The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) received a $75k grant from Cruzan Rum Distilleries to fund a virtual program designed to prepare students for real-world work experience in a variety of industries.
UVI’s College of Mathematics and Science received the gift to develop an advanced simulation program for students enrolled in the department’s Process Technology program.
According to the UVI web-site, the program prepares students to “startup, operate, shutdown, analyze and troubleshoot industrial processes...that include rum distilleries, power generation, water and wastewater treatment, oil and gas, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals.”
UVI’s Dean of College of Mathematics and Science, Dr. Michelle Peterson and assistant professor of Process Technology, Dr. Victoria Henry, received the donation on October 26th in a presentation with Cruzan Rum’s plan manager, Louis Houle.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with the University of the Virgin Islands by providing support for future leaders of the Virgin Islands community,” said Houle in the release.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, similar occupations earned a median average salary of $57,320, but job growth was projected to be slower than average at 4% through 2030. Yet those professionals earn an average income of $27.56 per hour, which is $4.50 greater than the average hourly salary territory-wide.
“We are thankful [that] Cruzan Rum is investing in the future of UVI students and by doing so, adding to the workforce development of the Virgin Islands. Through this generous donation, students enrolled in the Process Technology Program will be better prepared to launch their careers and fulfill their dreams. Cruzan Rum has supported this University for several years and their continued support shows how they are embracing a vision of student support and institutional transformation,” said UVI President Dr. David Hall.
Honeywell International Inc., a conglomerate of aerospace, building and technology developers, partnered with Cruan Rum on the donation. Together, faculty from the Process Technology program and software engineers from Honeywell will meet to develop learning modules and create 3D replicas of those modules to reinforce classroom learning by simulating real-world experiences in a virtual setting.
“With these 3D replicas, students will have a visual aid to supplement what they are learning in the classroom,” said Dr. Henry. “The simulated laboratory will deploy advanced technologies, including virtual reality and intelligent wearables, to connect classroom instruction with field industrial experiences, thus making students better prepared for the workforce.”
UVI offers the Associate of Applied Science in Process Technology (AASPT) degree on the Sheen Campus on St. Croix.