During its regular quarterly meeting on Saturday, June 27, 2026, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Board of Trustees unanimously reelected Henry Smock to serve as chairman of the Board of Trustees for the 2026–2027 Board year and elected Dr. Bert Petersen, Jr. to serve as vice chair. The meeting was held in the LaVerne Ragster Administration and Conference Center Building on the University's Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas.

The elections were held following the recommendation of the Board's Governance Committee and were approved unanimously without additional nominations.

In accepting his reelection, Chairman Smock reflected on his decades of service to UVI, noting that he has been appointed and reappointed by five governors of the U.S. Virgin Islands, beginning with Governor Roy Lester Schneider. He also shared that the coming year will be his final term as chairman before concluding his service on the Board.

"UVI has always been my first love," Smock said. "I appreciate the confidence the Board has placed in me, and I look forward to serving during my final year as chairman."

Vice Chair Petersen thanked his fellow trustees for their confidence and reaffirmed his commitment to the University's continued progress.

"This University helped launch my career, and I remain deeply committed to its future," Dr. Petersen said.

Chairman Smock also paid special tribute to outgoing Trustee and former Vice Chair Oran Roebuck, recognizing her 11 years of distinguished service and steadfast leadership on the UVI Board of Trustees.

Appointed by Governor Kenneth E. Mapp in 2015 and reappointed by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. in 2021, Roebuck played an instrumental role in advancing the University's mission through her service as former Vice Chair of the Board, Chair of the Finance and Budget Committee, Chair of the Planning Committee, a member of the Executive Committee, and a member of the Presidential Search Committee that led to the successful selection of President Dr. Safiya George.

Chairman Smock also recognized Roebuck's leadership in helping spearhead the committee that worked with the Governor and the Virgin Islands Legislature to implement the University's Free Tuition Program, as well as her longstanding commitment to community service throughout the Territory.

In recognition of her distinguished service, the Board unanimously approved a motion by Vice Chair Dr. Petersen, naming Roebuck Trustee Emeritus, an honor recognizing her exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to the University.

Chairman Smock thanked Roebuck for her unwavering dedication, noting that her years of service helped shape important Board decisions, strengthen the University's governance, and position UVI for continued growth and success.

During the meeting, President Dr. Safiya George presented her quarterly report highlighting the University's continued momentum in enrollment growth, student success, academic excellence, research and strategic initiatives.

Among the highlights presented to the Board were:

  • Spring 2026 enrollment totaled 1,683 students, while early Fall 2026 enrollment is currently tracking 14.8 percent ahead of the same period last year.
  • Undergraduate enrollment is up 13.8 percent, and graduate enrollment is up 23.8 percent compared with Fall 2025, reflecting continued success in student recruitment and retention.
  • UVI was recognized nationally with the 2026 Education Advisory Board (EAB) Student Journey Award for its innovative use of technology, data and cross-campus collaboration to improve enrollment, student success and career outcomes.
  • Student success initiatives continue to expand, including the Summer Retention Boost program, increased experiential learning opportunities, the placement of seven students through the National Student Exchange, and targeted recruitment, retention and advising initiatives led by the University's Strategic Enrollment Management Committee.

 

Following the presentation of these enrollment and student success highlights, President George reaffirmed the University's commitment to supporting students throughout every stage of their educational journey.

"Our Fall 2026 enrollment is looking promising, with a robust number of applications," President George said. "Our goal is to ensure students receive outstanding support from application through graduation. While we know there is always room for improvement, we remain committed to strengthening every step of the student experience."

During Saturday’s meeting, the Board also approved revisions to the General Health Requirements and Operations of the Health Services Center Policy, updating the University's student health requirements to strengthen and standardize health protocols across both campuses while supporting a healthy and safe campus environment. The updated policy streamlines health compliance by:

  • Eliminating routine laboratory testing requirements, including complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis (UA), and fasting blood glucose (FBG), for incoming students.
  • Replacing the mandatory tuberculosis (TB) skin test with a risk-based tuberculosis screening tool, consistent with current American College Health Association (ACHA) recommendations.
  • Requiring all new and transfer students to complete a UVI Health Questionnaire and report changes in their health status.
  • Streamlining physical examination requirements for commuter and residential students while maintaining required immunization standards.
  • Reducing unnecessary out-of-pocket costs for students while continuing to support a healthy and safe campus environment.

 

Trustees also received a presentation from the Planning Committee on the University's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), providing an update on institutional performance measures that support strategic planning, accountability, and continuous improvement.

 

Following the regular session, the Board convened in Executive Session. Upon returning to open session, Chairman Smock reported that the Board:

  • Considered tenure recommendations and a special tenure request.
  • Received updates from the Audit Committee.
  • Approved a resolution clarifying the Virgin Islands Higher Education Scholarship Program eligibility requirements and the administration of scholarship funds.
  • Reviewed governing documents for the UVI at USM Foundation.
  • Approved a resolution clarifying full-time, on-ground tuition rates to ensure consistency with previously approved Board tuition actions.
  • Reviewed an agreement for a cloud-based software platform to improve financial operational efficiency
  • Authorized the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to engage an independent retirement plan consultant to assess the University's retirement programs.
  • Reviewed financial policies
  • Received updates on personnel and legal matters.

 

The Board's next regular quarterly meeting is scheduled for Oct. 17, 2026.