Prof. the Hon. Errol Morrison OJ, MD, PhD, FRCP (UK), FACP, FRSM (UK), FRSH

Professor the Honourable Errol Morrison, OJ, MD, took up office as the new President of the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) on March 1, 2007.  Chairman of the University Council and Pro-Chancellor, Dr Blossom O’Meally-Nelson in making the announcement, said that the Council had concluded the process of selection and that Professor Morrison has accepted a five-year contract as President of the University.   The Pro-Chancellor said she is confident that Professor Morrison is a suitable successor to Dr the Honourable Rae Davis who demitted office after a 10-year tenure.  She noted that  “UTech requires a very unique individual with a rare combination of skills to take it to another level at this time and Professor Morrison is one such individual.  In this regard, we are happy to welcome on board, this eminent scholar who has also distinguished himself as an internationally renowned educator, researcher and medical practitioner”.

UTech’s President functions as its Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the University’s strategic leadership, ensuring the maintenance of high academic standards, initiating and cultivating mutually beneficial partnerships with stakeholders and leading UTech’s fundraising efforts for future financial sustainability.

According to the incoming President, “I would like to foster its (UTech’s) student-centredness and promote an entrepreneurial approach to research and development aided by national, regional and international fund raising”.

Professor Morrison is the first individual to receive a double professorship at the University of the West Indies.  He received his medical degree from the Royal University of Malta in 1969 and later completed a Masters and doctoral programme at the University College, London and University of the West Indies respectively.

He has lead a long and distinguished career in education and medicine, serving as Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean, School of Graduate Studies and Research, UWI since 1999 and taking a year off to be President and CEO of Blue Cross of Jamaica Limited (2005-2006).

Professor Morrison is most famous internationally for his pioneering work in the medical field and is recognized as the leading Caribbean authority on Diabetes.  In his clinical research he originated the “Third Syndrome or Phasic Insulin Dependence.”  This is now embraced as a special category of Diabetes Mellitus which is malnutrition-related.

This outstanding Jamaican is widely published and has received numerous awards for his contribution to research, education, the medical fraternity, various organizations and communities.  In 2001, he received the Order of Jamaica for outstanding and distinguished services in Biochemistry, Medicine and the Voluntary Social services.

Professor Morrison is married to Dr. Fay Whitbourne Morrison and has four children.  He enjoys reading and public speaking.