Philipsburg:---After almost two and a half months of a search for a new Dean, the Board has selected, Mrs. Joyce Watson, as the Dean of Academic Affairs. Joyce Watson has worked at USM for the past two years as the Accreditation Officer and has started the process of leading the university to its goal to be fully accredited in the near future. As a member of staff, who was seconded by the Island Government, Joyce Watson was able to apply for the Dean’s position through the internal posting of the position. The Dean of Academic Affairs provides leadership for the University of St. Martin’s Academic Programs and its faculty in the implementation of the University’s mission and goals; supervises the administration of all academic programs and support services; guides the development of new curricula and instructional strategies; is generally responsible for the recruitment and evaluation of all faculty and academic staff; and, is responsible for overseeing the process of accreditation for the university.
The hiring policy of the USM is in compliance with the laws, standards, and regulations of the Netherlands Antilles and the Island Ordinances of the government of St. Maarten and USM policies. The Dean Search Committee consisted of the USM Board President, USM Board Vice President, USM Board Faculty, Students, and Staff Liaison, USM President, and USM CFO. In addition, the committee was supported by one faculty representative and one staff representative. These support staff members allowed for transparency in the selection process.
The Dean Search Committee is pleased with the new Dean of USM, Mrs. Joyce Watson. She brings not only experience with the accreditation process to USM; she brings experience in the Island Department of Education and the education system of St. Maarten. The Foundation of the University of St. Martin is confident that USM will be able to make positive strides in the academic programs at USM with Mrs. Watson as the new Dean. Joyce Watson is a graduate from one of the top Education programs in the United States, The Bankstreet Graduate School of Education, in New York. She holds a Master of Science degree in Education and is pursuing further degree work at the Open University where she hopes to complete a Doctorandus degree in Policy and Management. USM congratulates Mrs. Watson and wishes her well in her new challenge as the Dean of Academic Affairs.