Committee approves Carolyn P. Herman Purcell for UVI Board of Trustees

The Legislature of the Virgin Islands Committee on Rules and Judiciary on May 8 favorably approved Carolyn P. Herman Purcell as the governor's nominee to the University of the Virgin Islands Board of Trustees.

Purcell, who told the committee she actively sought the nomination, described her ties to UVI as an alumna and longtime campus user and said she intends to support President Sophia George and the board during a period the university is “in a transitional state” because of enrollment declines and reduced federal funding. “I will do whatever I can as a trustee to support Dr. George in her new position,” Purcell said during her appearance.

The committee’s review focused on strategies to boost enrollment and retention, alumni engagement and whether Purcell’s service on the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission creates conflicts. Purcell said she had reviewed ethics rules for the Casino Control Commission and would recuse herself from any trustee matters presenting a conflict. Senators on the panel pressed her on enrollment declines, marketing to regional and mainland students, graduate-program growth and how the board should strengthen ties with alumni and local schools. Senator Avery L. Lewis noted the university’s fact sheet lists about 1,500 students across its two campuses and asked how alumni giving and campus outreach could improve that figure; Purcell pointed to the UVI five-year strategic plan and suggested earlier outreach to middle- and high-school students and stronger marketing.

The committee recorded a motion to favorably approve the nomination; the clerk reported the committee vote as 4 yeas and 3 absent. The committee will forward the nomination to the full legislature for final consideration.

Purcell closed by thanking the committee and the governor for the nomination and said she looks forward to working with trustees and university leadership if confirmed by the full body.