Karl James is New Mico University Chancellor

Dr. Roderick Karl James was installed a Chancellor of The Mico University College, during a ceremony held on Tuesday, October 6, at the institution’s Marescaux Road campus.

He replaces Professor the Hon. Errol Miller, who was appointed as the institution’s first Chancellor in 2009.

At the ceremony attended by family, friends, members of the academic community, and well-wishers, Dr. James took the oath before being presented with the instruments of office.

These are the mace, which is a symbol of the objectives and mission of the institution, as well as the Chancellor’s medallion, which is a symbol of authority. He was also dressed in the Chancellor’s robe and hat.

Minister of Education, the Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, extended congratulations and well-wishes to the new Chancellor.

He described Dr. James as a forthright, honest, calm and sober individual, who possesses a good sense of judgement which, he said, will serve him in his new position.

Minister Thwaites said it is significant that the office was given to a “gentleman of industry and commerce,” acknowledging Dr. James’ contribution to the sugar industry, as former General Manager of Jamaica Cane Products Sales Limited.

“On behalf of the Government of Jamaica, and particularly those of us in the Ministry of Education, we extend the blessings of the entire order to you and to this noble institution,” he said.

“Jamaica’s best hope for sustainable development is to position ourselves as a nation of knowledgeable and skilled workers.This can only occur if colleges of teacher education undergo, within our times, significant change. This is a process which you have manifestly begun here at Mico and will continue with renewed pace and thoroughness under the leadership being installed here today,” Rev. Thwaites said.

Dr.  James, in his address, pledged to use all legitimate means to ensure that Mico continues to actively contribute to national and regional development.

“I want to assure the Jamaican public, who have come to rely on Mico…that we will not fail them but we remain to support, recognise and ensure that the deeds of our forefathers will continue to be the basis on which we continue to build a lasting monument of which all of us can continue to be proud,” he said.

He further committed to leveraging his international connections to mobilise support for the institution, especially as it relates to student support and special education.

Dr. James said he will also be placing focus on the Mico Child Assessment and Research in Education (CARE) centres, and noted that the institution is moving to extend the programme to all Caribbean islands.

He said plans are in place to establish a CARE centre in Portland and another in western Jamaica.

The CARE centres, funded by the government, were established in 1981 to serve the need of children with learning disabilities.

The programme combines remedial and counselling therapy to help children, parents and teachers manage the consequences of learning disabilities.

The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University College, chosen by the Lady Mico Trustees and usually serves as a representative of the Lady Mico Trust in Jamaica.

Dr. James was Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Mico University College for 20 years, between 1989 and 2009 when he was installed as Pro-Chancellor.

He also served as President and Managing Director of Mead Johnson Ltd, and Marketing Executive of Pfizer International. In 1991, he was conferred the Order of Distinction, Commander Class.