Nettleford to retire next year
published: Tuesday | January 14, 2003
Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Rex Nettleford (seated at centre), talks with David Holmes (left), chairman of the International Committee, International Meeting of University Administrators, at the official opening of the 14th IMUA at the UWI and UTech, January 5-9. Looking on are Rae Davis (seated right), President of UTech, and standing Gloria Barrett-Sobers (right) chairperson of the local organising committee and Diane Mitchell, co-chair. - Contributed
PROFESSOR REX Nettleford, author, choreographer and intellectual, is due to retire as Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI) in July of next year.
The University is currently in the process of seeking a suitable candidate to replace him as the head of its three campuses.
Professor Nettleford became Vice Chancellor in October of 1998, succeeding Sir Alister McIntyre. Prior to his appointment, he was the first person to occupy the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor in 1997.
According to a University official, though his tenure was initially intended to run until July 31, 2000, he was twice asked to continue as the head of the institution. His term now ends on July 31, 2004.
Professor Nettleford, who joined the UWI staff in 1956, has held a diverse range of positions. He has acted as staff tutor in Political Education, Director of Studies in the Trade Union Institute, lecturer in the Department of Government and taught at the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communications (CARIMAC) at the Mona campus.
A Rhodes Scholar, who studied politics at Oxford University, he also has the distinction of being the first graduate of the University of the West Indies to become Vice Chancellor.
In the search to fill the gap that will be left by Professor Nettleford, the University has highlighted the requirements necessary for consideration for the post. It has stated that the new Vice Chancellor should have 'a distinguished record of academic achievement, successful administrative experience' and a capacity to "provide leadership and vision to the University."
