Williams new Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal at UWI Five Islands

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has announced the appointment of Professor Densil A. Williams as Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of its Five Islands Campus, located in Antigua and Barbuda.

His appointment was approved by the University Council at its meeting on May 13 and the university says the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has indicated its keenness to work with Williams in advancing the Five Islands Campus as a key objective within The UWI’s strategic plan.

His appointment is for a period of three years, commencing the 2020/2021 academic year and he has accepted the position in addition to his current portfolio as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic, Industry Partnerships and Planning at The UWI.

The university says the decision of assigning this dual role is part of its cost-cutting and containment strategy due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The regional university is reviewing the structure and cost of leadership at the campus level and the selection of a new principal for Five Islands Campus is central to this review.

In this instance, the merging of portfolios for Williams will allow him to integrate the future of the Five Islands Campus within a broader “ONE UWI” strategy.

Prior to his appointment, Professor Williams was one of the lead authors of The UWI Five Islands Campus’ feasibility study which was approved by the University Council.

He has remained active in the affairs of the Five Islands Campus and is chair of its infrastructure committee, which negotiated with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for a grant of over US$20million to build out the Campus’ infrastructure.

During his tenure as Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, Williams will provide leadership on multiple strategic objectives, including project management in order to maintain compliance with the business model on which the campus was established; maintaining effective operations; and collaborating with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in building out a cost-effective infrastructure and human resource architecture.

Williams succeeds Professor Stafford A. Griffith who took on the role as Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal from August 15, 2019.

Professor Griffith’s tenure ends on July 31.

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