In its most comprehensive analysis of the region, Times Higher Education (THE) named The University of the West Indies (The UWI) among the top third universities in Latin America and the Caribbean. The 2018 Latin America University Rankings  list, which includes 129 of the best universities across the region was released on July 18, 2018 by THE, the prestigious UK based publication, and leading provider of higher education data for the world's research-led institutions.
 
Compiled using rich and robust institutional data, THE’s criteria included teaching; research; citations/research influence; international outlook; and knowledge transfer. The publication’s data are trusted and used by governments and universities across the globe and students. This is the first time that The UWI is included among THE’s world-class universities rankings, coming in at #37 out of 129 institutions reviewed, from among 10of the largest and richest countries in the Caribbean and Latin America, such as Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.
 
Over the past three years, The UWI has intensified its transformation thrust, and this reality of the ranking is testament to its progress. The rankings come on the heels of The UWI’s new outlook and direction guided by its five-year strategic plan, 2017-2022. Themed the Triple A Strategy, the plan is centred around widening Access to quality tertiary education, greater Alignment of The UWI with academic-industry partnerships relevant to the region’s needs and Agility and alertness in engaging global connections and possibilities.
 
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, who is spearheading the university’s preparation for international profiling and comparative assessment expressed his excitement for this first, excellent official ranking. He noted: “We are now in the ranking business and we understand the matrix. This is exciting stuff.  We will rise in the top ten in the next ten years.” 
 
This year also marks a milestone anniversary for The UWI. The regional institution celebrates 70 years of service and leadership as the largest, most longstanding, higher education provider in the Commonwealth Caribbean.
 
About The UWI
For the past 70 years The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has provided service and leadership to the Caribbean region. In 2018, The UWI celebrates its evolution from 1948 as a university college in Jamaica with 33 medical students to an internationally respected regional university with near 50,000 students. Today, The UWI is the largest, most longstanding higher education provider in the Commonwealth Caribbean, with four campuses in Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and an Open Campus. The UWI has faculty and students from more than 40 countries and collaborative links with 160 universities globally; it offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Food & Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities & Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science & Technology, Social Sciences and Sport. Its seven priority focal areas are linked closely to the priorities identified by CARICOM and take into account such over-arching areas of concern to the region as environmental issues, health and wellness, gender equity and the critical importance of innovation. The UWI has been a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of our people. As the regional institution commemorates its 70th anniversary milestone, it will celebrate its students, faculty, administrators, alumni, governments, and partners in the public and private sector. The anniversary commemoration will focus on reflection as well as projection for the future with an emphasis on social justice and the economic transformation of the region. Website: www.uwi.edu and www.uwi.edu/70 . (Please note that the proper name of the university is The University of the West Indies, inclusive of the “The”, hence The UWI.)