UG begins search for new Vice Chancellor

The University of Guyana (UG) has launched a search for a new Vice Chancellor as the contractual term of its current head, Paloma Mohamed-Martin, comes to an end after seven years in the role. Mohamed-Martin, who also served the university for a total of 19 years in various academic and administrative capacities, confirmed her impending departure in a message circulated to alumni. “As you may have been apprised, after seven years at the helm of the University of Guyana and 19 years as a staff member, my contractual obligation to the University as Vice Chancellor is coming to an end,” she stated. Reflecting on the milestone, Mohamed-Martin noted that the number seven holds personal significance for her and expressed support for the process to select her successor. “The number seven has special significance for me on several levels. As such, I fully support the search for a new Vice Chancellor and hope that if any of you or anyone in your network would wish to offer themselves for this most significant and noble service, you will share or respond to this advertisement for a new Vice Chancellor for our beloved University,” she said.

She added, “May UG grow from strength to strength in every positive way.”
Mohamed-Martin was appointed Vice Chancellor (VC) on June 9, 2020, becoming the first woman to hold the position at the university. Prior to that appointment, she served in several key roles during her nearly two decades at the institution. These included Chair of the Transitional Management Committee, Deputy VC responsible for Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement (PACE), Professor of Behavioural Sciences, Director of the Centre for Communication Studies, and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

New leadership
In a statement on Sunday evening, Chancellor and Guyana-born Antigua and Barbuda diplomat Ronald Sanders as Chancellor, in his capacity as Chancellor and Chairman of the University Council, it was disclosed that the Council had already taken steps to initiate the process of identifying new leadership. According to Sanders, the Council decided on February 16 to establish a Search Committee to identify and recommend a new VC and Principal for the institution. “The Council took this decision in order to ensure that the process for selecting new leadership for the University proceeds in an orderly, transparent and merit-based manner, consistent with the governing framework of the institution and the Council’s responsibility to secure the best possible leadership for the University,” Sanders said. The announcement of the search and the public advertisement for the post were scheduled for release on March 9. Sanders noted that the appointment of a new VC comes at a significant moment not only for the university but also for the country, as Guyana continues to undergo rapid economic and structural transformation. “Guyana is now undergoing one of the most dynamic periods of economic growth and structural transformation in its modern history. Expansion in energy production, infrastructure modernisation, economic diversification and wider international engagement are reshaping national priorities and workforce demands,” he stated.

Central role in supporting national progress
He emphasised that in light of these developments, UG must play a more central role in supporting national progress. “As the country’s premier public university, the University of Guyana must play an even more central role in producing highly qualified graduates, expanding postgraduate education, strengthening research, and contributing independent expertise, innovation and practical knowledge to national and regional development,” Sanders added. According to the university’s public notice inviting applications, the VC serves as the Chief Academic and Administrative Officer of the institution and is accountable to the University Council for the university’s strategic direction, academic quality, research development, financial stewardship and overall institutional performance. The successful candidate will be expected to provide strategic leadership that advances research development and postgraduate education, particularly in areas aligned with national and regional priorities. The individual will also be required to modernise academic programmes to ensure they respond effectively to emerging workforce demands and industry needs. In addition, the new VC will be tasked with strengthening the university’s financial sustainability and operational efficiency, building durable international partnerships, and expanding opportunities for external funding. The university also emphasised that the successful candidate must foster a culture of performance, integrity and academic excellence within the institution while upholding principles such as academic freedom, shared governance and institutional accountability. The Council is seeking a candidate with a distinguished academic record, normally at the rank of full professor or equivalent, along with significant senior executive leadership experience within a university or a comparable institution. The ideal candidate is also expected to demonstrate a strong record of involvement at senior levels in institutional growth, research expansion and performance improvement, as well as sound experience in financial management and institutional administration. Further, the candidate must have the capacity to lead organisational transformation and complex change while also possessing strong interpersonal, communication and diplomatic skills. The University Council has indicated that it would prefer candidates with experience working within the Caribbean region or in developing country contexts. However, applications from distinguished candidates across the wider international academic community are also being encouraged. According to the advertisement, the VC will be appointed by the University Council in accordance with the University of Guyana Act and will serve for a fixed term, which may be renewed subject to performance and Council approval. Submissions are to be made either in hard copy to the Registrar, UG, P.O. Box 101110, Greater Georgetown, or electronically via email. The closing date for applications is April 17.