New UTech Chancellor Commits to Ensuring Universal Access to Tertiary Education

Newly installed University of Technology (UTech) Jamaica Chancellor, Lloyd Carney, has committed to ensuring that the institution facilitates persons desirous of accessing quality higher education for their advancement.

Mr. Carney outlined three main focus areas which he said will help in achieving this goal, while speaking during the installation ceremony at the institution’s campus in Papine, St. Andrew, on February 13.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams.

Mr. Carney said the focus areas include formalising greater opportunities for alumni contributions, working in alignment with the Government, and providing adequate support and better opportunities for students and staff.

Mr. Carney disclosed that programmes will be rolled out to the business community where UTech’s alumni are situated, noting that their support will be lobbied for fundraising activities and sponsorship of projects for the institution.

“So, you’ll see us have a programme put in place where we are assertive in reaching out to our alumni, and ensuring that we give them projects that they can help us with,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Chancellor emphasised that reputable universities “partner well with the Government to ensure that what they are doing meets the needs of the populace.”

“We need to ensure that we’re meeting the needs of the Government and that we’re getting the resources that the Government can afford to give us,” he pointed out.

Mr. Carney said the premium placed on staff and students by providing them with opportunities to upgrade their skill sets will also help to establish the institution as a “world-class organisation.”

“What that means is we have to give our staff and our students the opportunity to study abroad. We have to ensure that our staff have the ability to venture abroad to see what other people are doing [and] learn from best practices, so [that they] can bring [this experience] back,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister Williams congratulated Mr. Carney on his appointment.

“I trust, as you settle into your new responsibilities, you will help to drive [UTech] safely through troubled waters, enabling staff and students to face the future, collectively, with great confidence and commitment to developing a better society,” she said.

Mr. Carney, who is UTech’s third Chancellor, acquired over 30 years of experience in the internet protocol industry, and served as Chief Executive Officer for several entities, among other engagements.

He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, a Master of Science Degree in Applied Business Management, and an Honorary Doctorate from the Wentworth Institute of Technology.