On Friday, October 16, 2009, the first Principal and Pro Vice Chancellor of the Open Campus of The University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Hazel Simmons-McDonald, will be formally inducted. The induction ceremony for the Saint Lucian-born Principal, will take place in her homeland on the grounds of Government House at 6:00 p.m., under the patronage of the Governor General of Saint Lucia, Her Excellency, Dame Dr. Pearlette Louisy.

UWI Chancellor, the Hon. Sir George Alleyne will conduct the official induction in keeping with University tradition, and the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, the Hon. Stephenson King will bring greetings to the new Principal. Other officials on the evening’s programme include the Chairman of the Open Campus Council, Sir Dwight Venner; UWI Vice Chancellor, Professor E. Nigel Harris; Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of the Cave Hill Campus, Professor, Sir Hilary Beckles;  Dr. Didicus Jules, Registrar of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC); and Mrs. Charmaine Gardner, of the St. Lucian Private Sector.

As the first Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of UWI’s newest campus, Professor Simmons-McDonald has the responsibility of leading the effective implementation of one of the main strategic aims of the UWI’s 2007-2012 strategic plan. This is to create an Open Campus to enable the University to expand the scope, enhance the appeal and improve the efficiency of its service to the individuals, communities and countries which it serves.

Among the initiatives implemented during her first year as Principal, have been the creation and successful establishment of the Open Campus from concept to implementation of an institutional system within a distributed environment across the Caribbean region and the forging of a distinctive culture that promotes quality Open and Distance learning (ODL) within the University. 

Professor Simmons-McDonald has served the University since 1991, and has provided leadership as Deputy Dean (Outreach -1993-1995); as Head of Department (1995-1999); as Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Education (2003-2007) at the Cave Hill Campus. She has considerable experience in and understanding of the educational needs of the Eastern Caribbean countries. Her professional experience began in 1970 in the UWI School of Continuing Studies in St. Lucia as a part-time Instructor of English Language and Literature. She was also Acting Resident Tutor from 1973-1974.
 
In addition to her responsibilities as Pro-Vice Chancellor and Principal of the Open Campus, Professor Simmons-McDonald continues her substantive academic duties in teaching and advising doctoral students, as well as her research work, publications and presentations at conferences.