SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - The University of St. Martin Board of Directors and Management Team recently welcomed 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.
Dr. Rigobert, who was born and raised on the beautiful sister island of Saint Lucia, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new position as Dean of Academics at USM. Dr. Rigobert previously served as Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations, and Sustainable Development in Saint Lucia. Her extensive and outstanding work in the field demonstrates her dedication to education, innovation, and sustainable development, making her a fitting candidate to lead academic affairs at USM. Dr. Rigobert's impressive résumé goes beyond her impressive national ministerial track record to include a sterling career regionally and internationally as well. She lectured at The University of the West Indies (UWI) for roughly eight years (2002–2010) and was a visiting scholar at SPRU, Sussex University (2009). Earlier this year, she concluded a very successful stint as a Visiting Fellow at the Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre (IGDC) at York University in the United Kingdom. She currently serves as 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.
Dr. Rigobert wasted no time in becoming acquainted with the USM team, including the board of directors, management team, staff, faculty, and students, meeting with them one-on-one and in separate team meetings, respectively. Her commitment to creating a collaborative and welcoming academic environment was immediately apparent. Dr. Rigobert shared her vision and goals for USM during her initial engagements with university staff, outlining her plans to strengthen academic programs by highlighting the many successes and achievements that the division heads and students are making, to nurture new and ongoing research initiatives, and to 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 thirty-four (34) years, the university is well poised to be among the leading institutions of higher learning in this part of the hemisphere. The research agenda the Dean envisages for USM is informed by the centrality of digital technologies in the international political economy (IPE), inspired by the story of the resilience of our people, and anchored in a fervent commitment to serve USM students and the community. Dr. Rigobert is very cognizant of the fast-changing pace of this world and has as one of her top priorities curriculum change and innovation. She continued “USM can boast of having dedicated faculty and staff and tremendous goodwill from stakeholders here and abroad”. 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.
The leadership of Dr. Rigobert is expected to usher in a new era of growth and excellence at USM. Her determination to foster academic excellence as well as social responsibility is a promising sign of things to come. Under her leadership, USM will continue to provide quality education while also contributing to the overall development of the community throughout St. Maarten and Saint Martin.
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