Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

O'Meally-Nelson

Dr. Blossom O'Meally-Nelson, pro-chancellor of the University of Technology (UTech), is to deliver her resignation letter to Minister of Education Andrew Holness today, even as she insists that the correct procedures were not followed in removing her from the institution.

Dr. O'Meally-Nelson was asked by Mr. Holness to resign last year, after investigations had shown that there were differences in personality and management style between her and UTech President Professor Errol Morrison.

When she failed to resign, a letter was sent to her in November thanking her for her service.

'Not interested in staying'

But Dr. O'Meally-Nelson was adamant that she had not received the letter. She took the issue to the media on Friday and further discussions were held between her and Mr. Holness, where she agreed to formally resign from the university.

"The minister asked me to resign and I have agreed in the interest of allowing the governance of the university to function," Dr. O'Meally-Nelson told The Gleaner yesterday.

She noted that even if the proper procedures were followed and she were to be reinstated, she would decline the offer.

"I will not be interested in staying because of the way I was treated," she said.

Dr. O'Meally Nelson, who is the chair of the University Council, said she served the institution for close to 18 years because of the love she has for education.

"It is not a paid position. I only get board fees. I have never benefited financially from the university," she said.

When contacted yesterday, Professor Morrison, who took up office last March, said he would not comment as "there is no issue".

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com