THE University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, has congratulated its principal and pro-vice chancellor, Professor Archibald McDonald , for having been awarded the prestigious Order of Jamaica (OJ).

Professor McDonald’s award for excellence in academia and public service was announced on August 6 in the National Honours and Awards List for 2017.

He will receive the insignia from the governor general, Sir Patrick Allen, during the annual awards ceremony, at King’s House on National Heroes Day. He was previously conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD).

“I am truly humbled to receive this most prestigious national honour. Every action that I have taken throughout my academic career was with a mind to improving the level and quality of training available to students in Jamaica and the region so that they may contribute in a meaningful way to their respective countries,” Professor McDonald responded to the announcement.

“I am very grateful and honoured that the Government of Jamaica has seen it fit to recognise me in such a significant way for my contribution,” he added.

Professor McDonald joined UWI, Mona in 1987, and has since played a pivotal role in the development of various programmes and initiatives, in addition to his administrative accomplishments at the institution.

During his time at the university, he served in various capacities including head of the Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care; chair of the Department of Surgery Research Committee; supervisor of the DM Emergency Medicine; as well as dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences.

He is also credited with the establishment of the first Accident and Emergency Department in Jamaica at the University Hospital of the West Indies in 1993, as well as starting the DM Programme in Emergency Medicine; instituting post-basic training for emergency room nurses; and introducing the Doctor of Dental Surgery and Masters in Sports Medicine and Forensic Science programmes to the university.

Professor McDonald’s illustrious career also boasts him successfully guiding the Faculty of Medical Sciences to full accreditation from the Caribbean Authority of Medical Education and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). He conceptualised and oversaw the development and expansion of the state-of-the-art Faculty of Medical Sciences Research and Teaching Complex.

These accomplishments, however, only represent a fraction of his priceless contribution to the UWI.

During his relatively short time as principal, Professor McDonald has transformed the Mona Campus into a modern university campus with world-class teaching and learning facilities and student accommodation, through innovative and out-of-the-box thinking, which led to the successful implementation of a number of private-public partnerships, including the Mona campus’s Water Well Project.

The well, which was commissioned on December 16, 2016, ensures that the campus has its own independent and reliable water supply, which has saved it approximately $10 million monthly.