"One UWI, One Alumni Family" 

 We regret to inform you of the passing of our colleague, Dr. Isaac Bekele, former Dean of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture (FFA).

Dr. Bekele was a distinguished academic, holding a PhD from Cornell University, an MSc in Biometry from Reading University and a BSc in Statistics from Addis Ababa University. With over 30 years of experience in Environmental Studies, he provided statistical support to graduate students and served as a consultant to the Institute of Marine Affairs. He also taught statistics to MSc Environmental Engineering students, with research interests in statistical mathematics and its application to agriculture, biology and the environment.

Dr. Bekele’s career at The UWI began in 1982 as an Assistant Lecturer. He was promoted to Lecturer in 1984, a position he held until 2002, when he was promoted to Senior Lecturer. Dr. Bekele later assumed leadership roles as Head of the Department of Food Production and in 2013, was appointed Dean of the FFA, a position he held until 2016. After his tenure as Dean, he continued to contribute to the faculty through his management of the Agricultural Innovation Park at Orange Grove.

Under Dr. Bekele's leadership, the FFA accomplished several key initiatives, including the establishment of the Agricultural Innovation Park at Orange Grove and the refurbishment of the Plant Pathology Lab in the Department of Food Production. He also oversaw improvements to the operations at the University Field Station at Mount Hope and the introduction of new vegetable lines. Additionally, he oversaw the creation of the Communications and Publications Unit and the harmonisation of agricultural programmes across the region. His leadership fostered collaboration with institutions offering diploma and associate degrees in agriculture, as well as the introduction and review of various undergraduate curricula.

The campus community extends condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.