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VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | February 2017 30
Miss Sophia McIntosh was
appointed Coordinator,Western
Campus, UTech Jamaica
with effect from January 3, 2017
to December 31, 2018. Her vision
for the University of Technology,
Jamaica - Western Campus is to be
the University of choice, pioneering
adaptive multi-disciplinary education
and training for lifelong learning,
geared towards the needs of a
dynamic environment. This vision
will be accomplished by focusing on a five-pronged strategy; namely:
1. To create a strong customer culture that delivers impeccable service
to students, staff and other stakeholders
2. To create a culture of research to support decision making and
enhance managerial effectiveness
3. To strengthen communication with external stakeholders and build
strategic alliances
4. To ensure the optimal development of students and staff
5. To improve the University’s economic base
With almost 15 years of experience in Education Leadership, Human
Resource Management, Marketing and Banking and Finance, Sophia
McIntosh is an expert in business process management. She has held key
positions in Education, including Programme Director, School of Business
Administration, UTech, Ja. and Chairman, Strategic Planning Committee at
the Montego Bay Community College. During her tenure as Programme
Director at UTech, Jamaica Western Campus, she has increased enrolment
for the school during the period 2015-2016, stabilized the academic staffing
for the programme and implemented and streamlined quality assurance
systems.
This new role also allowed her to sharpen her Human Resource Management
and Marketing skills by facilitating training and augmenting the Public
Relations and Marketing Portfolio of UTech, Jamaica Western Campus.
Under her leadership the school initiated new partnerships and synergies
with other Universities, private and public entities such as The Association
of Western Jamaica Tertiary Institution.
Prior to UTech, Jamaica Ms. McIntosh taught at Montego Bay Community
College and B& B University College (Approved Learning Partner, Heriot-
Watt University- Edinburgh Business School). She also worked at COK
Sodality Cooperative Credit Union as Regional Marketing Officer where she
utilized her marketing expertise in relationship–building and represented
the company in different fora at the highest level.
Ms. McIntosh is a certified Financial Advisor. She holds a in Tourism
Management, an MBA in International Business, both attained at the
University of The West Indies and a Diploma in Education and Training from
Vocational Training Institute (VTDI).
Ms. McIntosh is the current Secretary of Western Knights Toastmasters
Club. She served the club in the capacity of Vice President, Public Relations.
She is also a member of Kiwanis Club of Providence and an active member
of The Young Adults Action Movement at St. Paul’s United Church.
Sophia McIntosh Appointed
Coordinator, Western Campus,
UTech, Jamaica
Mrs. Young has worked through the Jacks Hill Karate Club to train over
two hundred boys and girls, giving them a safe environment in which to
learn martial arts, while developing discipline and other personal skills.
Dr. Purchas-Tulloch, who is affiliated with the Jamaica Capital Project
for Dispute Resolution, volunteers at schools in underserved rural
communities and spearheads a mentoring group comprising twelve
university students. Mr. Millington organises outreach activities for the
most socially vulnerable. Among the initiatives in which he has been
involved, are visits to old age homes and hospices for people living with
HIV and AIDS. He has also raised funds to provide health care to children
in the Seaview Gardens community of St. Andrew. Mr. Mills has been
engaged in community development work with L.E.A.P. Centre and the
Y.M.C.A.
Mr. Sydney Henry received his award for advocating for housing and
sanitation for vulnerable members of the Moneague community in
St. Ann. Mr. Leon Malcolm, a student at UTech, Jamaica, received
a certificate for community outreach to the youth of Savanna-La-
Mar, Kingston and the UTech, Jamaica student body. The University
recognised the Song Embassy for providing music education service in
the Hope Tavern community of Papine.
“I am because we all are”
Prof. Rosalea Hamilton, Vice President, Community Service and
Development, UTech, Jamaica and Project Director, Fi Wi Jamaica
Project in her welcome, affirmed the simple essence of the South African
concept of “Ubuntu” - “I am because we all are.” Noting that we are all
interconnected by our humanity, Prof. Hamilton shared that “there exists
a common bond between us all as human beings, that is the essence
of our humanity.” Pointing to the imperative for the guiding principle of
the spirit of Ubuntu in today’s global reality of inequalities, rising social
tensions and other challenges across the world, Prof. Hamilton called
for everyone to play a part in creating a more harmonious environment.
“A world where we treat others as ourselves…focus on the goodness
of others and not their imperfections, a world where we truly love each
other as human beings regardless of race, colour, class, disabilities,
political affiliation or sexual orientation,” she said to approving nods and
applause from the large audience of educators, community activists,
representatives from government, the diplomatic corps and students.
Deputy President, Prof. Colin Gyles who brought greetings on behalf
of President Prof. Stephen Vasciannie, told the gathering that
“UTech, Jamaica takes our service and outreach obligation seriously
– it represents an important dimension of UTech, Jamaica’s pillars of
teaching, research and outreach. So we are happy to be playing our
part through the FiWi Jamaica Project and other service and outreach
initiatives in instilling the positive values that will influence a cultural
ethos that values and protects the humanity of each other.” Prof. Gyles
underscored that this ethos is entrenched in the UTech, Jamaica Core
Values of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service Excellence,
Innovation and Team Spirit.
Responding of behalf of the awardees, Mrs. Linnette Vassell thanked the
University and the Fi Wi Jamaica Project for the recognition received,
noting that awards have inspired them to renew their vision and
commitment to the building of a better Jamaica.
UTech Jamaica in the Community cont’d from page 30