Oct. 8, 2001 – Dr. Velma Tyson, an associate professor of mathematics at the University of the Virgin Islands and chair of its Science and Mathematics Division on the St. Croix campus, has been named to receive a Millennium Award for Excellence in Teaching.
The award is sponsored by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities in partnership with the Science and Technology Cluster of federal agencies. The White House Initiative was created by President Bill Clinton to strengthen historically black schools and increase their ability to participate in federally sponsored programs.
This year's honorees were to have received their awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 18, but the event was postponed following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, a UVI release stated. A new date has not been announced.
Tyson followed a non-traditional route to become an educator. After raising three children, she earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from UVI in 1980. She went on to complete her master's in school administration supervision in 1983 and received her Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Iowa in 1995.
"I must say a great big thank you to so many UVI faculty members who helped in my development and professional growth," Tyson said. "I am really committed to doing my best for the university."
UVI President Orville Kean described Tyson as "a treasured UVI alumna" and as a faculty member who "has always exhibited the very highest academic and personal standards." He added, "We at UVI are very proud of Dr. Tyson and recognize her as a valued member of the UVI family."
Last year, Dr. Camille McKayle, associate professor of mathematics on the St. Thomas campus, was one of six recipients nationwide of the 2000 Millennum Award.
