Kesi Asher, Staff Reporter
Dr. Rae Davis - president of the University of Technology. - CONTRIBUTED
Today we continue to profile recipients of the prestigious Jamaica Gleaner Honour Award. Dr. Rae Davis gets the award in the category Education and Public Service.
IT WAS said that some people are born great, some achieve greatness, while others have greatness thrust upon them.
Dr. Rae Anthony Davis is one of those persons who achieved it.
For Dr. Davis, the sky was the limit for how much educational qualifications he would achieve. In 1966, he attained his Bachelor of Science (with Honours in Physics) at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica. Later, in 1972, he also did his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in electrical engineering at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom.
While some people would close the books on schooling after these achievement, Dr. Davis went to Johns Hopkins University in the United States for a certificate in organisation and community systems and a M.Sc. in applied behavioural sciences.
With all these letters under his belt, he was ready to serve.
His tenure in education started with his return to his alma mater, Clarendon College, in 1960, as teacher of chemistry, mathematics and physics. He later taught the same subjects at Excelsior High School.
INTERNATIONAL WATERS
His teaching experience also took him across international waters. As a research student, he tutored at Loughborough University. Continuing his sojourn on foreign soil, he lectured on the University of the West Indies campus in Trinidad and Tobago, where he also supervised the technical staff.
In 1975, he was back in the local education sector at the then College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST), now University of Technology (UTech), as the head of the Engineering Department. He also lectured in various subjects in electrical engineering. "It was while I was at CAST I decided to go into managing," reflected Dr. Davis.
He went to the Jamaica Telephone Company as training manager. "After working for a while I realised I was far more comfortable managing organisations," said Dr. Davis.
But he returned to education in 1989 as the adviser/consultant to the then Minister of Education, Edwin Allen. He climbed the ladder and became the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture.
GETTING SCHOOLS READY
"I remember getting schools ready for September. When schools had problems paying electricity and water, I was constantly on the phone trying to get NWC to keep them connected. These were the kinds of responsibilities, you can't dodge them," reflected Dr. Davis.
In August 1995, CAST was transformed into the University of Technology (UTech) and Dr. Davis played a role in that transformation, both from the desk of the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture and from the desk of president of UTech, a position he assumed in 1996.
"I knew what challenges were with university status. We had to put in preparatory activities to make it a university," said the educator. The challenges were many. The quality of the programmes, technology and staff would have to be taken to a university level.
The most challenging thing for Dr. Davis was seeking to create a strong team. "Pulling all the different elements together requires coming up with a vision and strategies to do the job, and to get other members of the community to share this vision," said Dr. Davis, who received a national honour in 1999, the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD).
The most rewarding thing for him is the community service initiative and the 'thank you' letters that graduates often send. "He motivates people, he is able to elicit the best from all around him," said Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Omar Davies, Dr. Davis' younger sibling.
The UTech president leaves the post next year. What after resignation for Dr. Davis?
"I'll still be in education and training in one form or another," he said.
He also wants to do research and write the story of the telegraph service.
Of his decision to leave the University: "It was a difficult decision. We are developing a new plan for 2006/2010. I'm a part of that plan, so it's really emotionally demanding for me to not be around to see
these things."
He continues: "In fairness to the organisation, I will facilitate the continuity. The timing is right for someone (else) to spend their 10 years."
Dr. Rae Anthony Davis has done an outstanding job in developing Jamaica's education sector. "I'm an educator at heart," he said.
