The University of the South Pacific has appointed Winston Thompson as Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Council for a term of three years with effect from 1 January 2016.

The Vice-Chancellor and President of USP, Professor Rajesh Chandra in his presented report says Thompson is the Chair of the University Grants Committee (UGC) and has served in this role for 10 years.

Thompson is a highly respected former senior public servant who has worked as Permanent Secretary for several Fiji Government departments.

He has served as a diplomat and was the former chief executive officer of Telecom Fiji from 1995-2005.

Acting Pro-Chancellor and chair of Council Fekita ‘Utoikamanu will continue in her substantive role as deputy chair and deputy Pro-Chancellor.

Also Professor Derrick Armstrong has been appointed as deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & International) for a term of five years.

Professor Armstrong is a former deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney.