Investiture of Dr. Michael O’Neal as third President of HLSCC is a milestone for the entire BVI

By Mellica McPherson 

H LAVITY STOUTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT     DR MICHAEL O'NEAL

Many turned out on Wednesday 7 June to be a part of an historic event in the life of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, (HLSCC) as Dr. Michael Ericson O’Neal was inaugurated as the institution’s third President.  The formal investiture was the first to be held at the College in its 16-year history.

Chairman of the College’s Board of Governors Mr. Elihu Rhymer, presided  over the proceedings, which commenced with a procession of the College’s Deans Student Leaders, Senior Administrative Officers, Faculty, Representatives of Colleges, Universities, and learned Societies that HLSCC has affiliations with and other Alumni Representatives.

The event was chaired by the Director of International Affairs Secretariat, Mrs. Lorna Smith, and the invocation was presented by Father Ronald Branch, Rector of the St. George’s Episcopal Church. Musical selections by the BVI High School Band made the pomp and circumstance even more impressive.

Chief Minister, Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith told the gathering: “I can think of no one better suited than Dr. O’Neal to succeed Dr. Charles Wheatley, who has done so much for tertiary education and for this institution in particular.“

The Chief Minister also mentioned that from this fall all BV Islanders who are willing to take on the challenge of serious academic study will be able to attend college tuition-free. Dr. Smith said that he has the utmost confidence in Dr. O’Neal’s commitment to achieving the mission of the HLSCC. He added that the new president will succeed because he is a talented leader, who is supported by a team of experienced leaders. The Chief Minister also pledged his and the Government’s support to Mr. O’Neal, and explained that Government is also committed to the goal of building the HLSCC so that it will continue to serve the BVI now and for many years into future.

Dr. Julio S. Leon, President of the Missouri Southern State University (MSU) congratulated Dr. O’Neal on his inauguration. Dr. Leon explained that both himself and the Chairman of their Board traveled to the Territory to be a part of that special event. “We wanted to be here because we have linkage with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, which makes provision for students of the College to complete their Bachelor’s Degree in Business.” After making his brief remark, Dr. Leon presented a memento from the faculty of MSU to Dr. O’Neal.

Prof. Elsa Leo-Rhynie, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Ag Principal, of the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) brought congratulatory greetings and well wishes from the Chancellor of the UWI, Prof. Nigel Harris who was unable to attend the ceremony. Prof. Leo-Rhynie said that Dr. O’Neal must continue to remain caring and compassionate because it will keep him human during the hard decisions that he will have to make throughout his tenure. “The University of the West Indies congratulates you and pledges to work with you to ensure excellence in the Territory’s education,” she told Dr. O’Neal.

Dr. La Verne E. Ragster, President of the University of the Virgin Islands told the assembly that she was honoured and extremely pleased to bring congratulatory remarks on such an auspicious occasion. Dr. Ragster  noted that the University of the Virgin Islands is pleased to have had a long relationship with Dr. O’Neal. “We are proud that he has chosen to serve his community by providing leadership. We are confident that he will continue to find motivating ways to provide for the BVI’s human resources needs. UVI will continue to develop opportunities to work with H.L.S.C.C,” She pointed out.”

Dr. Ragster concluded by stating that  the “HLSCC has the President it needs to seize the opportunities that abound.”

Dr. Christine Hodge, Associate Vice President of H.L.S.C.C informed that the College has been graced with Dr. O’Neal’s unique style of leadership. Dr. Hodge said that the students are his number one priority.

Dr. O’Neal’s brother, Mr. Colin O’Neal told the congregation that it was a proud day for their family. “I know that the College has seen your dedication for the past ten years or more. The extended O’Neal family is indeed proud of your accomplishment. My one regret is that our parents did not live to see this moment. We anticipate that you will have a successful presidency, one with continuous growth of the college,” Mr. Colin O’Neal told the new President.

Dr. O’Neal was introduced and presented by Dr. Joseph S. Archibald, Q.C. Board Member and Chairman of the Presidential Search Committee. Dr. Archibald mentioned that Dr. O’Neal is a distinguished and widely  respected scholar, and a son of the soil. Dr. Archibald  went on to list Dr. O’Neal’s academic achievements.

Dr. O’Neal was called forward by Chairman of the Board, Mr. Rhymer to accept the charge of the Board of Governor’s, and to receive the symbols of his office. After that, Dr. O’Neal was then adorned with the academic regalia, in the form of a green robe that was trimmed with four chevrons of gold velvet with black piping; (by tradition the four chevrons symbolize the rank of the university or college president), the robe has two columns and a hem in gold. The H.L.S.S.C logo is embroidered on the each column. The robe is accompanied by a doctorial hood that signifies his Ph.D degree.

The new President was presented with a copy of the Education Act, The Medallion and Chain, which are a symbol of the authority of Office; but most importantly he was called to take the oath of presidency.

The presentation of all of the regalia led to crowning point of the event---the President’s address.

In his speech President O’Neal recalled his statement to the Presidential Installation Committee, where he informed that while he was honored by the Board’s decision to mark his appointment with a formal ceremony of installation, he wanted the ceremony to be a simple, unostentatious affair. He also reflected on the accomplishments the institution has made over the past years of its existence. Dr. O’Neal gave a listing of some of the academic institutions that the College is affiliated with such as Wright State University, and many more.

The President stated that “against the backdrop of ineluctable challenge and change which characterize the recent past, HLSCC continues to successfully advance its mission and address the strategic initiatives that have been set,” with that said he went on to list some of the College’s priorities.

 Before completing his address Dr. O’Neal highlighted a few future initiatives that he has in store for the College.