UVI Voice

Media Credit: Photo courtesy of Northeastern University

March 15, 2009--The search for UVI’s new president has come to an end. At the Board of Trustees meeting on March, 14, 2009, it was decided that David Hall will become Dr. Laverne Ragster’s successor as UVI’s president.  The Board of Trustees approved a five year contract beginning August 1, 2009 according to a press release from UVI’s website.

Hall, who teaches law at the Northeastern University, was Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University. Hall also held the positions of Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and later Dean of Northeastern’s School of Law.

“He is eminently qualified for the position. He has a deep interest in the University and we look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship,” Alexander Moorhead, board chair, said in a UVI press release.

Students’ reactions were mixed. Some students approved and wished the best for the new president. Some students had no idea that a new president was being considered and some disapproved.

“He’s in law. What does he know about running a university?” Kim Phillip-St.Hall, an education senior said. “He is not approachable.”

Hall holds a doctorate and masters degree in law from Harvard Law School.

Nicole Orr, a junior social science major, shared the same opinion. “Although Dr. Hall is in my field, I prefer Calvin Jamison because he seems more interactive with students. There is a difference with going by the books and getting things done.”

“Once he has the best interest of the school, then he has my approval,” Joel Dorsett, a Business Administration junior said. “He’s ok. Nothing wow about him.”

Students and faculty had a chance to meet both prospective candidates late January. Stuart Ketcham, Associate Professor of Science, said “I think it’s fantastic news! I was very impressed with him when he visited our campus.”

Ketcham said that although he did not have all the information that the Board of Trustees had, he approved of the decision and is very impressed with Dr. Hall.

One thing that they can all agree on is what Eric Simon, an accounting and business management freshman, said, “I hope he's for the students.”

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