The University of the South Pacific Council has farewelled its Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Winston Thompson and unanimously appointed Dr. Hilda Cathy Heine to the position for a three-year term commencing 1st January 2022 until 31st December 2024.
Thompson was presented with a plaque as a token of gratitude for his longstanding service to the University.
Speaking from Nauru, USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia wished the outgoing Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council well on his departure on the conclusion of his second term on 31st December 2021.
Professor Ahluwalia says he speaks on behalf of the senior management team and wants to thank Thompson for his service at the University.
Thompson says it has been progressive during his period with the University’s considerable challenges.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council expressed his sincere gratitude to the Council and Senior Management Team.
Thompson says that was completely unexpected but it is greatly appreciated. He thanked the Vice Chancellor and the Senior Management for the gesture.
Deputy Pro-Chancellor and Deputy Chair of Council, Professor Pat Walsh thanked the outgoing Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council for service to the University.
Professor Walsh says chairing the University Council is always challenging and it has been a particularly challenging over the last year or two.
USP Students Association Representative, Viliame Naulivou says they acknowledge the Pro Chancellor and Chair of Council, Winston Thompson and the Council for working closely with the Association to ensure that they are all well informed on the matters relating to the University.
Thompson was first appointed in 2016 and re-appointed as Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council of USP on 1st January 2019, for a further three year term. He also served for 9 years as Chair of the University Grants Committee from 2006 to 2015.
Incoming Pro Chancellor and Chair, Dr. Hilda Heine is a renowned Marshallese educator and is no stranger to the University of the South Pacific having served as its 26th Chancellor from 1st July 2019 to 12th January 2020.
Dr. Heine was the first female President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands serving from 2016 to 2020.
She attained an Educational Doctorate from the University of Southern California in 2004 and is the first person from the Marshall Islands to attain a Doctorate degree. Her Master’s degree is from the University of Hawaii and her undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon.
She has had an illustrious career and has a particular passion for Climate Action and Women’s Rights.
Dr. Heine is the recipient of an array of Awards, Honorary Achievements and has published widely on Education in the Pacific.
Dr. Heine is currently one of five international members to the East-West Centre in Honolulu representing the Pacific Islands. She serves as an advisor, officer and member of multiple task forces, committees and working groups such as the Club DeMadrid International, 1Million Women and Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) International to name just a few.
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