The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica. Wednesday, March 19, 2025—In a celebration that blended tradition with modernity, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) installed Dr the Most Honourable Dodridge D. Miller as its 7th Chancellor on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The event marked "A New Innings" in the University's leadership history, welcoming Dr Miller, a distinguished UWI graduate with over 30 years of experience in banking, insurance, and financial services. The traditional ceremony is an important rite that signifies the conferment of authority and formally welcomes the Chancellor into the University system—a global tradition practised by many universities worldwide.
"I have always held The UWI in the highest regard and could not easily ignore its call to serve. It is with deep humility and immense honour that I accepted this appointment,” Chancellor Miller stated in his inaugural address at the cricket-themed ceremony. "Much like a seasoned cricketer, I will take my guard, assess the field, and observe the conditions before making any bold moves."
He emphasised the importance of the University in shaping the Caribbean's future and highlighted the collective responsibility of Caribbean citizens to champion regional institutions, declaring, "The UWI has educated the majority of our region's leaders; it is, therefore, our collective responsibility to safeguard the standards that the region rightfully deserves."
As the highest official in the UWI system, in accordance with Statute 4 of The UWI Charter, Statutes and Ordinances, the Chancellor presides over the University Council, the institution's main governance body. The Vice-Chancellor, Campus Principals, and the executive management team are responsible for managing the university.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles noted the significance of Chancellor Miller's selection in the context of The UWI's strategic direction and the distinction between executive management and governance. The UWI, he said, is progressing towards a hybrid university model that combines academic and entrepreneurial elements, exemplified by the appointment of a distinguished alumnus with a successful corporate background.
Vice-Chancellor Beckles remarked endearingly, "Ladies and gentlemen, by securing the services of the honourable Dr Miller, we believe we have not only struck gold but also discovered oil, aluminium, and rare earth minerals. We hold him in high regard, just as he respects us. His dedication to this University has been evident in various ways over the decades. We will benefit from his toughness and tenacity, as well as his wisdom and work ethic."
During the ceremonial proceedings, student guild presidents from the University's five campuses assisted in robing the new Chancellor in his regalia. Professor Densil Williams, the longest-serving Principal and Pro Vice-Chancellor from the Mona Campus, donned his official bonnet. Finally, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, the Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, presented a wooden mace symbolising the University's authority, marking the completion of the installation.
The evening was a true celebration of the rich cultural heritage of a university deeply rooted in the Caribbean. Barbados' national Police Service band provided musical accompaniment for a flag procession that included the Barbados Cadet Corps and a procession of university academics. Musical performances featured a stirring rendition of "Rally Round the West Indies" by The UWI Dance Ensemble and the Cave Hill Blackbirds Big Band. Additionally, the ensemble performed "I Am Alive" alongside Red Plastic Bag and the Cavite Chorale.
Another highlight included endorsements and greetings from various regional stakeholders, including the West Indies Group of University Teachers (WIGUT), students, the principals of all five UWI campuses, and representatives from other tertiary institutions. The Honourable Ms. C. Sandra Husbands, Barbados' Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training (with responsibility for Higher Education), concluded that segment with remarks on behalf of the Prime Minister of Barbados and Head of Government within CARICOM, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley. Minister Husbands conveyed Chancellor Miller's "fullest backing" from the Barbados government. She emphasised that he is a son of the soil, and the nation takes great pride in him. "He is well-placed and exceptionally well-suited to lead The UWI, connecting his financial and entrepreneurial accomplishments to our region's growth agenda," she stated.
Additional Information
For more information about the installation ceremony and to watch catch the recorded broadcast, please visit www.uwi.edu/chancellor-installation
The recoded broadcast of the installation ceremony for UWI Chancellor, Dr the Most Honourable Dodridge D. Miller is accessible here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14tfYE6vx8/
High resolution photos available here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC5TDM
Photo captions:
- Student Guild Presidents from the five campuses assist in robing the new Chancellor in his regalia during the ceremonial proceedings.
- Professor Densil Williams, the longest-serving Principal and Pro Vice-Chancellor from the Mona Campus, dons his official bonnet.
- Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, presents a wooden mace symbolising the University's authority, marking the completion of the installation.
- Chancellor Miller delivers his inaugural address at his installation ceremony on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
- The Barbados National Police Service band provides a lively atmosphere during the installation ceremony.
- The celebration featured exciting musical performances by the Cave Hill Blackbirds Big Band.
