Education Ministry Hails Dr. Alfred Sangster as Visionary Leader

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is hailing the sterling contribution of the late Dr. Alfred Sangster to the development of the University of Technology (UTech).

Assistant Chief Education Officer in the Tertiary Unit, Dr. Tamika Benjamin, who represented portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, at UTech’s Administrative Staff Association’s 22nd Annual General Meeting on Thursday (January 30) said Dr. Sangster was a consummate professional and visionary leader.

She noted that he “steered the institution through the critical period of its transition and transformation from the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST) into UTech”.

“Let his impact and legacy inspire you to continue the work for the sustenance and growth of this great institution,” she told the staff members, while offering condolences to the UTech family.

Dr. Sangster was born on July 24, 1929 and died on January 27, 2025 at age 95.

He became principal of CAST in 1970, and became president following the restructuring of the institution’s administration shortly afterwards.

In the 26 years that Sangster headed the institution, the student population grew from approximately 1,500 to more than 6,000, with 50 more academic programmes introduced to the curriculum, laying the groundwork for the transition to university status in 1995.

Dr. Sangster retired from the institution a year after CAST became UTech.

He was awarded the Order of Distinction (CD) in 1982, and the Order of Jamaica in 1995. He was a member of many regional and international groups, such as the Association of Caribbean

Tertiary Institutions, and the World Association on Co-operative Education, where he served as vice president.

Dr. Sangster served on local bodies such as the Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE), and the Public Service Commission.

He attended Munro College and Queen’s University in Northern Ireland.

Dr. Sangster was married to Velma and was the father of two daughters and a son.