Murvin Gittens Named to University Board

February 18, 2008

Murvin H.V. Gittens, a prominent member of the Statia community, has been elected to the Board of Governors of the University of Sint Eustatius, according to Dr Leonard Wisneski, University President.  “We are delighted that Mr. Gittens has accepted the invitation to serve on our governing board,” said Dr Wisneski.  “As the University prepares to develop a new and permanent campus and as our student enrollment continues to increase, Mr. Gittens’ intimate familiarity with the needs of the community will help us to ensure that the University and the community remain strong and sensitive partners.”

A former Maritime Officer and harbor pilot, Mr. Gittens served as the Sint Eustatius Harbor Master for thirteen prior to his retirement in 2007.  “It is an honor to serve on this esteemed Board,” said Mr. Gittens.  “Its members are impressive and its purposes are admirable.  I look forward to serving in a way that benefits both the University and Statia.”  Mr. Gittens and his wife, Veronica, who owns and operates the book store Paper Corner, have lived on and off Statia since 1960 and permanently since 1993.

The University of Sint Eustatius Board of Governors was formed in January, 2007.  Its governance responsibilities include the approval of institutional plans and policies.  Its bylaws require that its elected members, one of whom must be a Statia resident, serve without compensation and disclose any potential conflicts of interest that might be perceived to compromise their ability to objectively govern the University.  “While the University is owned by an American for-profit corporation, its owners desire the University to function with the dignity, integrity and al truism of the most revered public and private universities,” said Michael Knopf, principal owner.  “We are fortunate to have access to people of the caliber of Murvin Gittens to help the University and Statia set new and innovative standards of excellence in medical education and community partnerships.”

Mr. Gittens joins five existing Board members each of whom are internationally recognized higher educators living in the United States.