A Tribute to Dr. The Hon. Rae Davis

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 20 TRIBUTE TO DR RAE DAVIS XII J AMAICA HAS not yet fully recognised the sterling contribution to the development of secondary and tertiary education made by Dr Rae Davis. Aman who did not seek to blow his own trumpet, Dr Davis quietly andmethodically, with the support of his council andmanagement team, crafted the institution that we now know as the University of Technology, Jamaica. He presided over the transition of the leg- endary College of Arts, Science and Technology to that of a fully formed university. He refined and executed the mandate to deliver state-of- the-art training and development for persons who would play a significant role in building Jamaica’s workforce and, ultimately, the coun- try’s economy. An engineer by training, Dr Davis brought that discipline to his work, ensuring precision and high quality in all that he did. His mantra was ‘PIE’ – plan, implement, evaluate. He also believed that students should have a balanced educational experience and because of this, he never neglected the arts. He was instrumental in establishing the Caribbean’s first sculpture park with iconic pieces contributed from far and wide. He focused on cultural enrichment and character building, allowing students to excel and be better prepared for the world at large. Under his watch, the entrepreneurship centre grew to be an important part of the university’s thrust to ensure that there is a vision of sustain- able economic development for the country. His love of sport and music were the driving force for the developments of these programmes within the university. A man of good character, honest and forth- right, Dr Rae Davis led by example and he has left an indelible mark of sophistication, intellect and commitment to community and country. DR BLOSSOM O’MEALLY-NELSON, CD Former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Technology, Jamaica Former chancellor, Dr Blossom O’Meally-Nelson congratulates Dr Rae Davis on his installation as president.