As UCCI launches a hunt for new leadership, university college veteran Livingston Smith will take the helm as acting president and CEO.
UCCI announced earlier this month that Robert Robertson would be leaving the role as president and CEO after two and a half years in the role “to pursue new professional opportunities”.
The interim leader, Smith, is an experienced academic who has been a university professor, a department chairman, director of research and publication, and vice president and provost at UCCI.
UCCI Chairman Gilbert McLean said, “Dr. Smith has been a part of the UCCI family for over 20 years and therefore his leadership ensures a seamless transition and continued momentum as the university begins a search for its next president and CEO.
“We look forward to Dr. Smith leading the university through our 50th anniversary celebrations and into our next chapter.”
Robertson left the leadership post on Wednesday as he had accrued leave to take.
He said UCCI had achieved a lot over his time on the job, including an expansion of academic partnerships and programmes.
Robertson added that UCCI had also deepened its relationships with its partners and increased sustainability and innovation across the university.
He said a campus master plan had been prepared, as well as a sustainability plan, and the institution had developed its reputation “as a leader in environmental and sustainability efforts regionally and globally”.
Robertson added, “I would like to thank all of the faculty and staff at UCCI for the wonderful opportunity to work with such a dedicated and talented team focused on serving our students.
“Also, thank you to the chairman and members of the board for the leadership and guidance during my tenure at UCCI, and to the corporate management team for their support and dedicated service.
“It has been a privilege and an honour to serve as President and CEO of the University College of the Cayman Islands.”
