5 Facts to Know About New UTech, Ja President Amb. Stephen Vasciannie

Published: Wednesday | January 18, 2017 | Rowen A. Johnson

From the Office of the Vice President, African Cultural Renaissance Movement (A.C.R.M.)

Amb. Stephen Vasciannie, newly appointed President of UTech, Ja

As the new UTech, Ja President Ambassador Stephen Vasciannie, CD prepares to officially be introduced to the student body on Thursday January 19, in the Sculpture Park, here are 5 facts that we should know about the man tasked with leading our university.

1    He is a KC Old Boy

Yes, our new President follows in a lineage of purple blooded fellows who have ascended to notable positions of leadership within our society. However, Amb. Vasciannie’s appointment to President of UTech, Ja we will see is not his first assignment at the helm of a major institution.

2    He is a Rhodes Scholar

Amb. Vasciannie was awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship in 1981. The Rhodes Scholarship is a postgraduate award given to all-round outstanding students who are also identified as having great propensity to emerge as future leaders of the world.

3    He was formerly principal of  the Norman Manley Law School

Amb. Vasciannie also served as the Principal of the Norman Manley Law School, a post he held for four years, for the period 2008-2012.

4    He served as Ambassador from Jamaica to the United States

Amb. Vasciannie was appointed ambassador to Washington D.C. in 2012 following the resignation of Amb. Audrey Marks, Founder of Paymaster. The fact that he was enlisted to serve as the diplomatic cord between Jamaica and the United States, arguably our most valued trading partner should speak volumes of how highly respected a man he is, not only in the field of academia but also in the political arena.

5   He was awarded a National Honour

In 2015 Amb. Vasciannie was awarded the Order of Distinction rank of Commander Class for his outstanding contribution in the areas of education, law and international relations.

With Amb. Vasciannie at the helm, the University of Technology, Jamaica appears to be under esteemed leadership. We look forward to hearing what he has to say in his address to the student body tomorrow.