Dr. Livingston Smith, Dip. (Hons), BSc. (Hons), MPhil., GFL, LLM, PhD, was appointed Acting President of the University College of the Cayman Islands in April, 2025. A respected academic, sociologist, and public intellectual, Dr. Smith has been instrumental in shaping the institution’s vision for inclusive education and research excellence.
He has served as Director of Research & Publication and is the current President of the Caribbean Sociological Association. As Acting President, Dr. Smith brings decades of experience in higher education, policy, and regional collaboration.
He holds advanced degrees in philosophy, law, and social science, and is a leading advocate for innovation, equity, and economic transformation through education. Learn more about the Acting President Livingston Smith
The President of UCCI serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the University College of the Cayman Islands, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight. Working closely with the Board of Governors and the Corporate Management Team, the President ensures that UCCI fulfills its mission to be a dynamic institution for academic excellence, workforce readiness, and community engagement.
The President’s Office plays a key role in executing UCCI’s Five-Year Strategic Plan, which focuses on:
The President is supported by a team of senior leaders who manage core areas of the institution, including:
We are committed to strengthening student retention and graduation rates through proactive academic support, wellness programs, and an engaging campus culture that affirms belonging, purpose, and achievement.
Our students will graduate workplace-ready, equipped with technical skills, ethical grounding, and the ability to adapt and lead in the ever-evolving local and global economy.
We will embed artificial intelligence and emerging technologies throughout our academic offerings, preparing students to thrive in the digital era and contribute meaningfully to innovation.
UCCI will regularly review and adapt its programs to ensure alignment with Cayman’s core industries and the changing needs of society and the job market.
We will strengthen partnerships with secondary schools and industry leaders to provide students with clear, supported pathways from high school to employment and lifelong learning.
We will pursue and maintain international and regional accreditation to guarantee high standards of teaching, learning, and institutional effectiveness.
Our team will be continuously developed, supported, and celebrated, ensuring an environment where educators innovate, grow, and mentor the next generation of leaders.
We will serve as a catalyst for national transformation by expanding partnerships across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to co-create solutions for Cayman’s most urgent challenges.
Every student, regardless of background, will have the opportunity, support, and resources to succeed. We will actively reduce financial, academic, and systemic barriers to higher education.
UCCI will be a hub for socially impactful research, a convener of national dialogue, and a champion of civic participation that strengthens democratic values and social cohesion
