KINGSTON, Jamaica – The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) has embarked on a multinational campaign to boost its overseas network, by establishing links with academic institutions, Jamaicans in the Diaspora, and collaborate with a range of stakeholders, including alumni. The initiative, which is a part of the University’s multifaceted sustainability plan, will feature a visit to the United Kingdom from November 17 to 27.
Led by new President, Professor the Hon. Errol Morrison, OJ, and hosted by UTech Chancellor, Lord Morris of Handsworth and Jamaica’s High Commission in London, the team will meet with representatives of several international private and public sector agencies and academic institutions including the London South Bank University and University of Staffordshire.
The launch of ‘Friends of UTech’, a London-based alumni grouping, will coincide with the visit, which is sponsored in part by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS).
According to Professor Morrison, the visit will introduce UTech to the UK’s major players in academia, research and other areas relevant to the strategic direction and programs offered by the forty-nine year old institution.
“With emerging competition and increased demands on limited state resources, UTech is driving its own initiatives to increase technological, financial, and knowledge-based partnerships that will boost its ability to offer programs that are technologically current and academically superior; specific to global trends, and in line with the region’s developmental needs,” the UTech President stated.
UTech enjoys excellent standing as the Caribbean’s leading academic institution in the disciplines of Pharmacy, the Built Environment, Engineering, Hospitality, and Tourism. It boasts the only School of Architecture in the English speaking Caribbean, and the oldest and largest School of Pharmacy.
The institution, which started as the Jamaica Institute of Technology, in 1958 and one year later converted to the College of Arts, Science, and Technology (CAST) gained university status 12 years ago.
UTech, a training ground for Jamaican Olympic track and field athletes, is possibly the only University in the world with a record eight Olympians enrolled in its training program. The athletes accounted for some 25% of Jamaica’s medals at the 2004 Olympic Games, and took home more medals than 183 countries participating in the World Championships in Helsinki, Finland, in 2005.
The school has maintained this impressive sporting program, through its Maximising Velocity and Power ‘MVP’ Club, which has produced the world’s fastest man, Asafa Powell; and outstanding female athletes, Sherone Simpson and Bridget Foster-Hylton.
“To enhance this enviable position, it is important to maintain international linkages with institutions and organizations in other countries in a bid foster knowledge exchange that results in mutual advancements at the student, academic and administrative levels,” Professor Morrison asserted.
“Our meeting with the London South Bank University is in keeping with this direction as the University has programs with components similar to several offered by UTech. So, collaborations between the two universities have outstanding potential benefits for faculty and students. Key faculty and administrative personnel will lead discussion in this area. And, we will also have talks on initiatives to complement our sporting programme,” he added.
Members of the UTech delegation include: the Hon. Dorothy Pine-McLarty, UTech Council member; Claire Sutherland, Special Assistant, International and Institutional Relations; Hector Wheeler, Manager, Advancement Unit; Michelle Beckford, Manager Corporate Communications, and Anthony Davis, Sports Director.
