Presidential Interview

Interim CMU President, Professor Emeritus Evan Duggan, has joined the institution at a challenging time. Aside from a global pandemic which has forced classes online, the CMU has also faced questions in the public domain related to ongoing investigations. I sat with him for a brief discussion on what his sojourn at the institution has been like so far and his perspective on the university’s 40th anniversary.

1. How has your journey @ the CMU been?

Sometimes I forget I’ve only been here for 7 months! It feels like such a long time. There is a lot to be done, but I am eternally grateful for the overwhelming support I’ve received from the CMU family. From the council to the ancillary staff, everyone made sure I feel comfortable in settling in and have been extremely diligent in helping me rekindle the great enthusiasm the country experienced when we ascended to university status.

2. What do you love most about the CMU?

Well, while the view of the harbour from my office is breathtaking (he laughs). I really do love my staff and my students in equal measure. I’ve worked in a plethora of educational institutions for most of my life, but none of them like the CMU. When I first arrived, all staff saw to my seamless assimilation and have consistently been looking out for me.

In like manner, my students perpetually encourage me to strive even in the face of daunting challenges. I’m a better person today because of this university.

3. If you could put all your experiences in one word, what would that word be?

Exciting

4. What does the 40th Anniversary mean to you?

Ours is a great story. At the time of its founding, in 1980, the JMTI (at the time) was a fledgling institution for training Norwegian seafarers. Today, we are an internationally recognized and highly-regarded University dedicated to redefining maritime excellence through innovation and technology. We have not been a university for a long time, and yet we stand as the citadel of maritime education, training, research and consultancy in the Western Hemisphere. The 40th anniversary to me is an undeniable affirmation that the CMU has great potential - the likes of which Jamaica has never seen, and it is my great honour to lead it.

5. In another 40 years, for our 80th anniversary, what do you envision for the CMU?

Certainly, I’d want the institution to become the best Maritime University in the Americas, and the entire world.

6. What are you doing now to help achieve that dream?

Along with the council, we are crafting the structures and arrangements necessary to safeguard the perpetuity of our courses and setting the foundation for their eventual expansion and advancement.

7. How do you want your students to feel about the Anniversary?

Excited! Your school has come a far way and we are in a season of change. Great things are in store! Trust me!

By: Nahjae Nunes

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