Latest update December 23rd, 2024 3:40 AM
Dr. Prem Misir resigns as UG Pro-Chancellor
After serving in the capacity of Pro-Chancellor at the University of Guyana (UG) for close to a decade, Dr Prem Misir has tendered his resignation. This development was confirmed yesterday by Registrar of the University, Mr Vincent Alexander, who noted that the move came as somewhat of a surprise.
Dr. Prem Misir
Dr Misir’s resignation will become effective from June 2, giving him just under a month to continue performing the duties of Pro-Chancellor.
Based on the Constitution of Guyana, the Pro-Chancellor is elected by the University’s Council from among members of the very Council to hold that office for a period prescribed by the statutes. However, in the absence of a Chancellor, as in the case at UG, the Pro-Chancellor is also tasked with functioning in the capacity of Chancellor.
The Chancellor has the responsibility to function as Head and Chief Officer of the University and President of its Council and Guild of Graduates.
Moreover, Misir’s resignation will put pressure on the University to either urgently fill the void that will be left when his resignation takes effect, or to hire a Chancellor.
The University has been without a Chancellor since the resignation of Professor Compton Bourne in 2012, whose appointment had attracted much opposition from university staffers. In fact, his resignation was tendered even as university staffers staged picket action outside the office of the Pro-Chancellor.
But according to Alexander yesterday, he is not aware that the resignation of Dr. Misir is linked to any controversial issue. In fact he intimated that one of the reasons cited by Dr. Misir for his resignation is that he is “moving on”.
Alexander said that Misir’s resignation comes several months ahead of the official conclusion of his contract in October.
The Registrar noted that the University will be seeking to vigorously ensure that Dr. Misir, before his departure, is able to affix his signature to all certificates of those who graduated at the University’s 2013 Convocation.
According to Alexander, a replacement for the position of Pro-Chancellor has not yet been considered since the matter has not come up for discussion at the level of Council. He however noted that currently a search is on for a new Chancellor.
“Who knows which will come first?” Alexander mused.
Dr. Misir, who was first appointed Pro-Chancellor in 2003, is the holder of a Doctor of Philosophy in Social and Behavioural Sciences from the University of Hull, England; a Master in Public Health from the University of Manchester, England; Master of Philosophy from the University of Surrey, England; a Post-doctoral programme in Public Health from the Columbia University, New York, and Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours from the Queen’s University of Belfast, United Kingdom.
As Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Misir was awarded the Professorship in Public Health at the University of Central Lancashire in England. Reports are that his resignation will facilitate his desire to achieve additional professional goals.
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