Tribute to Dr. the Hon. Rae Davis, OJ, CD, JP, Hon. DUNIV. UTech Ja. Former President
The University community is saddened by the passing of our former President, Dr. the Hon. Rae Davis, OJ who passed away on April 19, 2021 following a period of illness. We express sincere condolences to his family and friends and pray that they will be comforted and strengthened to cope with the challenge of his passing. Dr. Davis served as the second President of the University of Technology, Jamaica for a period of ten years, successfully leading the transition of the institution from college to university. His major achievements at UTech Ja included: establishment of good governance; the implementation of new organizational structure and staff development; upgrading and accreditation of academic programmes; advancement in research initiative; infusion of technology support; the University’s prowess in sport; fusion of art, technology and community service in the culture of the institution; advancement in innovation and entrepreneurship; significant upgrading of facilities and the physical environment.
He assumed the duties of President on August 1, 1996 following a distinguished career as an educator, administrator and policy-maker. He began his career as an educator in 1961 at his alma mater Clarendon College, then at Excelsior High School from 1966-1968. He lectured in Electrical Engineering at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine campus between 1972 and 1975 and then joined the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST) in 1975 as head of the Engineering Department.
His distinguished career in the public and private sectors included positions of Vice President, Management Services at the Jamaica Telephone Company and as Advisor/Consultant and later Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education. In 1993, he assumed responsibility as the National Co-ordinator for the Reform of Secondary Education (ROSE) project.
Dr Davis has held leadership positions in several national, regional and international organizations including being President of the Jamaica Institution of Engineers; President of the Jamaican Society of Scientists and Technologists; Vice President of the Inter American Science Association (Intercienca) and member of the Executive Board of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. He was a founding member of the Jamaica Association of Training and Development and was a Fellow of the Jamaica Institution of Engineers and a Member of the Jamaican Institute of Management.
He also served as Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Educational Reform and as Chairman of the Education Transformation Advisory Board and Chairman of the University Council of Jamaica. Dr Davis received several citations and honours including the national awards of the Order of Jamaica and the Order of Distinction, Commander Class. In 2009, the University of Technology, Jamaica recognized Dr Davis for his outstanding service to the University, Jamaica and the world by the conferral of the “Honorary Doctor of the University.”
The University is committed to finding a most suitable and appropriate way to further honour his memory. May his memory and legacy live on.
Professor Colin Gyles, PhD
President (Acting)
End.
Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: 876 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm