UVI's History

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) was chartered on March 16, 1962, as the College of the Virgin Islands — a publicly funded, coeducational, liberal arts institution — by Act No. 852 of the Fourth Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands. According to that law, UVI's cornerstone objective is to provide for "...the stimulation and utilization of the intellectual resources of the people of the Virgin Islands and the development of a center of higher learning whereby and wherefrom the benefits of culture and education may be extended throughout the Virgin Islands."

The enabling legislation was the result of at least two years of preparation and planning. In 1960, the V.I. Legislature created a temporary body called the Virgin Islands College Commission, comprised of interested island residents, to survey the need for a territorial college. In April 1961, Governor Ralph M. Paiewonsky pledged to establish such a college in his inaugural address. And in July 1961, Governor Paiewonsky hosted a Governor's Conference on Higher Education, at which twenty educators observed and analyzed the Virgin Islands' educational scene, and made recommendations for the creation of the College of the Virgin Islands (CVI).

The first campus opened on St. Thomas in July 1963, on 175 acres donated by the federal government. The first Board of Trustees took office in August 1963. In 1964, the college founded a second campus on St. Croix, on 130 acres also donated by the federal government.

See link to read more: https://www.uvi.edu/about/history.html

UVI's Culture

Aside from our location in one of the most beautiful regions of the world, the Virgin Islands is a melting pot of cultures and, as the only HBCU outside of the continental U.S., UVI celebrates diversity. We offer a broad array of courses, programs, and extracurricular activities that reflect the diversity of our students and community. One example of a unique cultural activity students can participate in is Carnival, a month-long event that showcases cultural foods, costumes and music. UVI students, alumni and employees typically organize a troupe in one of the parades. Other popular events include the annual Paradise Jams basketball tournament in November and the annual HBCU Basketball Classic that coincides with Homecoming Week activities. Because of UVI's small size, students quickly feel welcome and a sense of belonging to a close-knit community. Students will find lots of activities designed to bring the community together, from beach parties and sporting events to dance contests and musical performances.

What to know about UVI

UVI offers a Historically American, Uniquely Caribbean, Globally Interactive HBCU experience. Our students benefit from high-quality, fully accredited academic programs that prepare them for careers anywhere in the world. Small class sizes and a supportive environment ensure our students receive a personalized education. Students can choose from 99 majors, minors and certificates from 6 schools and colleges. We offer associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees in addition to a PhD program. Online or at one of our two campuses, UVI offers affordable tuition and financial aid to assist those who need it.

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