UVI Student Journalists Secure Exclusive Interview With University President
by Maliah LaCour
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, Jan 2025— On a bright and bustling fall afternoon in 2024, three young reporters hurried into the administration building on the Orville E. Sheen campus at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI).
Members of the UVI Association of Black Journalists (UVIABJ) and the student online publication UVI Voice 2.0 were ushered into a formally furnished office, their anticipation palpable.
Inside, two of the three students took seats in front of a wood-paneled bookshelf, while their videographer carefully assembled his equipment. Lavalier microphones were fitted, final adjustments were made, and then they waited.
The wait was brief. Within minutes, the door opened, and the students rose to greet a neatly dressed woman of small stature, her warm smile exuding confidence. She welcomed the team, motioned for them to sit, and, in a soft, yet firm voice, signaled for the interview to begin.
Kwaniqua Monsanto and Jadynn Sibilly, contributing writers for UVI Voice 2.0, faced videographer Shandley Raphael’s camera for their first official interview—with Dr. Safiya George, the sixth president of UVI and arguably the most influential woman in the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more than 30 minutes, they engaged in a thoughtful exchange, asking questions and gaining insight from the university’s newest leader.
Dr. Safiya George, arguably the most influential woman in the US Virgin Islands and sixth president of UVI.
The interview had been weeks in the making. Under the guidance of faculty and undergraduate advisors Dr. Sharon Albert Honore and George Francis, the student journalists meticulously prepared for the opportunity. They crafted and revised questions, researched George’s background, fact-checked sources, and tested audio and video equipment. The weight of the assignment was not lost on them—documenting an in-person interview with the president of the only historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the Caribbean.
Beyond the institutional milestone, the news crew aimed to understand the leader behind the title. They hoped to gain insight into George’s career, which spans nursing and higher education, while also capturing a personal perspective on her leadership style. UVIABJ selected this team to provide an intimate snapshot of the university’s transition under her leadership.
UVI President Reflects on Student Life, Shares Vision for the Future
USVI student reporters were particularly struck by George’s early start in higher education. After graduating high school in St. Croix at age 15, she enrolled in UVI’s Associate of Science in Nursing program before transitioning to a Bachelor of Science degree.
Throughout her academic journey, she earned scholarships and accolades for both her intellectual and athletic achievements, positioning herself as a trailblazer in her field.
Relaxed in her office, Dr. Safiya George fondly recalled her undergraduate days on the St. Thomas campus.
She stated, “I thoroughly enjoyed my UVI experience. I lived on campus, here [OS) for the last two years of my nursing program. I lived in South dorms, in B.” She paused and added, “While I studied nursing, I was also a Lady Buccaneer on the basketball team; as part of the ‘Starting 5,’ I was a point guard and a shooting guard.”
Dr. George shared other personal memories, and painted a vivid picture of her UVI experience. She reminisced, ” We used to practice with the girls, but we also traveled with the boys’ basketball team, and so we really formed a bond with both team members.” Her talents and skills were displayed during Homecoming 2024 on the STX basketball court.
George’s nostalgic reflections highlighted her deep-rooted connection to the university, reinforcing her passion for the student experience.
As UVI’s president, George said her commitment to students extends beyond professional duty—it is a personal mission.
I was also a Lady Buccaneer on the basketball team; as part of the ‘Starting 5,’ I was a point guard and a shooting guard.” -George
Dr. George’s commitment to students is not just a professional duty, but a personal engagement that she carries with her on both campuses. Her primary goal is to focus on students and elevate their experience, a mission she takes to heart. “That will be key — prioritizing students and elevating the student experience.”
Throughout the interview, UVI Voice 2.0 reporters found George to be personable and passionate. “She was also funny and the conversations were very relatable,” noted Jadynn.
Kwaniqua agreed and said, “Dr. George spoke to us like she would an adult. She answered our questions and gave examples to make sure we understood. Her ideas were reasonable, and it was obvious that she respected the communication process and believed art and the humanities play an essential role in mental and emotional growth.”
George’s approachable leadership style has already made an impression on the student body. Shortly after the fall term began, Miss UVI, LaMonee Morris, shared a dance video on TikTok with the caption: “Having a blast with Safiya George, the coolest president at the University of the Virgin Islands!”
After receiving her bachelor’s degree in nursing, George applied and was accepted to graduate school at Johns Hopkins, Georgia State, and Emory University. She explained that she ultimately chose to attend Emory in Atlanta to complete her Master’s and Ph.D.in nursing with a concentration in HIV/AIDS, Oncology, infectious diseases, and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders.
Her extensive experience in education and healthcare has positioned her as an influential figure in both fields.
During the interview, UVIABJ reporters asked about her vision for the university and the challenges she has faced throughout her career. George emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration and productivity among scholars, students, and staff.
Now back in the U.S. Virgin Islands, she embraces the challenge of leading her alma mater—both as an academic and as a former student-athlete. With institutional traditions deeply rooted, policies to refine, and critics to face, George’s tenure will not be without obstacles.
With institutional traditions deeply rooted, policies to refine, and critics to face, George’s tenure will not be without obstacles.
The interview with UVIABJ underscored two key takeaways: George’s unwavering commitment to enhancing academic excellence at UVI and students’ eagerness to embrace her leadership. This mutual expectation signals a promising and ambitious future for the university.
