Office
of the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal. Wednesday, June 3, 2020 –
The
University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus is
pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Sharmayne Saunders as Head
of Site, Open Campus Belize. Her appointment was approved by the
University Council at its meeting on April 30, 2020, with indefinite
tenure effective May 1, 2020.

Dr.
Saunders was preceded by Mrs. Jane Bennett, who served from
2007–2019. The University community thanks Mrs. Bennett for her
stellar leadership during the years and wishes her well as she
pursues new professional experiences.

Dr
Sharmayne Saunders has built a 25-year career in business,
consultancy and academia. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in
Computer Information Systems and Business Management (magna cum
laude) and a Master of Science degree in Telecommunication Systems
Management and e-Marketing (summa cum laude); both from Murray State
University. She also earned a Doctoral degree in Organization &
Management and Information Technology Management from Capella
University in 2006.

Following
several leadership roles in the private sector, Dr Saunders joined
The UWI Open Campus in 2008 as Programme Officer and was also a
Course Facilitator/Lecturer for undergraduate, postgraduate and
continued professional education courses. She continues to provide
postgraduate research teaching and supervision to many students.
During her tenure as Programme Officer at the Belize Site, she
structured new continued professional development courses in areas
like time management, customer service, organizational behaviour and
management, interpersonal skills and leadership; while engaging in
extra departmental service as chair and co-chair of a wide range of
committees within and external to The UWI community.

Dr
Saunders acted in the capacity of Head for almost 14 months, prior to
assuming the official appointment, which succeeds her 11 years of
service as Programme Officer. She has provided leadership on
multiple strategic objectives including leading research at the
Belize Site; and has managed numerous local and regional donor funded
projects serviced by agencies such as UNICEF, OAS, UNDP and IDB, to
name a few. She has been able to forge strong collaborative links and
working relationships with such agencies, as well as with public and
private sectors, and civil society organisations.

Dr
Saunders holds an impressive record of public service, scholarly work
and research. Her national service was recognized in 2019 with an
award for commitment and service to national development and the
development of the education sector in Belize. Her many citations and
recognition of service in the education arena include that of Alumni
of the Year from her alma mater, Murray State University.

A
member of various regional, and international associations, Dr
Saunders has served on several boards of national and private sector
entities, commissions, councils, committees, as well as on regional
and international editorial boards. Her academic work includes paper
publication and delivery of several public presentations and
workshops. She has also been a guest editor for the Caribbean
Quarterly journal and continues to serve as a member editor for the
Journal of Administrative Sciences and Policy Studies.

The
UWI Open Campus congratulates Dr Saunders and wishes her success as
she continues to serve the people of Belize on behalf of The UWI.