UVI

are you looking at teaching jobs or professional staff?

I would be willing to take on a full-time or part-time teaching assignment in business or economics or a full-time dean's position. I have a Ph.D. in Economics, M.B.A., M.A. in English, and B.S. in Management.

Edward: UVI serves the people of the Virgin Islands well, I think. They have many challenges, but don't all institutions of higher education? Have you been to the VI to see what the place is like?

Is UVI on all islands???

Its on STT and STX.

There are two campuses: http://www.uvi.edu/sites/uvi/Pages/Home.aspx

Edward, I'd say the best word to describe the current attitude of UVI teachers is disgruntled. Just recently they voted to join a Union. Hopefully this will improve conditions. Considering the cost of living in the VIs, the pay scale is not up to par. I think UVI is behind the times as the faculty (and staff) are currently developing policy manuals. (This should also improve conditions). At the start of this semester there were many complaints about too many kids per professor, or not enough classrooms available. The IT service is not up to speed for a University either. While they are trying to implement a better system, the remote teaching (STT to STX or STX to STT) links are down as much as up which creates nightmares for teachers and students. I've heard part time teachers complain about insurance coverage during and after their contracts expire, even if they expire just for the summer.

I personally enjoy working at UVI (I'm staff). It's a small group of faculty/staff that at times can feel like family. I just wanted to bring to your attention some of the ongoing issues that you would be throwing yourself into if you take a teaching job here. I think the Faculty chair is David Gould. You could find his contact easily in the www.uvi.edu directory link. He can give you the advice you need.

During my 2-week pmv, I drove around the STT campus. It must be one of the most beautiful in the US, certainly the most stunning views.

aquaponics,

Thanks for the insights. The salaries I've seen certainly don't compare to those on the mainland. I've been teaching (and administering) in post-Soviet Europe for the past 6 years, where salaries are about enough for a few loaves of bread a day - if at all.

I've worked in both union and non-union colleges and universities. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. If I were to be selected for a position, I imagine I'd spend a lot of my time writing grant applications.

Edward: And John Brewer's Beach is on UVI property. How many universities have their own beach??;)

It was my favorite beach during my 2-week stay in STT. Parking is easy, and you can watch your car from the beach. Soft sand. Nice.

Edward, Uvi is also in the process of turning over the president's position. 2 candidates were brought in recently for interviews and to meet with the UVI team. I haven't heard who was choosen but think they will be in place within 6 months or so. It could be a good time to jump onboard??

BTW, are you considering STX or STT?

I would go where the job is. I'm more familiar with STT, but I could live on either island.

The new President of UVI is Dr. David Hall, who teaches law at Northeastern University in Boston. Dr. Hall was Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University. He also held the positions of Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and later Dean of Northeastern’s School of Law. He earned his masters and Ph.D. at Harvard University.

Student reaction is mixed. See:

One student expressed this concern: “He’s in law. What does he know about running a university?” I occupy the same position at a European university that Dr. Hall occupied as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Northeastern. Based on my own experience, I can assure the student that Dr. Hall knows a great deal about running a university. His particular background will likely lead him to focus on academic excellence.

I don't know the other candidates, and I am sure they are all eminently well qualified. But the Board has selected Dr. Hall and we can all wish him well as he embarks on a challenging assignment.