POND ISLAND--University of St. Martin (USM) has recently appointed Dr. Gale T.C. Rigobert as the new Dean of Academics.
“Dr. Rigobert, a highly accomplished individual with a distinguished career in education, governance and public service, is ready to lead the USM academic community into the future,” USM said in a recent press release.
Born and raised in St. Lucia, Dr. Rigobert brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new position as Dean of Academics at USM. She previously served as Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development in St. Lucia, demonstrating her dedication to education, innovation and sustainable development.
Dr. Rigobert’s résumé extends beyond her national ministerial track record to include a remarkable regional and international career. She lectured at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) for roughly eight years and was a visiting scholar at the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), Sussex University, and recently concluded a successful stint as a Visiting Fellow at the Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre (IGDC) at York University in the United Kingdom. Dr. Rigobert currently holds the position of Chair of the External Advisory Board of the IGDC.
“Dr. Rigobert’s untiring service to her country and parliamentary representation to her community is evident throughout. Her experience in public service and education has given her a thorough understanding of the socio-political landscape and the role of educational institutions in fostering positive social change which seamlessly aligns with and complements USM's mission and vision,” said USM.
According to the release, Dr. Rigobert wasted no time in becoming acquainted with the USM team, meeting with them one-on-one and in separate team meetings. Her commitment to creating a collaborative and welcoming academic environment was immediately apparent.
During her initial engagements with university staff, Dr. Rigobert shared her vision and goals for USM, outlining her plans to strengthen academic programmes by highlighting the many successes and achievements that the division heads and students are making, to nurture new and ongoing research initiatives, and ensure that students receive a well-rounded experience during their academic journey with USM.
Dr. Rigobert is confident that given the contribution USM has made to this community for more than 34 years, the university is well poised to be among the leading institutions of higher learning in this part of the hemisphere, said the release.
The research agenda Dr. Rigobert envisages for USM is informed by the centrality of digital technologies in the international political economy (IPE), inspired by the story of resilience of our people and anchored in a fervent commitment to serve USM students and the community.
Dr. Rigobert has curriculum change and innovation as one of her top priorities.
“USM can boast of having dedicated faculty and staff and tremendous goodwill from stakeholders here and abroad,” said Dr. Rigobert. In that regard, deepening and strengthening existing relations and forging new ones with partners who share the vision of USM is also at the top of her “to-do” list.
With the appointment of Dr. Rigobert as a leader, USM anticipates a transformative era of growth and excellence. Her unwavering commitment to promoting academic excellence and social responsibility is a promising indication of what lies ahead. Under her guidance, USM said it will continue to deliver quality education while actively contributing to the holistic development of the St. Maarten/Saint Martin community.
