UWI appoints new Pro-Vice Chancellor

The University of the West Indies (UWI) has announced the appointment of Professor Canute Thompson as the new Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Board of Undergraduate Studies, effective October 1, 2024. Professor Thompson, who specializes in educational policy, planning, and leadership, currently serves as the Director of the Caribbean Centre for Educational Planning (CCEP).

He has also held the position of Project Director for the UWI Governance Recommendation and Implementation Committee from 2022 to 2024. In his upcoming role, he will be responsible for advancing policy development and ensuring quality assurance across all undergraduate and sub-degree programs at UWI and its affiliates both regionally and globally.

Professor Thompson’s academic credentials are extensive. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Administration and Leadership, awarded with high commendation, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies from UWI. Additionally, he earned a Master of Arts with honors from Eden Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts with honors from UWI. His qualifications also include a Certificate in Educational Sector Planning from the International Institute for Educational Planning and a Management Consultant International Certificate from the Council of Management Consulting Institutes. His professional experience encompasses leadership coaching and management consulting for various organizations, including UNESCO, UNICEF, and the Inter-American Development Bank.

In terms of scholarly contributions, Professor Thompson has an impressive publication record that includes seven single-authored books, one co-authored monograph, four co-edited books, and numerous journal articles. He has presented at over thirty conferences and has published more than 200 articles in newspapers. His academic mentorship includes supervising six doctoral candidates and twenty-six Master of Education students. He has also played a significant role in developing new academic programs and courses at the Mona Campus, as well as founding initiatives such as the Caribbean Leadership Re-Imagination Initiative and the Philosophy of Education Movement of the Caribbean.

Professor Thompson has received multiple accolades for his work, including six UWI Mona Campus Principal’s Awards for various achievements in research and publication. Notably, he was recognized with a bronze medal in the Independent Publishers’ Book Awards for his book, “Education and Development: Policy Imperatives for Jamaica and the Caribbean.” His leadership roles extend beyond academia, having co-chaired the Vice-Chancellor’s Re-Imagining UWI Committee and served on several editorial boards. He is also the founding President of the Jamaica Chapter of the Caribbean Institute of Certified Management Consultants.

The UWI community, via statement, extended congratulations to Professor Thompson on his new appointment, recognizing his significant contributions to the field of education.