The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) mourns the passing of its third president, Dr. Orville E. Kean, who was appointed by the UVI Board of Trustees to serve as President in 1990. He held the position for 12 years until his retirement in 2002. In recognition of his accomplishments, leadership, and impact on the development of the University during his tenure, Dr. Kean was conferred the status of President Emeritus upon his retirement.
"I join the UVI family in mourning the passing of a great and inspirational leader, who dedicated his entire professional career to educating students and to leading this University with distinction and compassion," said UVI President Dr. Safiya George. "On behalf of the UVI family, I offer deep condolences to Dr. Kean’s wife Juliette, daughter Dr. Catherine Kean, son Michael Kean, and to the entire family. The University and the territory have lost a great intellectual, a man with a warm and generous heart, and a visionary leader."
"The Virgin Islands has lost one of its precious treasures, who leaves behind a legacy of hope and achievement," said UVI Board of Trustees Vice Chair Oran C. Roebuck. "Throughout his career, Dr. Kean worked on initiatives and programs that provided fruitful opportunities for our students to thrive at home and abroad. We are forever grateful to Dr. Kean for his tireless service to this institution and offer heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones."
Dr. Kean is remembered for many milestones during his presidency. He led the University through the recovery from Hurricanes Hugo in 1989 and Marilyn in 1995, while significantly improving and advancing both the physical and institutional infrastructure. He successfully undertook the planning and completion of major capital projects that transformed UVI into a modern institution. These projects included a research and extension center on St. Croix, a water production system on St. Thomas, residence halls on both campuses, a Department of Information Technology, video telephone conference rooms, a music education center, an underground electrical system, and the opening of the Sports and Fitness Center on St. Thomas in 2001.
Dr. Kean set UVI on a course to become a leader in economic development in the Territory. Under his innovative leadership, UVI received legislative approval to establish the Research and Technology Park (RT Park) on St. Croix. The RTPark has attracted approximately 70 companies to the Territory, providing significant benefits to the local economy. Notably, one of the largest donations to the University, a $5 million contribution from Investment Strategist and Entrepreneur Kiril Sokoloff, founder of 13D Research, was made possible through the RTPark, enabling the creation of an outstanding Entrepreneurship Program.
Dr. Kean began his career at the then College of the Virgin Islands as a Professor of Mathematics in 1966. He advanced through various roles, including Vice Chair of the Science and Mathematics Division, Dean of Instruction, Acting Director of the Caribbean Research Institute, Executive Vice President, and Director of the Eastern Caribbean Center, ultimately serving as Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs.
In 2021, UVI's St. Thomas Campus was renamed the “Dr. Orville E. Kean Campus of the University of the Virgin Islands” to honor his extensive service and contributions to the University and the Virgin Islands. Legislation to rename the campus was sponsored by Sen. Myron Jackson and adopted by the 33rd Legislature in Dec. 2020. On Jan. 5, 2021, Gov. Albert Bryan, Jr. signed into law Act 8408, honoring Dr. Kean for his significant contributions to the University.
The University will announce arrangements to commemorate his passing as information becomes available. Donations in honor of Dr. Kean should be made to the Orville Kean Endowment via this link https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/VLQYJg?vid=1got8f or call (340) 693-1040 for more information.
For more information or to reach Dr. Catherine Kean, please contact UVI Director for Public Relations Tamika Thomas Williams at tamika.thomaswilliams@uvi.edu or (340) 693-1056.
