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1 PRESIDENT’S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS MARCH 10, 2013 to JUNE 14, 2013 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 new five-year 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 those 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. We continue to make important strides on our Pathways to Greatness. The accomplishments highlighted in this report are particularly noteworthy, given the significant fiscal challenges and constraints facing the University. These accomplishments speak to the commitment and resilience of our students, faculty, staff and administrators. One of the major achievements during this period has been the accomplishments of our students and faculty. Listed below are a few examples of the activities and achievements of our students. Student Achievements A total of 19 students have been accepted into the Masters in Marine and Environmental Science Program (MMES) in Fall 2013, including three UVI graduates. The UVI Spring Student Research Symposium took place on March 23, 2013 on St. Croix with poster presentations from more than 30 UVI undergraduate and graduate students in Applied Mathematics, Biology, Marine Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Nursing, and Psychology. Students presented research they conducted during the summer of 2012 at UVI and a number of off-island institutions. Five MMES students defended their theses this past April. One student will be employed at UVI as a research technician, another student is employed by the National Park Service on St. Croix, President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 2 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus and a third student is employed as a research technician in Maine. Another three MMES students are expected to finish this semester. Twelve students presented their research at the 2013 Emerging Research National Conference in Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) sponsored by NSF. Biology senior, Chinamaere Igwebuike earned first prize for his presentation in the Biological Sciences. Students were accompanied by UVI faculty Dr. Robert Stolz and Dr. Bernard Castillo. Two students have been linked with organizations or companies through the Caribbean Green Technology Center (CGTC) Green Internship program. Six UVI undergraduates were awarded Etelman Observatory internships through NASA grants and the Emerging Caribbean Scientists (ECS) program to do engineering and astrophysics at Etelman Observatory during Summer 2013. In addition to these six students, the ECS program will fund approximately 20 additional students to work with various faculty members on St. Thomas and St. Croix, and 10 students to participate in an advance mathematical and computational methods modeling course during the summer. Anthonios Doliotis, Lynisha Farrell, Anthonio Forbes, Shelsa Marcel, Kynoch Reale-Munroe & Bernard Castillo II . ‘Comparative Study to Determine the Water Quality Parameters of Bioluminescent Mangrove Lagoon and Salt River Bay, St. Croix, USVI.’ Poster presentation by students and faculty member, Dr. Castillo, at the 2013 Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM sponsored by NSF. • Marisha Marie Perkins, senior chemistry major and a JNCF-Merck Fellow, was accepted at six graduate schools for study in chemistry or medicinal chemistry. She will attend Duke University in Durham, NC. • Akima George, senior biology major, was accepted to two PhD programs in biomedical sciences and will be attending the University of Michigan in the Fall, with a tuition waiver and a position as a research assistant. • Jemica Gumbs, senior mathematics major, will start in the Fall Masters program in statistics at Florida State University, with a tuition waiver and position as research assistant. • Jeson LeBlanc and JoAnn Thomas-Lewis, sophomore biology majors, have been accepted into the BU Early Medical School Selection program. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 3 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus • Cherise Burton, senior mathematics major, will start in the Fall in a Masters program in engineering at the University of South Florida, with a tuition waiver and position as research assistant. • Darrell Mercer, senior psychology major, will start in the Fall in a Masters program in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at Oklahoma State University, with a tuition waiver and research assistant position. • Chinamaere Igwebuike and Monique Meade, senior biology majors in the Boston University Early Medical School Selection program, have been accepted into BU School of Medicine for the Fall semester. • Three students were inducted into the International English Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta. • Erick Willie travelled to present a paper and also participate in the Golden Key Leadership Summit (Miami, FL). Mr. Willie also hosted a workshop on “How to Plan A Successful Honorary Engagement Activity” at the Golden Key Summit. • Tara Brim was accepted into the Master’s in School Counseling Program at Oklahoma State University. • Curlis Joseph was accepted into the Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling Program at Jackson State University. • Darrell H. Mercer, Jr. was accepted into the Master of Science program in Human Development and Family Science at Oklahoma State University. • Sheneé Martin was accepted into the following summer research programs: CLIMB-UP Program at Buffalo University; RiSE at Rutgers University in New Jersey; SMART Program at the University of Colorado at Boulder; OGR Program at Washington University in St. Louis. • Allena Clifford was accepted into Virginia Commonwealth University HERO Summer Research Program. • Jacqueline Adonis’ proposal was accepted to share panel as discussant with professors at CSA conference. Panel presentation is scheduled for June 5, 2013. • Leslyn Tonge’s proposal was accepted to share panel as discussant with professors at ACLALS literature conference, August 8, 2013. Nursing students in our NUR 424 Leadership Management course lead a number of projects that were adopted by local health care facilities. Some of the projects were: • Shared Medical Appointments as a model for counseling and treating patients in groups. This was adopted at the East End Health Clinic, St. Thomas. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 4 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus • Revision of the building code to allow for roof rinse apparatus on all new construction with cisterns. This addresses the public health problem of unclean and unsafe cistern water in the Territory. It has obtained legislative sponsorship and has the endorsement of the Plumbers Association. • Procedures and protocol for decubitus ulcer prevention in the home. This was adopted by Continuum Care. • The institution of Direct Observation Therapy in all public schools in the Territory for school children with latent tuberculosis infection. Implementation procedures have been developed and a Memorandum of Understanding is pending approval by the Commissioners of Education and Health. The School of Education has collaborated with the Center for Student Success to work with students to strengthen content knowledge, thus making them better prepared for the PRAXIS examination. Also, through a grant to enhance Teacher Quality, tutors are provided to prepare students to be successful on PRAXIS. Pass Rate on PRAXIS I 2011-2012 (WESTAT) Area # of takers # Passed School of Education Pass Rate Reading 12 11 92% Writing 11 9 82% Mathematics 13 11 85% 2013 Graduating Students 93% Pass Rate Recent Graduates’ Achievements • Blanche Letang, 2012 graduate, was accepted to three PhD programs and will be studying toxicology in the Fall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a tuition waiver and position as a research assistant. • Nicole Fleming, 2012 graduate, was accepted to seven PhD programs and will be starting in the Fall in a cell biology program at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. • Angelica Claxton, 2012 graduate, will start in the Fall in a PhD program in microbiology at the University of South Dakota with a position as a research assistant. • Tishiro Hanley, 2012 graduate, was accepted into Master in Social Work program at Loma Linda University. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 5 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus • Davin Francis, 2011 graduate, was accepted into the Msc. Foundations in Clinical and Health Psychology graduate program at Newcastle University. Faculty Achievements Dr. Justin Shorb, Chemistry Faculty member, has been given an opportunity to work with the Mallinson Institute for Science Education at Western Michigan University as a Visiting Scholar during the summer of 2013. He will be working with a team of faculty in the inaugural stages of the Center for Research on Instructional Change in Postsecondary Education (CRICPE). Dr. Gillian Royes, had third manuscript in the Shad Series, “Lessons from a Sea-Grape Tree,” accepted by Simon and Schuster. Dr. Royes was also offered a second two book contract by Simon and Schuster. Dr. Kimarie Engerman has been accepted into the OURS (Opportunities for Under-Represented Scholars) Leadership Team, as an OURS Program Fellow for The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Leadership online-blended program. Coleen Jiminez was accepted into the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Pace University. This program is offered in an executive blended-learning format, with both on campus and online learning. Participants meet on campus five times per year. Amy Schweizer was accepted to the University of Northern Colorado’s Nursing Education Ph.D. program, an online program aimed at increasing the number of doctorally prepared nursing educators. Publications: Ms. Brianna Grantham; "Regional Dialect and Homophones: Teaching Standard English Composition to Thomian-Dialect Speakers" will also be published in Claflin University’s Conference on Contemporary English and Language Arts Pedagogy anthology this June (2013). Ling Yee Li, and Ogunmokun Gabriel (2013) “Export Venture Flexibility: Its Antecedents and Effect on Performance" International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, Vol. 6. No. 2 pp.99- 122 President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 6 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus Ling Yee Li, and Ogunmokun Gabriel (2013) “The Effects of Marketing Capabilities, Financing Resources & Spatial Configuration on Market Focused Flexibility," International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, Vol. 6. No. 2 pp.158-181 Ogunmokun, Gabriel O and Rony Gabbay (2013), “International Marketing and Export Motivation, Problems and Performance of Australian Companies” in Gabriel O Ogunmokun, and Rony Gabbay Marketing, Management and International Business: Contemporary Issues and Research in Selected Countries; Global Publishing House (in collaboration with the Academy of World Business, Marketing, and Management Development), chapter 8, pp. 115-128 Ogunmokun, Gabriel O and Rony Gabbay (2013), “Marketing, Management and International Business: Contemporary Issues and Research in Selected Countries; Global Publishing House (in collaboration with the Academy of World Business, Marketing, and Management Development” edited by Ogunmokun, Gabriel O and Rony Gabbay, pp. 1-291 Matsumoto, Keishiro, Monro, John, Chang, Michael, and Gouws, Dion, “An Excel Model of Mortgage Refinancing Decisions for Sensitivity Analysis and Simulation” accepted in the Journal of Accounting and Finance, North American Press Bushra Sabri PhD, Richelle Bolyard MPH, Akosoa L. McFadgion MSW, Jamila K. Stockman PhD, Marguerite B. Lucea PhD, Gloria B. Callwood PhD, Catherine R. Coverston PhD & Jacquelyn C. Campbell PhD (2013) Intimate Partner Violence, Depression, PTSD, and Use of Mental Health Resources Among Ethnically Diverse Black Women. Social Work in Health Care Volume 52, Issue 4, April, pages 351-369 Nicholls, Robert, “Africa in the Virgin Islands: The Remarkable Tamarind and Baobab” in Booklet for 42nd Annual Agricultural & Food Fair on St Croix, pp 32-38; it includes 6 photos. Nicholls, Robert, “Boogie Chillen: Early Mods First Choice Vinyl” Three CD compilation of 75 R&B tracks. London: Future Noise Music, March 11, 2013 http://modernistsociety.blogspot.com/2013/02/boogie-chillen-early-mods-first-choice.html Nicholls, Robert, “West African Progenitors of the Mocko Jumbie” in Carnival Magazine, Starts on p. 7, includes 13 photos President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 7 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus Presentations: Dr. Cheryl Franklin, Moderator Podium Presentation at the Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy 6th Annual Health Disparities Conference, “Improving Medical Effectiveness and Health outcomes to Achieve Health Equity through Inter-professional Collaborations,” March 8, 2013. Sandra L. Romano, College of Science and Mathematics, Univ. of the Virgin Islands and Mary Smith, North Carolina A&T University: PULSE: Catalyzing Vision & Change for Improving Undergraduate Life Science Education. Working session at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Member University Professional Institute focusing on ‘Improving Retention, Increasing Graduation and Advancing Careers in STEAM’. Justin Shorb, Chemistry Faculty member, was asked to participate in a Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) Physical Chemistry Laboratory workshop. Physical Chemistry Professors from across the country met at Virginia Commonwealth University to discuss the creation and implementation of guided inquiry laboratories and began work on designing new curriculum. Justin Shorb, Chemistry Faculty member, was a co-organizer for the Peer-Reviewed Chemical Education Research Symposium at the American Chemical Society National Meeting in New Orleans held April 12-15, 2013. He helped with organized peer review, submission, and acceptance of oral papers presented in the full-day symposium. Justin Shorb, Chemistry Faculty member, was asked by the Two Year College Chemistry Consortium (2YC3) of the American Chemical Society to present during an online conference, "Putting Chemical Education Research into Practice." His work in implementing a pedagogical strategy for incorporating an online chemistry textbook and online homework into UVI's General Chemistry sequence, and communications with Sapling Learning, turned heads to UVI to demonstrate effective incorporation of digital media in the classroom. His talk is entitled "Using Online Homework to Create Opportunities for Student-Centered Instruction," May 1, 2013. Dr. Kula A. Francis, “But You Look Like Me: Issues of Assimilation and Social Equity in the U.S. Virgin Islands”, Accepted for Presentation at the 12th Annual Social Equity Leadership Conference – Raleigh, North Carolina (June 5-7). Dr. Maria Delgado presented, “Language Choice and Language Use with Mexican-Origin People in the United States,” University of Turabo, XI Encuentro de Investigadores Conference. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 8 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus Dr. Vincent O. Cooper: Derek Walcott’s work in the Virgin Islands during the 1970s: El Burlador of Seville, The Joker of Seville, and Marie LaVeau. Dr. Cooper’s presentation at the National College English Association in Savannah, GA, on April 7 was evaluated as the best paper in its section, and will be published in CEA Critic literary journal in July 2013. There were 500 conference participants. Dr. Patricia Harkins Pierre, served as an instructor at Daddy’s Girl Creative Writing Workshop, Mobile, AL. She has had poetry and a paper accepted for the Caribbean Studies Association conference, to be presented May 2013. Dr. Simon Jones-Hendrickson, “Size and Survival in the era of Globalization,” presented in Dominica, sponsored by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the National Bank of Dominica and the UWI Open Campus, April 2, 2013. Funded Proposals Dr. Edward Tarver has received funding from the Dept. of Energy Office of Educational Programs at Brookhaven National Laboratory as a Visiting Faculty member this summer working on a project entitled “Alternative Render-safe Procedures for Homemade Explosives.” [$15,000] Dr. David Morris, proposal to the VI Water Resources Research Institute: "Correlating Precipitation Patterns and Erosion Indicators Across the St Thomas Microclimates." [$12,000] Voices of Inspiration Community Choir One of the Presidential Goals for this year was to develop a music program on the St. Croix campus. Ms. Osborne Elliott and Dr. Pricilla Williams were assigned the task of expanding the nascent choir that existed. Given this challenge, Ms. Osborne Elliott sought out the extraordinarily gifted and talented musical director, Ms. Josephine Thomas Lewis to lead the choir to its next level of development. Under her leadership the Voices of Inspiration Community Choir, now 53 voices strong, consists of UVI students, alumni, staff and community members. On April 13 and 14, the Voices of Inspiration Community Choir exceeded everyone’s expectation by performing a variety of well-choreographed selections to include Negro spirituals, jazz, gospel, blues, Caribbean and classical music. The concert, themed A Musical Journey through Time used technologically unique and creative animation and visual graphics to enhance each of three performances. Funding for this endeavor was made possible through the Offices of the President, the Dean of Students and Residence Life. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 9 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus This extraordinary choir is a true testament to the myriad of talent possessed by the institution’s students, the vision of its administration and undeniable place the university holds in this community’s halls of history. WUVI Radio Station During the last reporting period I shared information about the development of our first student operated radio station under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Alexander Randall. I am pleased to add to that previous report by indicating that the station now streams over the internet, and thus can be accessed throughout the world. This is a compelling example of the global reach of the University. In addition, we also have secured the rights to be the exclusive broadcaster in the Virgin Islands of the famous Tom Joyner Morning Show. We are one of two Universities in the nation to have this exclusive arrangement. Dedication of the Sacred Space on the St. Thomas Campus The Center for the Study of Spirituality and Professionalism (CSAP) hosted an official ribbon- cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 18, 2013 to unveil the first Sacred Space on campus. The Sacred Space is available for prayer, meditation, spiritual counseling and gatherings. It is located on the third floor of Penha House. At the opening, members of the CSAP advisory board, faculty, staff, students and persons from the Virgin Islands community came together for this auspicious occasion to share wisdom and exchange insight through various planned activities. Dr. Gerald McDonald, the newest advisory board member, gave a presentation on the topic of “Integrating Spirituality and Religious Ethics.” The event also featured various artists from the University and the Virgin Islands community. Ms. Dara Cooper (UVI Extension Services) recited a poem entitled “Timeless Virtues,” Mr. Gylchris Sprauve (UVI Music Department) sang a beautiful rendition of an African spiritual entitled “This Little Light of Mine” and Ms. Julie Beistline (Violinist) performed two selections during the ceremony. The Sacred Space is a profoundly spiritual site. It exists as a place for peaceful contemplation and to engage our spiritual and ethical views as a direct extension of our faith. A similar space will be identified in the St. Croix campus once the RTPark vacates its existing facilities. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 10 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus CSAP Symposium on Spirituality and Higher Education CSAP hosted a Symposium entitled, “Spirituality and Higher Education” on Friday, April 12, 2013 on St. Thomas with a video link to St. Croix. The symposium consisted of interactive session, question and answer, and panel discussions. The discussions were informative and stimulating. Presenters included Dr. Kathy-Ann Hernandez (Eastern University), Dr. Safiya George Dalmida (Emory University), Dr. Chenzira Davis Kahina (UVI) and Dr. Marla Frederick (Harvard). Group activities were led by Rev. Jennie Alvarez, Ms. Anne Nayer and Mr. David Capriola and the Panelists consisted of various religious leaders within the Virgin Islands community. VI-EPSCoR 2013 Annual Conference and Rededication of the MacLean Marine Science Center VI-EPSCoR hosted its Conference themed Celebrating the Last Five Years of Supporting Research in the Virgin Islands on April 12-13, 2013 on the St. Thomas campus. The William P. MacLean Marine Science Center was rededicated on April 12 as part of the activities of the Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI-EPSCoR). The ceremony marked the completion of major renovations at the Center funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through VI-EPSCoR that included a new oceanographic lab, an expanded seawater system, a boat storage area and improvements in the technical and student scuba diving facilities. Among the approximately 40 people attending the ceremony were dignitaries such as Dr. David Hall, President of UVI, Dr. Denise Barnes, Head of the NSF’s EPSCoR program, Dr. Jeanne Small, NSF EPSCoR Project Officer for the USVI, UVI students, staff and faculty, as well as representatives from local and federal government agencies and members of the community. The Keynote speaker was UVI Retired Professor of Physics, Mr. Roy Watlington. His presentation was titled The VI-EPSCoR Identity, Ultimatum and Necessary Legacy. The ceremony included a featured address by Dr. Jeanne Small, a ribbon cutting, and tours of the new facilities. Charter Day Celebration This year’s Charter Day Celebration was very special as it incorporated the participation of four distinguished alumni: I. Quincy Quinland (‘84), Attorney & UVI Rhodes Scholar; Kwesi Howard (‘01), Deputy U.S. Marshall; Kurt Vialet (’87, ‘92), Arthur Richards Junior High School Principal; and, Aimee Sanchez (‘10), UVI Data Specialist. They provided very compelling testimonies about the impact that UVI had on their professional lives. Both campuses were able to listen to these inspiring stories of how professors, administrators and other students propelled these individuals to greater achievement in life. Dr. LaVerne E. Ragster was presented with her President Emerita certificate during the Charter Day activities. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 11 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus 2013 Commencement The Commencement Ceremonies for 2013 on both campuses were a tremendous success. There was a total of 332 graduates (114 on St. Croix and 218 on St. Thomas) who received associates, bachelors or masters degrees. Former Congressman Kweisi Mfume provided two inspiring messages to our graduates. Honorary degrees were awarded to Ambassador Terrence Todman and Professor George Tyson. On the Sheen campus each mother was presented a rose for Mother’s Day and serenaded by members of the Voices of Inspiration Community Choir. All the music provided for the St. Croix ceremony was by University-led musical groups. Visits to Antigua As a follow up to my March 2013 report to the Board and in keeping with Pathways to Greatness, I visited the State of Antigua and Barbuda along with Dr. Haldane Davies and Ms. Linda Smith and held discussions with Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, Minister for Education Winston Benjamin, and the Principal and students of the Antigua State College to facilitate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Government to provide financial assistance to nationals of the twin island state to attend UVI. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda currently is reviewing a draft MOU of same and we look forward to receiving their response. The government also is considering recognizing UVI as a preferred institution of higher education in a manner similar to that of the University of the West Indies. In addition, a recruitment visit was made to Grenada by former Vice Provost for Access and Enrollment Dr. Judith Edwin, (Interim) Dean College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Simon Jones-Hendrickson, and Ms. Sharlene Harris. A draft MOU between UVI and the Government of Grenada presently is being considered. Visits to St. Maarten and Anguilla are being scheduled for the near future. 13D Entrepreneurial Student Competition In early May, we concluded the second year of the 13D Entrepreneurial Student Competition with three winners receiving prize money ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. The first place winner’s plan provided for the development of an aquaponics shrimp farm on St. Croix. We also disclosed the winner of the new 13D High School Competition, which was comprised of students from various high schools throughout the territory. A student from Antilles, who has developed an aquaponics store was the first place winner. Dr. Glenn Metts was instrumental in ensuring that both competitions were well-managed, inspiring and successful. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 12 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus UVI Chess Team Competes in Scholastic Chess Competition Our newly formed UVI Chess Team participated in the Scholastic Chess Competition. The UVI team, which is coached by Board Trustee Sinclair L. Wilkinson, placed first in the Senior Division. The team consists of Nkosi Jones, Bruce Rhyner, Brandon Rhymer, and Stefan Todman. Alfred Heath Lecture Series Harvard Law School Professor Charles Ogletree provided the keynote address for the Alfred Heath Lecture on both campuses in early April. His theme was “The Impact of President Obama’s Reelection on Gun Violence in the Virgin Islands.” Both events were well attended and various approaches for reducing gun violence in the Virgin Islands and the mainland were explored, debated and discussed. Professor Ogletree was very generous with his time and met with various groups and individuals during his visit, including a set of Harvard Law School alumni who presently live and work in the Virgin Islands. Shooting on Albert Sheen Campus On Friday April 19, 2013, there was an unfortunate incident on the Albert A. Sheen campus wherein Troy Joseph was shot and later died after attending a campus activity. Despite the extra security that was on hand that evening, someone robbed and murdered Mr. Joseph. Although Mr. Joseph was not a student at UVI, we all mourn his loss. The University has cooperated closely with the VIPD in regards to this terrible incident. This death is another stark reminder of the need for our recently launched Anti-Violence and Peace Initiative. President’s Appreciation Awards - WUVI and Voices of Inspiration Choir Though prior Presidential Appreciation Awards have been presented to staff, faculty and administrative units, this time presentations are to two student-based groups which have provided exceptional achievement during this period. The Voices of Inspiration Community Choir and the WUVI Radio Station are two student-led activities that have exceeded our expectations in a short period of time. At the June Board meeting in 2012 neither of these activities nor organizations existed. In less than a year, both have transformed the culture of the University in ways that could not be predicted. They have become defining features of UVI’s present and its future. Therefore, I enthusiastically present the Presidential Appreciation Award to these two student groups. I also wish to recognize the leadership and supervision of Dr. Alex Randall and Ms. Josephine Thomas Lewis. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 13 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus PART II: PATHWAY TO GREATNESS INITIATIVES AND ACTIVITIES ACADEMIC QUALITY AND EXCELLENCE • Developed and implemented a music program on St. Croix, including classes and a student choral group. Outside of the scope of CLASS (but to be included next semester), we have the Voices of Inspiration Community Choir. We are currently negotiating terms of reference to move the Choir (from a one-time funded event) to a full-time activity under the umbrella of CLASS. This semester we offered Music 132, Concert Band and Music 134, Steel Band Ensemble. Music 133, Jazz Ensemble will be offered during the Summer Session. • The Eastern Caribbean Center (ECC) delivered the 2011 Parent Satisfaction Survey for Special Education Services report to the VI State Office of Special Education (SOSE). This annual survey of all parents of children receiving special education services in the St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix school districts is the only comprehensive study of special education services in the Territory. This is the 5th year that ECC has conducted this essential study for the VI State Office of Special Education Services. • The Horticulture & Aquaculture program leader presented workshops on all three islands on fruit tree propagation with training in grafting mango and avocado trees with over 105 participants. He conducted training on vegetable crop production in Myanmar on a volunteer assignment for USAID Farmer to Farmer program and trained 21 participants. • The Director of Animal Science Program of the Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) served as the President of the Southern Section of the American Society of Animal Science for 2012-2013 and organized the annual meeting held in Orlando, FL in February 2013 which hosted over 200 attendees. • Three UVI students studied organic production of tomatoes, learned rootstocks and scion interactions in mango and avocado, and conducted research on water use in pepper production. One student also completed a second trial on pre-emergence herbicides for weed control in watermelon. • The Aquaculture Research Specialist trained 49 participants in three 3-day “UVI Aquaponics Workshop” classes. Participants attended from St. Croix, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, Antigua, Anguilla, Barbados, Bermuda, Cape Verde Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Israel, and the US mainland. The UVI-AES project continues to be the lead USA public- research institution in aquaponic technology. • The Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center (SBDC) collaborated with several organizations to provide training courses and to obtain information on topics such as financial resources, surety bonding, taxes, the Americans with Disabilities Act, technology, the farming and fishing industry. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 14 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus • Students used tissue culture techniques to induce somatic embryos in 4 sorrel varieties, studied water relations in 3 native tree species, studied seed germination of papaya, and evaluated the fruit quality of 15 papaya varieties. • Students within AES presented research papers and research results in the student competition at the Southern Region-American Society for Horticultural Science conference and the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists in the undergraduate student paper competition in February, and in the UVI Student Research Symposium which resulted in being featured in the St. Croix newspaper. • The Horticulture & Aquaculture program obtained a $11,998 grant from WRRI-USGS “Plant Nutrient Management in Aquaponic System for Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) Production”. This grant will study the effects of nutrient supplementation with foliar sprays on the production of zucchini. • SBDC is serving as the official training division for the Economic Development Authority— State Trade and Export Promotion grant; is collaborating with Rare Earth Studio in offering monthly two-hour training workshops designed for participants to learn about the many facets of the lucrative fine jewelry industry; has been visiting Hispanic businesses in the community to discuss VI SBDC and SBA programs and services that are available to small business owners; and provided QuickBooks training to administrative staff at the Bureau of Corrections/Golden Grove Facility. STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUCCESS • The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority and Veolia Water North America – Caribbean pledged $50,000 to establish the Sonya D. Nelthropp Scholarship Fund at UVI. Ms. Nelthropp, the first Executive Director of the VI Waste Management Authority, passed away in April 2012. • The Office of Institutional Advancement coordinated two fundraising events as part of the 2013 Man-Up Conference, February 4 (St. Thomas) and February 5 (St. Croix). Over 75 donors participated in the events which netted over $45,000 to establish an endowed fund for programmatic support for the UVI Male Initiative. The Man-Up Conference Keynote Speaker, Dr. Benjamin Carson, was the featured special guest of these events. • The Annual Giving and Alumni Affairs office partnered with Student Affairs and the Class of 2013 leaders, to conduct exit interviews of graduating seniors. These face-to-face interviews allow over 300 prospective students to share their UVI experience and be directly solicited for a class gift. Special interview sessions were held for 3-2 engineering and medical students via telephone. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 15 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus • The Center for Marine and Environmental Studies’ Institute for Geo-computational Analysis and Statistics (GeoCAS) engaged the students of the Seventh Day Adventist School in a presentation, discussion and work session on issues relating to Climate Change. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND GLOBALIZATION • The Security Department on the St. Thomas campus has established new lines of communication with Cyril E. King Airport officials. UVI Security Officers now are included within the airport’s emergency response notification protocols if an event occurs at the airport. Additionally, airport officials are part of UVI’s emergency notification protocols for events on campus. The St. Thomas Security staff worked closely with Cyril E. King Airport personnel, Port Authority, and TSA staff during an Airport Emergency Drill simulating an airplane crash on the runway on February 1, 2013. The Department is working closely with VIPD and VITEMA to enhance the training of officers expected to respond and handle any school or campus incident or report of violence. UVI also is included in the dissemination of intelligence briefs, classified and unclassified, that would be vital to the safety of the campus and the island communities. • The Annual Giving and Alumni Affairs office continues to connect with alumni and friends. On February 1, 2013, the Alumni e-Bulletin, which highlights campus-related articles to include campus events, semester schedules, and alumni interests was distributed to over 5,000 alumni throughout the USVI, the Caribbean and the U.S. mainland. • The University of the Virgin Islands, the Office of the Delegate to Congress and the Medical University of South Carolina hosted a planning meeting for the 7th Annual National Conference on Health Disparities on March 28, 2013. The planning meeting brought University stakeholders, community groups and government agencies together to discuss the conference agenda and focus areas. Representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, the Office of the Governor, the UVI’s Caribbean Center for Exploratory Research, the Office of Institutional Advancement, the Office of the Delegate to Congress and a 10-person delegation from the Medical University of South Carolina participated in the meeting. The Annual National Conference on Health Disparities will take place October 2013 in St. Thomas. • ECC completed data collection for the 2012 Virgin Islands Community Survey (VICS). This update to the VI 2010 Census provides population and housing data needed by local government agencies and private-sector businesses for planning. The published report of the 2012 VICS is slated to be released by the end of the calendar year. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 16 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus • The majority of units within Research and Public service presented displays at the Agriculture and Food Fair on February 16-18, Afternoon on the Green on March 10, Charter Day on March 15, UVI Research Day on April 6 and participated in the 2013 Bordeaux Farmers Rastafarian Agricultural and Cultural Food Fair. The displays highlighted the research activities within each area and provided opportunities for the public to interact with research faculty, staff and students employed in each RPS unit. • The Cooperative Extension Service (CES) conducted three Basic Computer Training Courses for 50 participants from March 4-April 18; held their official introductory training of their new national resource eXtension.org on March 26-27; had staff participate in the Man-Up Conference; and held the CYFAR/SCP Advisory Council meeting during this period. The unit also conducted sewing classes; held nutrition education sessions at Head Start facilities and elementary schools; continued a weight management class; participated in the Health Fair held on the Albert A. Sheen Campus; provided workforce training to seniors through a grant from Human Services; and, continued with the VI Farmer Training Program. Staff is in the process of composing a factsheet for management of the mango seed weevil. • The University of the Virgin Islands celebrated the 24th year of hosting Afternoon on the Green on the Herman E. Moore Golf Course on March 10. This year’s theme was “For Many, We Are One, on a Pathway to Greatness.” Over 3,000 people participated in the festivities which included live music, a taste competition and a tent filled with interactive educational displays. • The Development Office partnered with the Business Division in hosting prominent businesswoman, entrepreneur and philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis, for UVI’s inaugural presentation of the 13D Entrepreneurship Speaker Series, on March 18, in the Administration and Conference Center on the St. Thomas campus. She was named the “Top Business Woman in America” in 1995 by Working Woman Magazine. She spoke on the topic “Corporate Governance and Ethics.” • Reichhold Center for the Arts hosted artist residencies for over 600 local students in conjunction with wildly popular performances by internationally reknowned jazz artist Najee and Cirque Zuma Zuma, an African circus. MODERN AND SAFE UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENT • The new campus shuttle was placed into operation on March 11, 2013 on the St. Thomas campus. The older shuttle was taken off-line for mechanical repairs and refurbishing. Despite the absence of one of the shuttles commuters are being served and transportation issues are addressed. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 17 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus • The electronic gates on both campuses are installed and online with periodic testing implementation of the systems. The testing is being conducted in preparation for trial usage during the Summer Sessions with anticipated full scale operation and use with resident Student ID cards in Fall 2013. • A Committee is being formed to review the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) draft documents entitled Chemical Hygiene Plan Safety Manuals and health and safety protocols which would eventually be forwarded for approval as official University of the Virgin Islands guidance documents. The goal is to develop and fine tune the EHS manuals and guidance documents to a level that is state of the art and can be implemented within the University’s goals and strategic plans thereby enabling the University’s campuses to be safer and in compliance with federal and local regulations. ORGANIZATIONAL AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT • The Special Events Director (IA) with his counterparts at Whittier College, Claremont Graduate University, and Oregon University of Health Sciences prepared a panel on collaboration to be presented at the national CASE CFR conference in San Francisco, June 5-7, 2013. • On March 11 and 13, the Vice President for Administration and Finance was one of the featured speakers at the 2013 Resolving Ethical Issues in the Workplace workshop hosted by the Center for the Study of Spirituality & Professionalism. Vice President Lake-King spoke on the topic Key Roles and Responsibilities in Ethics Management, which was well received by the UVI community and members of the public sector. • The Accounting and Purchasing Offices held the second series of Financial Policies workshops on Monday, April 15 on the St. Thomas campus and Wednesday, April 17 on the St. Croix Campus. The workshop highlighted important policy guidelines on the fiduciary responsibilities of the University and its employees with emphasis on the following areas: employee fiscal roles, business conduct and ethics, changes to travel, per-diem, moving and relocation expenses, procurement & corporate credit cards usage, and purchasing and bidding thresholds. • Human Resources conducted 2 two-session information workshops on April 1 & 2 on each campus, on the new HR Policy Manual to highlight changes, re-emphasize existing policies and provide clarification as needed. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 18 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND GROWTH • The University raised over $1M this quarter (between February 1 – May 3). Donors designated their support to a number of key areas including the Unrestricted Fund, the Reichhold Center for the Arts, scholarships, the athletic department and the Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands. • SBDC received an $8,000 annual contribution from First Bank VI. This contribution which is offered through their community reinvestment initiative supports outreach, training, and other small business and SBDC-related activities. • Reichhold Center for the Arts recognized a 51 percent increase over budged concession sales in the first and second quarters. • Reichhold Center for the Arts improved communications between Accounting and RCA and implemented new and improved schedules for submitting and processing revenue and expenses. • The Director of Corporate, Foundation and Government Relations (IA) continues to meet regularly with UVI leadership and key faculty members to acquaint them with the role of the office and learn more about their needs and to respond to requests for assistance or information about grant possibilities. • The Director of Corporate, Foundation and Government Relations (IA) continued integrating CFR prospects and contacts with other IA offices using Raiser’s Edge and other tools to ensure accurate record-keeping and seamless interaction with other IA operations and staff. • The Director of Campus Operations (St. Thomas) presented a textbook rental proposal to the academic Deans on April 8, 2013. The purpose of the presentation was to recommend a pilot textbook program, recommend general guidelines for a sustainable textbook rental program, propose general criteria for evaluating the economic feasibility of the pilot program and the recommendation for the establishment of a cross-campus Textbook Advisory Committee. The Directors of Campus Operations will work collaboratively with the Deans and faculty chairs to identify selected textbooks for the pilot program in Fall 2013. • The Director of Corporate, Foundation and Government Relations (IA) developed a list of 53 corporate and foundation prospects (more than double the number in the previous report), with cultivation and stewardship steps for soliciting grants from them, including any foundation deadlines. He continues to expand and update this portfolio in response to emerging needs of the University. In the calendar year to date, four proposals have been submitted, which if funded would bring in an amount just under $300,000. In addition, two letters of inquiry have been submitted and six proposals are in active stages of development. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: March 10, 2013 – June 14, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 19 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on June 15, 2013 St. Thomas Campus • During the 2013 Agrifest event, the Office of Annual Giving and Alumni Affairs and a team of volunteers secured a record $4,072 from 990 alumni. Ms. Lucy Edmonds, a UVI honor student secured more than 10 percent of the funds raised. • During the second quarter ending March 31, the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) processed fifteen proposals and 9 awards. • The Director of Special Events (IA) continued the process of introducing major foundations to UVI and its programs. This included attending one regional and one national conference on the mainland: the District II annual conference of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) held in Pittsburgh March 3-5; and, the Council on Foundations national conference, held in Chicago April 8-10, 2013. • For this reporting period, the alumni giving rate stands at 24.94 percent compared to 13.18 percent last fiscal year. A total of 1,750 gifts were received from 1,556 donors. Despite the economic downturn, a total of $57,834 in contributions have been received, an 11.61 percent increase.