from history makers so they can be inspired to make history themselves. The event was organized by Dean Verna Rivers and the Student Affairs Office on the St. Thomas Campus. o Afternoon on the Green 2017: “A Centennial Celebration of Delicacies” Afternoon on the Green (AOTG) featured food cooked by some of the best chefs on the island, live entertainment, family fun activities, and friendly competition for the best food in a variety of categories. AOTG is the largest taste event in the Territory which attracts over 3,500 people annually. The event occurred on March 19th at the Herman E. Moore Golf Course on the St. Thomas Campus. UVI awarded $5,000 in scholarships to students. There were 18 corporate sponsors and 12 private smaller private donors who participated. Sponsorship and food ticket sales raised $42,437 gross. Over 200 volunteers worked the event and 155 cooks donated food. AOTG and UVI were promoted on numerous radios stations through ads, live mentions and talk shows, Facebook, Twitter, TV ads, Newspaper ads, online newspaper ads, banners and flyers. The visiting accreditation team from Middle States Commission on Higher Education also had the opportunity to attend AOTG. The Visiting Team was very pleased with the event and mentioned it favorably in their final comments at the debriefing. One of the most positive aspects that received the most feedback was the layout change of the tents. All proceeds from AOTG support the Edward E. Thomas Volunteer Scholarship Awards. 19 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President o UVI Charter Day Program - “An Emerald Celebration for the Centennial Commemoration” UVI’s Annual Charter Day program was held on March 24 with featured keynote speaker Senate President Myron Jackson. We were honored to welcome Senate President Myron Jackson, a renowned cultural preservationist and historical keeper for the Virgin Islands. The program featured a special celebration featuring lively music from Dion Parson and Friends with several local folk songs, jazz standards and original compositions by percussionist and artist-in-residence Dion Parson. The band was also accompanied by special guest vocalist, Lorna Freeman. It also included UVI’s Voices of Inspiration Community Choir on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, poetry and other creative contributions from students. o Playing Ring Tea Meeting - A Walk Through VI Culture & History The “Playing Ring: Tea Meeting” served as the Reichhold Center for the Arts contributing event to the Centennial Commemoration on March 25th. The show consisted of a cast of over 80 people spanning St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. The original performance art project explored the culture and history of the U.S. Virgin Islands through storytelling, music and dance. The script for the production centered on the framework of a traditional St. Croix tea meeting that explores the social and cultural evolution of the Territory from before Transfer Day until now, recognizing significant contributors that define who we are as a people. The cast included Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights as the main band, St. Thomas and St. Croix Heritage Dancers, Mungo Niles Cultural Dancers, Superior Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra, Calypso King Lois Ible, Jr., and many more. o Voices of Inspiration Community Choir Charter Month festivities concluded with a concert from the Voices of Inspiration Community (VOI) Choir entitled, “When the Praises Go Up! Bridging the Gap.” The concert took place at the James C. Savage Theater (Former Good Hope School’s Campus) with an outstanding performance that included grade school students. VOI continues to create new standards of creativity and excellence and we should all be proud of our students, alumni and community members who under the leadership of Ms. Josephine Thomas-Lewis, continues to amaze us all. ALFRED O. HEATH DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES In light of the Transfer Day Centennial commemoration, this year’s Alfred O. Heath Distinguished Lecture Series highlighted notable Virgin Islands families and their history. The lecture series was held on April 18th on the Albert A. Sheen Campus and April 19th on the St. Thomas Campus. The events brought over 100 people to both campuses to hear speakers discuss their family histories and the impact they have made on the Virgin Islands. The speakers on St. Croix included Donald Nelthropp, Gerville 20 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President Larsen, Stanley Jacobs, Hans Lawaetz and Dr. Andre Galiber. On St. Thomas, the speakers were Dr. Gwen Marie Moolenaar, President Emeritus Orville Kean, Joseph Sibilly, Ronnie Lockhart and Dr. Gilbert Sprauve. The events were well-received and requests to continue this type of forum with more local families will be featured in the future. The Alfred O. Heath Distinguished Lecture Series offers the public a setting in which to hear renowned local, national and international individuals discuss issues related to the challenges and opportunities faced by the global community. The series is the University's way of recognizing and celebrating the outstanding person and accomplished citizen that is Dr. Alfred O. Heath. As a UVI Trustee Emeritus and chair of the Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands, Dr. Heath is an ardent, long-time supporter of the mission of the University. SIXTH ANNUAL RESEARCH DAY SHOWCASES UVI IMPACTFUL RESEARCH UVI hosted the 6th Annual Research Day on Friday, April 7, in the Great Hall on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, and at the Sports and Fitness Center on the St. Thomas Campus. Research Day provides UVI students, faculty and staff the opportunity to showcase their research, which highlights diverse topics that impact the community. Research Day offered round-table discussions on both campuses on current social and development topics and featured many demonstrations. There were 54 presentations made on St. Croix and 82 presentations were made on St. Thomas. This year, Research Day had the highest number of attendees. On St. Croix, there were 126 community members and 52 students from the high schools in attendance. On the St Thomas Campus, there were 198 community members and 109 high school students in attendance. A novelty this year is that through two different initiatives, teachers and students from the local schools presented their research. One initiative was in collaboration with the Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES) through a Marine Debris grant and the other initiative was through the Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI-EPSCoR) with the Institute for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Education Research and Practice program. The research that was carried-out in collaboration with CMES involved a Charlotte Amalie High School teacher, high school marine biology students and UVI’s Master of Marine and Environmental Science (MMES) graduate students. During UVI Research Day, these high school students had the opportunity to present their research on marine debris and using Geographic Information System (GIS) to map the data. UVI PRIDE ACTIVITIES UVI alumni, students, faculty and staff showcased their UVI Pride Buccaneer spirit through various events in the Territory, on campus and online. UVI Pride celebrations kicked-off at the 2nd Annual UVI Village, which was held on April 13th, in the Sports and Fitness Center front parking lot. The event 21 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President opened with a Pride Parade from the east entrance to the campus to the Sports and Fitness Center. There was an opening ceremony at the Sports and Fitness Center parking lot. Entertainment was provided by local bands and a special guest DJ. Throughout the month, students, administrators, and alumni were encouraged to wear the school colors, blue and white. The University also invited members of its community to share memories and stories about UVI on social media, using the hashtag #UVIPRIDE. UVI Pride is also a way to expose high school students on all three islands to academic and extracurricular programs at the University. On both St. Thomas and St. Croix, UVI Pride celebrations and rallies occurred at each of the public high schools. Scholarships were awarded to various high achieving and deserving students. The events also provided an opportunity for alumni engagement with the teachers and other school officials. The University ended its Pride activities with a celebration of its Emerald Jubilee in our float presentation called “A Toast to the Emerald Celebration for the Centennial Commemoration!” for the St. Thomas Adult Carnival Parade. Our presentation honored and applauded the significant contributions of intellectual nourishment that the University of the Virgin Islands has imparted on the people of the Virgin Islands for last 55 years through its undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its five colleges and schools. The UVI presentation also included Mocko Jumbies adorned in festive costumes, depicting a joyful atmosphere of the spirit of Carnival and merriment over UVI’s 55th birthday recognition. The University sponsors this year included the Bank of Nova Scotia and Coca Cola. THIRD ANNUAL LITFEST HONORS FOUNDER DR. SIMON JONES-HENDRICKSON The 2017 Virgin Islands Literary Festival and Book Fair honored Dr. Simon Jones-Hendrickson, former UVI Professor and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. This year’s event entitled, “New Vistas: An Emerging Caribbean, 100 Years of the Virgin Islands,” was hosted by UVI April 19- 22, on St. Croix. This year’s LitFest recognized Dr. Simon Jones-Hendrickson for his vision in launching the festival on St Croix three years ago. Dr. Jones-Hendrickson established the foundation for making it a premiere annual event, drawing local, regional and national audiences. The festival also paid tribute to Nobel Prize Winner, Derek Walcott, who was also a member of the editorial advisory board of “The Caribbean Writer.” This year’s keynote speaker was Emmy award-winning poet, actor, editor, critic and musician, Kwame Dawes. 22 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS The University conducted its 43rd Annual Employee Service Awards program, entitled “Resilience and Keen – Service Awards 2017.” The Service Awards is our institutional effort that reminds us that we must recognize, celebrate and thank those who provide service to each of us and to our students every day. At the awards programs on both campuses, 85 employees who have reached various milestones of service from 5 to 40 years and retirees were recognized. In addition, retirees were also honored at this event with various gifts and citations. Each campus selected an Employee of the Year who received recognitions and benefits. On St. Thomas, the person selected was Julie Cruz, and on St. Croix, Anya Lord. Senator Kurt Vialet was the keynote speaker at both events, and provided an outstanding message about the uniqueness and high standards of UVI. LAUNCH OF THE PUBLIC PHASE OF A $25 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN: “CREATING LEGACY” The University launched on May 23 and 24, the public phase of a $25Million Capital Campaign during events that highlighted presentations from the Co-Chairs of the Campaign, Mr. Angel Dawson, and Dr. Alfred Heath, students, alumni and President Hall. During the quiet phase, the University has raised over $17 Million, and has until 2019 to raise the remaining funds from various private individual, corporations and foundations. The theme of “Creating Legacy” has three main categories in which donors can create an individual or collective legacy for themselves and the University. Those areas include: Support for Students, Faculty and Excellence in Teaching, Facilities and Infrastructure, and Campus Programs. A Case Statement for the Campaign has been developed and will be shared with the public at various events over the next two years. 23 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President PRESIDENT’S APPRECIATION AWARD I want to humbly thank the entire University community for contributing individually and collectively to moving this institution forward, and having that progress recognized by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education during their visit to campus and in the final Team Report. The results are not just a product of what we did to prepare for the accreditation visit, but what we have been doing each day in our various roles. I am grateful and honored to serve as President of a University whose spirit shines so brightly that others can feel it and be inspired. There are so many individuals to thank, but I want to recognize our Steering Committee Co-Chairs, Dr. Frank Mills and Dr. Magdalene Tobias. We also had wonderful leadership from our Standard Subcommittee Chairs: Professor Aubrey Washington, Nandi Sekou, Esq., Dr. Glenn Metts, Dr. Stephen Moore, Dr. Lonnie Hudspeth, Dr. Adam Parr, and Ms. Judith Rogers. Other individuals to be commended are Verification of Compliance with Accreditation Relevant Federal Regulations Institutional Report Chair: Mr. Alan Bray with assistance from Ms. Moneca Pinkett; Documentation Road Map: Ms. Tracy Bray; Technical Editors: Dr. Noreen Michael and Ms. Judith Rogers; Research Analysis and Verification Team: Ms. Laurie Blake, Ms. Tracy Bray, Ms. Sharice Richardson, Dr. Frank Mills; Logistics Lead: Ms. Celia Francis. The members of each Subcommittee and all those who worked in the various capacities contributed greatly to the Self-Study document and ultimately to our success. I also want to commend our Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment Advisory Board (IEAAB) and all shared governance constituencies on the significant role they played in this reaffirmation process. I especially want to recognize our Administrative leader of the self-study and reaffirmation of accreditation process, and Editor-in-Chief Tina M. Koopmans. This entire community has benefited from her leadership, creativity and interpersonal skills as she guided us to our destination. It is for the aforementioned reasons and others, that I present the President’s Appreciation Award for this period to the entire Self-Study Initiative Steering Committee and members. 24 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President PART II: PATHWAYS TO GREATNESS INITIATIVES AND ACTIVITIES AREA OF FOCUS #1: ACADEMIC QUALITY AND EXCELLENCE  The School of Business secured approval for an 18-credit Business Track for the PhD in Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change. This brings the number of tracks to four, complementing the tracks in Educational and Academic Leadership for Change (UVI School of Education), Organizational Development and Leadership (Fielding Graduate University), and Creativity and Change Leadership (Buffalo State University).  The VI Institute for STEM Education Research and Practice (VI-ISERP), including faculty from College of Science and Mathematics (CSM), Center for Marine & Environmental Studies (CMES), and School of Education (SOE), continued to work with 16 in-service teachers to improve STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) teaching at the middle and high school levels. Teachers in both school districts have continued to meet weekly with UVI faculty working on action research projects. Some of the teachers presented their work at Territorial, and national conferences during the spring (see below). Invited by the P20 Collaborative Afterschool program, Dr. Nadia Monrose Mills engaged 10 teachers and administrators in mathematics exercises related to Common Core Math Standards at Gladys A. Abraham Elementary School on March 23. On St. Croix in April, Dr. Celil Ekici led two different sessions for mathematics teachers on mathematical modeling and interdisciplinary STEM learning.  The Provost Office sponsored the successful Faculty Development Writing Group (FDWG) during the Spring 2017 semester. The participants were Yakini Brandy, Nisha Clavier, Antonino Cucchiara, Lawanda Cummings, Kimarie Engerman (lead), Kula Francis, Andrew Gard, Kenny Hendrickson, Sharon Honore, Nastassia Jones, and Michele Quannel. The FDWG met for 11 weeks and specific products that are attributed to participating in the group are: o Yakini Brandy and Michele Cox. “Coral Bleaching: Secondary Metabolites Associated with Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in Coral, Orbicella Annularis.” Submitted to VI- EPSCoR Mini-Proposal, St. Thomas, VI. o Antonino Cucchiara submitted National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) Gemini proposal. o Antonino Cucchiara submitted National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), James Webb Space Telescope Early Release Science proposal. o Antonino Cucchiara submitted National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Chandra Satellite Observing Time proposal. 25 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President o Antonino Cucchiara submitted NASA EPSCoR Grant National Competition proposal. o Antonino Cucchiara submitted National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) Las Cumbers Observatory (LCO) proposal . o Antonino Cucchiara submitted Letter of Intent (LOI) to Sloan Foundation o Nastassia Jones and Antonino Cucchiara. “Exploring Augmented Reality Infrastructure for Undergraduate STEM Education.” Submitted to USVI NASA EPSCoR Seed Grant Program. o Nastassia Jones and Lawanda Cummings. “Citizen Science Experiences for Change.” Submitted to VI-EPSCoR Mini Grant. o Nastassia Jones. Teaching Creative Problem Solving and Environmental Civic Engagement. Submitted to VI-ISERP. AREA OF FOCUS #2: STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUCCESS  The Tobacco Free HBCU Campus Initiative is the first of its kind effort to engage all Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) throughout the U.S. to develop and implement a comprehensive tobacco-free campus policy. UVI was awarded an initial $2,500 in 2016 and has received a subsequent award of $5,000. The funds have been used to pay a student intern and to purchase supplies for activities. Some of our activities included educating the campus community, through email articles on the dangers of tobacco; hosting “pledge to be smoke free” events at orientations and health fairs; health and video presentations on the effects tobacco has on the body; and surveys to determine if the UVI community is in favor of a smoke free campus.  The Division of Student Affairs on St. Thomas and the Albert A. Sheen campus were pleased to sponsor the Young Money University Financial Success Seminar. Young Money University founder and CEO, Mr. Todd Romer, led the event and shared his strategy to help students plan for their financial future by learning how to save, spend, and invest money in a more systematic way to reduce money stress and build long term financial wealth. Additionally, Mr. Romer believes that regardless of economic or cultural backgrounds, students can be in a better place financially in the near future and begin to find real purpose in their lives by utilizing the Young Money 5 Step Plan. The seminar participants included students in high school, Upward Bound, UVI students and others.  Golden Key International Honour Society on the Albert A. Sheen Campus held a premiere event on March 25, 2017, which celebrated Golden Key’s 40th Anniversary. This event was combined with the Golden Key Induction and local chapter scholarship effort made by current Golden Key officers. Pillar Awards were given to outstanding Golden Key Community members such as 26 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President Senator Kurt Vialet, Albert C. Bryan, and Genevieve Whittaker, who represent the Three Pillars of Golden Key- Academics, Leadership and Service. Kofi Boateng was also honored as a Founding Member of Golden Key-St. Croix Chapter. Approximately 45 new members and 5 honorary members were inducted into the Honour Society. A Silent Auction was held under the expert direction of Michelle Albany, Director of University Bound program. A total of $6,200 has been raised to date and additional funds have been pledged. The funds will be used to provide scholarships for students at UVI. This was a noble effort by determined students and a great achievement for the St. Croix Golden Key Chapter.  On Wednesday, April 5, 2017, The Counselling and Career Services Office hosted the Annual Career Fair in UVI’s Great Hall. The purpose of the Annual Career Fair is to provide opportunities and access to networking, employment research, internships, information sharing, sharing of industry trends, allowing individuals to increase their marketability, and an introduction to the realities of employment search prospects to current UVI students, alumni, high school students, and the community. Thirty-five businesses and agencies participated in the fair. More than 200 individuals, including UVI students, faculty, staff, high school students, junior high school students, and community members, attended the event. o In an effort to better assist students in being prepared for the Annual Career Fair, a Career Fair Preparation checklist was created for students and shared electronically with all students before the fair using student email addresses. The Career Fair Preparation checklist was also shared with faculty and staff electronically, hard copies were also provided to the Residence Hall and Student Activities area where students frequent, and the checklist was posted on campus bulletin boards. Students used this checklist to ensure that they arrived to the Annual Career Fair early, dressed professionally, walked with several copies of their resumes, and networked with company representatives in a meaningful way. o Interview rooms were also made available this year for employers who wished to meet separately with individuals for interviews. In addition, a table was designated at the fair for individuals to use to complete employment applications.  The Office of Student Activities provided guidance, mentorship and personnel support for the 13th SGA Annual Shadow Our Students (SOS) Program on February 14, 2017. The SOS program serves as a student enrollment and recruitment initiative. It promotes UVI as a first choice higher education institution. In attempts to highlight the University and increase enrollment, 218 high school students were given an opportunity to experience the University for a day of learning and social engagement. Forty UVI students served as mentors and campus tours guides for the day. Students completed admission applications and registered for one class. Motivational keynote speaker, Mr. Ariel Moodie, was invited to present to our perspective students. Education, Psychology, Physical Education, History, Computer Technology, Leadership, and Business classes were offered for high school students to attend. 27 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  The Eastern Caribbean Center (ECC), in conjunction with the offices of Institutional Research and Planning and Access and Enrollment Services, produced the Admitted Student Questionnaire (ASQ) report with the results of surveyed students who were admitted to UVI and were enrolled, and students who were admitted to UVI but who did not enroll. The ASQ report highlighted the traits that showed to be most important in determining if a student will enroll in UVI. ECC continued the study on UVI graduates, in collaboration with the Office of Institutional Research and Planning, by producing the 2016 Graduate Exit Survey report. This report provides strong evidence of the conditions at UVI that are satisfying to students. It also identified the dissatisfying conditions that require attention in order to further improve the quality of life and learning of all our students. AREA OF FOCUS #3: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND GLOBALIZATION  The Employer Appreciation Ceremony was held on Friday, March 3, 2017, at the UVI Research and Technology Park. The President’s Office, Office of Institutional Advancement, and the Division of Student Affairs partnered to coordinate and execute the event. This event aimed to accomplish several things: (i) thank employers for providing the University of the Virgin Islands’ students with career opportunities and internships over the years  (ii) expand employment experiences for UVI students and alumni in the USVI, wider-Caribbean, continental US, and international communities (iii) provide UVI administrators with the opportunity to show appreciation as continued partnerships were celebrated with current and prospective employers (iv) develop and foster mutually beneficial relationships with a diverse spectrum of professionals (v) nurture ongoing relationships and engagement with employers, University administrators, college and school deans as we prepare our students professionally for future careers.  Twenty- Nine companies attended the event.  Approximately 150 people participated in the Albert A. Sheen Campus’ 18th Annual Health Fair Event held on March 14, 2017. Approximately 15 exhibitors were present from various community agencies and eight UVI and high school student volunteers assisted to make this event a success.  The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) reached 440 clients by attending various meetings and events as well as partnering with WUVI to deliver a weekly radio program series entitled “Small Business Showcase.” In collaboration with the Small Business Administration (SBA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce, Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (EDA), and the Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA). SBDC also provided training seminars to 137 clients. The training seminars included the VI EDA Micro-Credit Loan Program & Post Disaster Loan Program, Micro-Credit Loan Program, Introduction to Time Management, HUBZone Certification for VI Businesses, Protecting Profit by 28 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President Protecting Consumers, SCORE Training and Outreach, Farm Service Agency’s Programs-Long- Term Success Toolkit, Budgeting for Life, and Preparing a Personal Financial Statement. In addition, the SBDC Counseled 62 clients, during 14 training sessions, which resulted in four business start-ups with a total capital infusion of $800,500.  The Fundamentals of Income Tax class on both campuses volunteered at the local Internal Revenue Bureau offices and assisted disabled and less fortunate taxpayers in preparing tax returns. Students all received certificates from the Internal Revenue Bureau for their service. In addition, the Accounting students officially established a National Boards of Accountancy Center for Public Trust at UVI.  The Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD), in collaboration with its partners: the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE), The Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands, Island Therapy Solutions and the Virgin Islands Developmental Disability Council, continued its yearlong training institute for educators, parents, and community laypersons. Each of the trainings highlighted a research-based best practice in the field of special education and disability studies. Professional staff who attended the trainings were given the opportunity to receive Continuing Education Unit credits (CEUs) through the University of the Virgin Islands Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning Center (CELL). Two trainings were held from February to March 2017 for both districts simultaneously and focused on the following topics: (a) Childhood Trauma (eleven participants) and (b) The State of the Scientific Evidence to Support Music, Art and Nutritional Therapies (five participants in St. Croix and six participants in St. Thomas). Dr. Sophia Joseph Parrilla, PhD, LCSW and DeeAnne Davis, MSW, LCSW of Island Therapy Solutions, served as guest presenters. VIUCEDD Associate Director, Dr. Kimberly Mills, conducted the training for the latter.  VIUCEDD launched the first class of students studying to be credentialed as Registered Behavioral Technicians (RBT). The RBT initiative is a program of the new Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (ADDRC) at VIUCEDD. The courses are being taught by Dr. Kimberly Mills, who is a Doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA- D). Nine sessions have occurred to date with the Department of Human Service Childcare professionals and an average attendance of 23 students. The two-month course is taking place between March and May of 2017 in the St. Croix District.  The Virgin Islands Caribbean Cultural Center (VICCC) sponsored several radio and video conference presentations highlighted below: o Professor Donna Kilgore and Dr. Sharon Honore of UVI College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) shared reflections on the successful and well-attended Black History Month & Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. program on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on February 14, 2017 https://soundcloud.com/cultural-center-1/viccnotes-uvi-professors- kilgore-and-honore-post-bhmfeb162017-pt1 29 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President o Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. tenured & distinguished professor at Harvard University, Honorary UVI alumnus, and film producer/researcher of new PBS production Africa’s Great Civilization. https://soundcloud.com/cultural-center-1/dr-henry-lgates-jr-interview- agc-film-mar12017-mixdownfin o Interview with and music of legendary award-winning Master Musician Sonny Rollins; Reflections on Virgin Islands History Month; and More. https://soundcloud.com/cultural- center-1/20170320viccnotessonny-rollins o Tribute to UN-designated International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade (March 25th annually); March 26th Special Declaration from Moravian Church of Denmark read at Memorial Moravian Church on Sunday, March 26.2017 by VI Senate President Myron Jackson; History of Moravian Church by Rev. Dr. Winelle Roberts; and more. (Senate President requested VICCC/WUVI live coverage and documentation.) https://soundcloud.com/cultural-center-1/3272017viccnotes-declaration- for-vi-centennialmoravian-plus o Intern Zachary Taibi from College of the Atlantic worked with Virgin Islands Caribbean Cultural Center (VICCC) and completed a preliminary phase of a Culture Heritage and Identity research, documentation, human ecology and mass communications project on VI Bamboula and cultural traditions (February to April 2017) https://encyclopediajumbie.wordpress.com/  The Public Relations Office (PRO) continues to use new media or social media to reach the University’s stakeholders directly and enhance the positive perception of the University. The PRO is continuing to engage students, alumni and other stakeholders by sharing our successes, events and updates from UVI’s sister/ brother social media pages. Social media for this time period has increased in the number of likes/and or followers on all our social media platforms. See below: Social Media 2017 Likes or Followers Percentage Increase Facebook 4,443 9.8% Twitter 1,413 5.2% Instagram 817 16.2% Linked In 6,367 3.6% Snap Chat 114 442.8% YouTube 335 4.3% 30 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  News releases that highlight the accomplishments, initiatives and goals of the University were distributed to generate positive stories related to UVI students, faculty, staff and administration. The Office of Public Relations (PRO) generated 38 news releases and 306 local news mentions between January 1, 2017 and April 24, 2017. The number of national stories continue to grow with approximately 330 national news mentions for the fiscal year. PRO BASIC OUTPUT 2017_January - April Month News Clips News Releases Media Alerts Bulletin Boards Ads Total/Month January 72 7 1 5 1 86 February 77 11 0 4 2 94 March 76 10 2 4 5 97 April 68 10 3 4 5 90 Grand Total 293 38 6 17 13 367  During this reporting period, in addition to performances at the Reichhold Center for the Arts, the expertise of the Center’s staff either hosted and/or provided production services for the following events: o Tony, Toni, Tone Concert – Reichhold Center, Rental o Student Convocation with the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor – Sports & Fitness Center, Provided logistical and technical assistance o Israel Houghton and New Breed Concert – Sports & Fitness Center, Provided logistical and technical assistance o Transfer Day Flag Ceremony – Capital Building Grounds, Designed the grounds and staging for the event, worked with the 32nd Legislature personnel on coordinating all technical services and logistics including television and live stream broadcasting, artistic performances, staging of the flag ceremony itself with both the VI National Guard and Danish military representatives, and managed the entire event. o UVI Music Department Charter Day Concert – Reichhold Center, Rental o Division of Cultural Education Student 2-Day event – Reichhold Center grounds, Partnership event with the Department of Education Division of Cultural Education o Strong Currents – UVI Little Theatre, Designed and built their set, installed lighting, marketed the event through our internal systems and provided box office services to include online ticket sales.  The Development Office created and distributed widely a number of designs that had a positive impact on the UVI community. The UVI 55th Emerald Jubilee Anniversary logo was designed by Ms. Astrid Carmona Tuitt in the Office of Institutional Advancement. 31 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President AREA OF FOCUS # 4: MODERN AND SAFE UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENT  The Campus Road Improvement, as identified in the Deferred Maintenance Schedule, was a major growing concern for the St. Thomas Campus. The project addressed the repaving of the Library and upper campus back roads as well as patching and repair work on the lower campus roads including Humanities classroom building and Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES) driveway.  The Etelman House Observatory renovation project is a phased project to address a number of deficiencies of the facility. A prepared Scope of Work (SOW) was established for the first phase of the project. A brief update of the extensive maintenance and replacement work included, but was not limited to the following: pressure washing, scraping and repainting all exterior surfaces; removal of existing gutters and installation of downspouts; and replacement of approximately 3,000 #14 screws 4” long with larger screws with bigger rubber washers. The second phase of the project involves repairs, cleaning, and coating of three of the four cisterns at the facility. As the facility is currently being used and open to the public, a sanitization and water purification system would have to be installed. The second phase of the project will address the additional needed improvements.  The Ralph M. Paiewonsky Library roof system, gutter, and fascia lost their integrity to the point where corrosion and material breakdown became visually evident. This project addressed the replacement of the upper gutter and fascia with .032 white Aluminum. The project also included the replacement of four down spouts and the repair of the lower roof panels damaged from the faulted gutter and downspouts. The scheduled start time for the beginning of the project was the week of September 5, 2016. However, the project encountered a delayed start because of the late delivery of a major piece of equipment needed to fabricate the new flashing and gutter system. The project was completed February 2017.  The condensing units for the AC System at the Center for Marine & Environmental Studies (CMES) were located in an area not conducive to the program of the facility, which was recently renovated. The first phase of the major renovation to the facility included the addition of the Upstairs Oceanography Laboratory. This addition redesigned the front of the facility essentially covering the area where the condensing units were located. This change resulted in a lack of heat transfer or displacement of the condensing units, which was the fundamental purpose of the unit. This has resulted in the inefficiency of the unit as well as the replacement of compressors within the units.  Physical Plant on the Albert A. Sheen Campus replaced, installed and painted approximately 250 linear feet of new wood railings and metal base boards in the Evans Center. The deteriorated railings by all staircases of the 200-, 300-, 400-, 500- and 800-levels were replaced March 2017. In addition, the three concrete lamp post bases were repaired and painted, and the railings were also installed and painted. However, the steps from the Evans Center to Building E are about 60% completed. 32 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  Two 3-ton high efficient air-conditioning units were ordered to replace the damaged units located in the following areas: Evans Center 716 (a classroom), and in NWW 129 - NWW130. The units were originally installed in 1995 and 1991, respectively. Quality Cooling removed the old units, installed and charged the new units with R-410 freon which offers greater efficiencies and is considered better for the environment. The new units were installed and are operational. Quality Cooling was selected to replace the systems based on lower cost, quality of equipment and vendor technical capabilities and excellent customer service.  The compliance unit on the Albert A. Sheen Campus completed an internal inspection of BB102 (Radio Station WUVI) on March 17, 2017 to investigate concerns about the environmental conditions in the facility. UVI team members, including staff from Campus Operations, Physical Plant, HVAC, Energy Management, and Compliance, conducted the internal inspection. Per observations noted, excessive moisture was in the air, trapped in the approximately 220 square feet facility. A 30-pint dehumidifier was purchased and installed. The dehumidifier along with a ventilation program, and reduction of 24/7 air-conditioning use was recommended and implemented to improve the humidity conditions. Additionally, a new compliance specialist, Jewel Cumberbatch, began employment on March 27, 2017 in the component unit. The position is a split position: 20% Compliance and 80% Laboratory Manager. Ms. Cumberbatch is an environmental engineer and a graduate of the University’s 3-2 engineering program. According to the job responsibilities, she will be responsible for investigating complaints or concerns regarding workplace safety and health, while collaboratively working with department heads and the Director of Campus Operations to examine discrepancies and implement any corrective measures. Overall, the specialist will inspect units to ensure compliance with federal and local regulations, such as OSHA, EPA, DPNR, WMA, E- Waste, Safe Water Drinking Act, etc.  Despite the many challenges the St. Thomas Security department encountered during this quarter, the department received positive recognition from various internal and external constituent groups and from officials who visited the University. The Security Department demonstrated the strength of the unit by successfully providing security services for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor, and the Danish Prime Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who recently visited the St. Thomas campus. Additionally, the unit continues to meet Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) requirements in the following areas: appropriate usage of firearms and non-lethal weapons, handcuffing, CPR and First Aid, Search and Seizure, Self Defense, Report Writing, ASP baton, Pepper/OC spray, and usage and instructions regarding other relevant, equipment and general duties of Security Officers.  The University remains committed to the development of a LCME accredited medical school. The site work for the Simulation Center on the Albert A. Sheen Campus commenced on March 6, 2017. The silt fence and security fencing were installed along with the project safety signage. Four mahogany trees were removed according to the site plan. In addition, the fiber optic cables conflicting with the site work 33 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President were pulled back and coiled at existing manholes adjacent to Palm Drive, by FiberNet. The conduits were removed and secured for future use. The Simulation Center is scheduled for completion in April 2018. The Medical School Classroom Building on the St. Thomas Campus is scheduled to be completed in October 2017.  The contract to migrate to WinPrism for the Bookstore point of sales and inventory software was negotiated. Nebraska Book Company (NBC) provided the discount for a 5-year commitment and migration discount since the University currently used the now obsolete version of Prism. In addition, the commitment to migrate facilitated that customer support will be continued during the transition. The total cost includes the equipment, on-line training, and warranty and estimated on- site travel and lodging expenses. The Bookstores are in the process of updating the inventory data to prepare for the transition. The St. Thomas Bookstore inventory will be migrated; however, the St. Croix Bookstore inventory will need to be manually entered. The Bookstore staff and campus operations director met with the NBC technical staff to identify processes needed to ensure a smooth transition while minimizing impact on continuing bookstore operations.  Institutional Research and Planning (IRP) continues to shepherd the collection of data from relevant groups in the UVI community. IRP completed the annual 2016-2017 Consortium for Student Retention Data Exchange (CSRDE). The Graduate Exit Survey was offered electronically for the first time. The Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory was also administered electronically, through Blackboard. IRP staff is working with Deans to provide training on data and reporting needs relevant to the schools and colleges as well as the University as a whole.  Enterprise Applications – Travel and Expense Management (TEMS) currently in use for processing University travel authorizations is being phased out. The replacement product, Chrome River, is being implemented. This will make the travel authorization process easier to manage by administrative staff, approvers and travelers. The software, similar to the new version of Banner (9), will be accessible from mobile devices and web browsers and will not require the use of the Java applet. Chrome River can also manage corporate and procurement card allocations seamlessly. AREA OF FOCUS #5: ORGANIZATIONAL AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT  Two TIAA representatives visited UVI from March 14 through March 16 to conduct the annual Business Plan/Plan Efficiency & Investment review for all three TIAA retirement accounts [Defined Contribution Account (DC), Group Supplemental Retirement Taxed Deferred Account (TDA) and the 457 (B)]. Also discussed during the plan review was UVI’s ability to reduce share class on certain funds to reduce cost and the revenue credit account now at $29,000. TIAA Director for Institutional Investment, joined the meeting on March 16, 2017 to discuss individual fund activity and how UVI should move forward with retiring some asset options in the future. Some of the outcomes of the meeting included the following: 34 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President o to encourage participants to take advantage of 1:1 telephone counseling and promote the live webinars scheduled each quarter; o to review reducing the loan option from 2 for each plan to 1 for each plan or 1 for either the DC or TDA plan; to begin the process of adding an After Tax contribution option through a Roth 403 (b) account; and o to look at adding a Retiree Health Savings Account to UVI’s plan for TIAA participants and to set aside funds for health cost on a Pre-Taxed basis. Individual counseling sessions with our TIAA Client Services Managers (TCSM) are in high demand with the UVI Community. The sessions are very popular, and for the past six years, requests to meet with a TCSM have increased. Sessions are scheduled twice a year in October and February. Fifty-four individual counseling sessions were conducted (20 on St. Croix and 34 on St. Thomas campuses) from February 13, 2017 through February 24, 2017. As a result of the growing concern about the financial stability of the Government Employee’s Retirement System (GERS) many GERS participants have inquired about the ability to change from GERS to TIAA retirement program. Our TIAA retirement program offers two supplemental plans (GSRA & 457B). Any full-time employee has the option to participate and set aside additional funds for retirement through our supplemental retirement plan. During the month of February, ten full-time employees opened a supplemental account.  Active participants and retirees under age 65 that are enrolled in the Government health insurance program are required to complete a health risk assessment (HRA) located on CIGNA HealthCare website at mycigna.com. Our health service centers’ nurse practitioners on both campuses have continued to conduct biometric screenings for employees through the year. All employees will receive notification as a reminder to complete the Health Risk Assessment by September 30, 2017, to avoid penalty.  The Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development conducted sexual misconduct awareness training for new faculty orientation and for the College of Math and Science. Training for all staff will occur May 2017.  The first round of departments presenting to the UVINext Taskforce are completed. Each participating unit received a report detailing their scores on the questionnaire and recommendations for strengthening their areas. A timeline was provided outlining next steps, including a response to the Task Force on the recommendations. AREA OF FOCUS #6: FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND GROWTH  The Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 financial audit is underway with auditors from Ernst and Young, LLP. Audit meetings are held weekly to ascertain the status of the statements’ progress. The audited financial statements are slated for completion May 2017. 35 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: February 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  On the St. Thomas Campus, twenty-three students enrolled in the Tuition Management System (TMS) for Spring 2017. This generated a total of $46,373. On the Albert A. Sheen Campus, five students enrolled in TMS, which generated a total of $7,835. The total amount generated for both campuses was $54,208.  On the St. Thomas Campus, a total of two hundred eighteen students enrolled in the UVI payment plan. The University received a total of $9,810 for administrative fees charged at ($45.00 per student).  A total of one hundred fifteen refund checks were processed during the reporting period with a total amount of $256,886.  In 2006, the University of the Virgin Islands signed an agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank to be its procurement card program provider. Part of the agreement stipulated that JP Morgan pay a rebate to the University at certain spend levels. The University received its annual rebate in April 2017 in the amount of $11,533.87, based on $1,907,670 in spend volume.  The St. Thomas Bookstore realized a gain of 184% in overall book sales through the second quarter of 2017 compared to the same quarter in FY2016. Total book sales, which include new and used textbooks, electronic books and general books, went from $28,213.95 to $80,094.91 with the biggest increase in general books. Computers and computer supplies saw a significant decline of 31% going from $46,783 to $32,235 in FY2016 and FY2017, respectively. Overall, total bookstore sales for the second quarter of FY2017 realized a gain of 46% over the same quarter of FY2016.  The Albert A. Sheen Campus Bookstore reported sale revenues in the amount of $149,184 for the second quarter of fiscal year 2017. This reflects a 12% dip in sales revenue compared to the same quarter of FY16. Overall the textbooks department reflected the hardest hit department with year- to-date loss of sales revenue. Textbook sales are negatively being impacted by electronic books and online purchases of textbooks from companies such as Amazon.com. The impact of textbook purchases will be further evaluated with faculty, students and schools/colleges to obtain feedback and better project and meet the needs of the millennial students. Further review of the quarter and year-to-date report, reveals that the fastest growing department was sundries, which include chips, cookies, snacks, refreshments, etc. with a growth over FY15 of $4,207.63, and over FY16 by $7,365.42. Over 60 new items were purchased during this period in efforts to continue to diversify the selections and increase revenues.  Based on WAPA’s projection, the Energy Manager estimated that the increased energy cost would have been approximately $46,257.99. Since the increase took effect, the actual increase in energy cost was $24,106.27, between December 2016 and February 2017. Energy costs are expected to continue on an upward trend. Consequently, energy related austerity measures have been compiled by the Energy Manager with the intent of reducing consumption and electrical energy related expenditures. 36 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 3, 2017 St. Thomas Campus