UTech, Jamaica Installs Fifth Pro-Chancellor, Mr. Aldrick McNab and Fifth President, Dr. Kevin Brown

Newly installed Pro-Chancellor, University of Technology, Jamaica, Mr. Aldrick McNab, receives the instrument of office from The Honourable Fayval Williams MP, Minister of Education and Youth during the installation Ceremony for UTech, Ja’s Fifth Pro-Chancellor and Fifth President on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium at the institution’s Papine Campus.

Pro-Chancellor, Mr. Aldrick McNab prefaced his inaugural address with a reference to the popular quote from the late Lou Rose, singer and musician who stated, “a mind is a terrible thing to waste.”  On the premise of that potent reminder, Mr. McNab emphasized that “education isn’t something you can finish,” further noting that “the capacity to learn is a gift” and “a skill.” He expressed profound gratitude to the executive leadership body of UTech, Ja for bestowing upon him, the opportunity to engage in the process of higher learning.

“I am indeed honoured and humbled to have the opportunity to be a part of the process of higher learning in helping to shape and guide the mindset and skillets of our young people who will certainly one day, be the movers and shaper of tomorrow: students of UTech, who will navigate, dictate and perhaps, even illustrate what the future of Jamaica will look like” Mr. McNab asserted.

The Pro-Chancellor who has served on the University’s Council, Academic Board and in advisory capacities at UTech, Jamaica for the past 18 years, also commended members of faculty and staff for their years of unwavering dedication and support even in light of the challenges by which the institution has been plagued for decades.  “Teachers don’t teach for the income: they teach for the outcome,” he stated to applause. 

Speaking to rapidly evolving changes in technology and innovation, Mr.McNab also used the occasion to  caution the audience against being “fearful” of new innovations such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) encouraging them rather to remain “curious.”  He noted that “We have to democratize AI Technology. We cannot allow AI to mystify us” as “AI is only the beginning of the next industrial revolution and that revolution is not of food nor is it of energy, it is the production of intelligence.” He added “we must find a way to activate ourselves to take advantage of Artificial Intelligence.”

An Atmosphere of Family

Referencing the lyrics from the UTech, Ja Song, Mr. McNab urged stakeholder to “build a future together” noting further that, “here at UTech, we wish to create an atmosphere of ‘once you go, you know’ – an atmosphere of family with our students, management and ancillary staff.  We wish to create a spirit of ‘wanting to come to the university every day’…together we will create that.” The Pro-Chancellor concluded his address by calling on students and staff of the University to use that blueprint to “leave an imprint that no one else can.”

President’s Inaugural Address

Chancellor, University of Technology, Jamaica, Ambassador Lloyd Carney (left) affixes the official President’s Cap in installing President of UTech, Jamaica, Dr. Kevin during an official Installation Ceremony for the Fifth Pro-Chancellor and Fifth President held at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium at the institution’s Papine Campus on Thursday, April 11, 2024.

Dr. Kevin Brown, newly installed President, in  his inaugural address detailed his journey of growing up in a single parent household with his mother and acknowledged the significant support of his grandmother in his life. Although she worked in the market, Dr. Brown’s grandmother made it clear, “this is not for you, education is going to take you out of this.”

He took those words to heart and worked hard while pursuing a diploma in Mechanical Engineering at UTech, Jamaica where he was also Students’ Union President.  This allowed him to pursue further studies and to become a trailblazer in academia and the aerospace industry for over 18 years.

Crediting UTech, Jamaica for his success, he shared that the institution enabled him to achieve his dreams. He explained that his decision to leave the UK and take on a leadership role at UTech, Jamaica was influenced by the profound impact the institution had on his life, emphasizing its role in shaping “leaders of tomorrow.”

As Jamaica’s premier STEM university, Dr. Brown noted that the institution is focused on providing students with the education needed to excel in a rapidly changing, technologically driven world, noting “we have many courses aligned to the technological changes that are happening including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and much more.”

Focusing on the growth of UTech, Jamaica, Dr. Brown expressed, “it is with a profound feeling of humility, honour and privilege that I stand here this afternoon to formally accept the challenge of taking this university forward on its well-established journey of excellence through knowledge.”

In outlining his vision for transforming the university, Dr. Brown shared aspects of his strategic plan, using the acronym RESET.  “UTech has been at the service of this country and we will continue to do.  We will continue to do so under a new vision…a reset…a recalibration as we adapt to the changes that are occurring in society, technological and otherwise.”  In effecting this RESET vision , Dr. Kevin Brown explained that “going forward, UTech, Jamaica will be Research driven…Expand access…Student centered…Entrepreneurial and Technology focused.”

He emphasized the institution’s ability to achieve this vision noting that although “STEM is the new buzzword, UTech has been doing STEM for 65 years” thus indicating that the university has remained committed to its mission of being technology focused.  The president added that “under RESET we will see a transition” while further explaining that students can look towards acquiring “stackable credentials” while they pursue their four year degrees. He also mentioned, “we will upgrade our infrastructure. We have already started to do that.  We have many courses now aligned with the technological changes that are happening including Artificial Intelligence, cyber security and much more.” As it relates to expanding access the president stated that UTech, Jamaica “looks forward to joining the sixth form pathway programme as a STEM provider” allowing students from a range of backgrounds at the secondary level to easily matriculate into UTech, Ja. 

The President concluded his address stating that the University of Technology, Jamaica “is a national treasure…it changed my life… I am so honoured and privileged to have to task to lead the institution and I just want to say thank you.”  He pledged his commitment to “working with all of you as we move our university our country to growth and prosperity.”

Chancellor's address

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Contact:

Michelle Beckford
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 818-5893
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm