The UWI welcomed staff to new leadership positions, including recently appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the St. Augustine Campus, Professor Brian Copeland; the new Pro Vice-Chancellor of Planning, Professor Densil Williams; and Ambassador Dr. Richard Bernal, the new Pro Vice-Chancellor of Global Affairs.
Professor
Brian Copeland
Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, St. Augustine
BSc (Eng) (UWI), MSc (Toronto), PhD (USC)
Prof. Copeland is a distinguished scholar, an experienced engineer, and respected university administrator. He coordinated the Steelpan Initiatives Project (SIP) which saw the development and patenting of the G-Pan and the Percussive Harmonic instrument (P.H.I.): electronic forms of the traditional steelpan. Prof. Copeland has won many awards, including being the first ever recipient of the Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, the nation’s highest honour. He has served The UWI in many roles, including as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. Prof. Copeland is known for demonstrating concern for students, and has shown deep commitment to the well- being of the University. Within Trinidad & Tobago, and the wider Caribbean, he is respected as a professional of integrity and a citizen concerned with the development of the people and communities that The UWI exists to serve.
Professor Densil Williams
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Planning
BSc (UWI), MSc (UWI) PhD (Manchester)
Prof. Williams has focused his scholarly attention on how small and medium-sized enterprises from developing economies can internationalize their operations in order to improve their chance of survival. He is the author of two books and his work is highly respected locally, regionally and internationally. Prof. Williams is also well-respected as a teacher both at the undergraduate and graduate levels at The UWI. He has made significant contributions to leadership and administration at the University, including serving on the steering committee for the Mona Campus’ accreditation process, and as Campus Coordinator for the 2012-2017 UWI Strategic Plan. During his tenure as Deputy Executive Director, the newly merged Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM) saw a 50% increase in research output and Prof. Williams led the development of the School’s first strategic plan.
Ambassador Dr. Richard Bernal
O.J. Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Affairs B.Sc., MA, Ph.D. (Economics), and MIPP (International Public Policy)
In the new role of PVC Global Affairs, Ambassador Bernal will guide The UWI toward deepening its regional engagement and expanding its international partnerships and global connections. Bernal leaves his role as Director at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to join the leadership of The UWI. The new post combines Ambassador Bernal’s renowned skills and experience as a diplomat, technocrat and scholar. For eight years, Dr. Bernal was Director-General of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM) with responsibility for trade negotiations for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). He was principal negotiator in the CARIFORUM-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement and Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) negotiations. For over ten years, Dr. Bernal was also Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States of America and permanent representative to the Organization of American States. He taught international economics and development economics at The UWI for seven years and was a research fellow at the Institute of Social and Economic Studies.
