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School of Graduate Studies, Research & Entrepreneurship

Paul W. Ivey, PhD

Associate Professor & Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies, Research & Entrepreneurship

Associate Vice President - Welcome Message

Graduate Studies is Demanding, Exciting, and Rewarding!

Education is central to the long-term development of human capital and to economic growth. It empowers people and strengthens nations, while also providing individuals with the skills they need to compete in today’s global economy, where a high-quality education is critical for creating, applying and disseminating knowledge (The World Bank).

I am pleased that you have chosen the University of Technology, Jamaica as the place to pursue advanced studies. Pursuing graduate studies is at once demanding, exciting, and rewarding. Demanding in that it requires students to exit and exert themselves well-beyond their “cognitive comfort zones.” Exciting and rewarding in that it provides opportunities for students to be creative and produce work that extends the boundaries of existing knowledge or apply existing knowledge in novel ways to advance societal welfare.

Higher education institutions (HEIs), such as universities, have a special role to play in knowledge generation through research and in the application of said knowledge to satisfy needs or solve problems, through innovation. In fact, to “preserve, advance and disseminate knowledge and culture through teaching, scholarship and research’ as well as to “make available the results of such research and service” are expressly stated as being among the purpose for which UTech, Jamaica was established.

Jamaica has articulated an innovation-centric development strategy. Therefore, UTech, Jamaica is one of the key HEIs that must meet the demands of Jamaica for highly-skilled innovation-capable graduates equipped with the technical, creative, and critical thinking skills required to innovate regardless of their field of study. Innovation is certainly an imperative for Jamaica. Now celebrating its 62nd Anniversary, and granted Institutional Accreditation in December 2018, by the University Council of Jamaica, UTech, Jamaica is equal to the task; indeed the history of the institution is closely connected with the social and economic development of Jamaica.

Here at UTech, Jamaica, through the graduate courses that we offer, we are committed to preparing the next generation of thought leaders and researchers who will advance the stock of knowledge and solve problems.

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In April 2007 the University established the School of Graduate Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship (SGSRE) as a multi-function unit to replace the Office of Research and Graduate Studies (ORGS).  SGSRE leads and manages the development and delivery of graduate programmes in line with international standards and best practices. Directed by the research mandate of the University, the SGSRE, as the university’s research management office guides and supports research activities, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary and applied research relevant to economic and social problems/needs. 

The School of Graduate Studies, Research & Entrepreneurship also:
  1. Guides and supports Entrepreneurial Activity, primarily through the delivery of consultancy services and research & development innovations.
  2. Provides guidance and supervision for the Academic Publications of the University.
  3. Administers the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) policy and operations of the University.
Graduate Studies
Leads and manages the development and delivery of graduate courses
More about Graduate Studies
Research
Promote applied and commissioned research that will provide solutions to societal needs.
More about Research
Entrepreneurship
Provide administrative support for the University’s thrust for expanded income generation through entrepreneurial activities.
More about Entrepreneurship
Intellectual Property
Developing and implementing systems and structures to guide the creation, use, protection, and commercialization
More about Intellectual Property
Caribbean Research & Innovation Management Association (CabRIMA)
The Caribbean Research and Innovation Management Association (CabRIMA) is the professional body for research and innovation management practitioners in the Caribbean region.
More about CabRIMA

Meet the Team

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Dr. Paul Ivey
Associate Professor & Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies, Research & Entrepreneurship

Email: paul.ivey@utech.edu.jm
Telephone: 876-927-1690 ext. 2823

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Ms. Shaneka Campbell
Manager, Projects and Operations

Email: shaneka.campbell@utech.edu.jm
Telephone: 876-972-1680 ext. 3699

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Mr. Norton Weir
Graduate Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Officer

Email: norton.weir@utech.edu.jm
Telephone: 876-972-1680 ext. 3139

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Mrs. Teneisha Lee-Lawrence
Executive Assistant

Email: Teneisha.lee-lawrence@utech.edu.jm                  Telephone: 876-972- 5824

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Ms. Grace-ann Black
Administrative Assistant

Email: gmblack@utech.edu.jm
Telephone: 879-972-1680 ext. 3210

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237 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
Tel: (876)927-1680-8
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utech leadership

Deputy President (Acting)

Prof. Shermaine Barrett

Professor Shermaine Barrett

Professor Shermaine Barrett, a highly motivated and results-oriented professional with exceptional leadership and communication skills, has dedicated over three decades to the field of educvation and training program management. Currently serving as the Deputy President (Acting) at the University of Technology Jamaica (UTech, Ja.), Prof. Barrett has a proven track record of excellence in designing, delivering, directing, and managing educational initiatives.

She holds a PhD in Work and Human Resource Education from the University of Minnesota in the USA and a Masters of Arts in Adult Education from the Mount Saint Vincent University in Canada. She is also a trained TVET educator having gained her Technical Teacher’s Diploma, in Industrial Technology from the College of Arts Science and Technology, now the University of Technology, Jamaica. She has distinguished herself in the areas of teaching, research, and service which has led to her attaining the rank of Professor.

With over 22 years at the University of Technology, Jamaica Prof. Barrett has held various key roles at the institution including Programme Co-ordinator for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education, Programme Leader for the M.Ed/PhD Educational Leadership and Management program, Head of the School of Technical and Vocational Education (SOTAVE) and Dean of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies. In these positions, she has demonstrated strong leadership in educational governance, strategic planning, and academic development.

In addition to academic leadership and management Prof. Barrett has been actively involved in teaching and learning, delivering courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels in areas such as Curriculum Planning and Development, Educational Administration, and Human Resource Management for Educators, Qualitative Research. She has also served as a student advisor and conducted teaching practice assessments for B.Ed. student teachers.

Beyond her role at UTech, Ja., Prof. Barrett has contributed to the wider educational community through various training and capacity-building initiatives. As a facilitator and presenter at professional development workshops and seminars, she has shared expertise on topics ranging from classroom management to skills assessment, empowering educators to enhance their teaching practices.

Her research and scholarly work have focused on: adult teaching and learning, online teaching and learning, workforce education, STEM education, among others. She has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles, published a book and book chapters and several other academic publications. She has made numerous conference presentations locally and overseas and has engaged in a number of commissioned studies for various entities local and international including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). She has also been invited to participate in several international fora in various regions of the world: Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

She is the recipient of a number of awards her most recent being the President’s Award for Distinguished Service from the University of Technology, Jamaica.

utech leadership

Vice President & University Registrar

Miss Marion Brown

Ms. Marion Brown

Miss Marion Brown is a Corporate Governance and Legal professional who is currently serving as the Vice President and University Registrar at the University of Technology, Jamaica. Jamaica’s National University. She is an Officer of the University and also serves as the Secretary to the Council, the Academic Board, all committees of the Council and the Academic Board, all Faculty and College Boards and all Advisory Committees. She is the Custodian of the Common Seal and Keeper of the Records of the University in accordance with the University of Technology, Jamaica Act of 1999.

As University Registrar, she is responsible for coordinating the activities of the student lifecycle from admissions and enrollment until graduation through to alumni.

An Attorney at Law, Miss Brown was called to the Bar in 2011. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons.) degree from the University of London, Certificate in Legal Education from the Norman Manley Law School and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree in History and International Relations from the University of the West Indies, Mona. She also holds a MBA from the Anglia Ruskin University and Post Graduate Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership from the London Institute of Business and Technology, Certification in Supervisory Management, Personnel Administration and General Psychology.

Miss Brown has been described as a “Product Sample” of the University (UTech, Ja.) and the Heart Trust NSTA having joined the University over 30 years ago as a HEART Trainee and have been serving/ giving back proudly as a Co-opted Member of the Heart Trust NSTA Corporate Governance Committee since 2016 to present.

Miss Brown has a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge in University administration having served the University in various technical and administrative capacities over the years. In 2007 she was seconded from the Division of Finance and Business Services to the Institute of Law and Economics (ILE) where she served as a Liaison for the University and was a key player in the drafting of the Proposal for the establishment of the Faculty of Law.

In 2008, she was invited by Former University President Professor Errol Morrison after her successful stint at the ILE to fill the Corporate Governance gap which existed in the University. She was instrumental in establishing the Governance Office and was appointed as the University’s first Governance Officer and had served as an anchor for three University Registrars. This dedicated focus has seen the University being more compliant with international best practices and its robust governance framework assisted in UTech, Jamaica achieving Institutional Accreditation in 2018 and the  University’s  Corporate Governance structure and system being aligned with the 23 principles under the Government of Jamaica’s, Corporate Governance Framework for Public Bodies.

 In 2018 Miss Brown was appointed Assistant Legal Counsel & Compliance Officer and was assigned to the Governance portfolio. She advised on matters of Jurisdiction, Strategy and Policy whilst attending all meetings of the governing Council and Academic Board and their respective standing Committees including the Governance Committee which monitors compliance. She has acted as Legal Counsel and Compliance Officer and Assistant Registrar, University Secretariat.

Miss Brown has provided her expertise in the area of corporate governance by serving on public boards and committees and currently chairs the Board of a High school.

She currently chairs the Quality Assurance Standard Work Groups on Governance and Management and Student and Student Support Services at the University and the University’s Car loan Committee.

Miss Brown served for two terms as President of the University of Technology, Jamaica Administrative Staff Association (UTASA) the Union with bargaining rights for over Three Hundred (300) administrative staff at the University.  She had served for several years in other capacities such as Grievance Officer and drafted the Bylaws and Standard Operational Procedures for the Union.

Miss Brown is an Alumni Ambassador for the University of London International Programme and is a proud past student of the Maggotty and Carron Hall High Schools respectively.  She hails from the beautiful Parish of St Elizabeth.

utech leadership

Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

Mrs. Simone Mcgregor-Jackson

Mrs. Simone McGregor-Jackson

Mrs. Simone McGregor-Jackson, Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer at the University of Technology, Jamaica, is a Human Resource Management and Development professional with over 25 years’ experience in the wider Public Sector. Her ever-progressive experience of leadership in all areas of HRMD including Industrial Relations, Compensation, Benefits Administration and Training and Development, spans several Ministries, Agencies and Departments.

She has been engaged at the Ministry of Education & Youth, Ministry of Health (SERHA), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Ministry of Justice which, culminated in her immediate former role as HRM&D Executive at the Administrator General’s Department. Her exemplary performance in each of her former roles has earned her the reputation as a leader and reformist, transforming entire HRMD Departments to efficient centres of excellence.  

 

She holds a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Development and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of the West Indies, Mona. Additionally, she has earned several professional, specialized certifications in Strategic Corporate Planning, Strategic Negotiations, Industrial Relations, Management Analysis and Public Sector Procurement. She is a member of the Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) International and a member of the Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica (HRMAJ) professional body.

Her qualifications as well as her direct, extensive experience has honed her into the consummate HR professional equipped to not only deliver the mandate of the University but also to humbly serve ALL stakeholders of the Utech, Jamaica community. As Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer, it is her mandate to craft and develop HR strategies and policies that align with the University’s ordinances and broader objectives.

 

She is passionate about serving people and a key tenet of Mrs. McGregor Jackson’s approach to HRMD leadership, is the promotion of an inclusive workplace culture which is delivered through thoughtful initiatives that enhance employee engagement.  

Outside of her professional commitments, she is an avid reader and actively participates in philanthropic activities. She is a Justice of the Peace and serves on various committees.

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