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Former politician and economist Winston Dookeran has been appointed Professor of Practice at the Institute of International Relations, University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine Campus.
The move comes almost three years after the University Appointments Committee agreed to introduce the post as a means of deepening relations with the public and private sectors.
Dookeran confirmed the appointment was a "recent" development.
Despite having only returned home two weeks ago, Dookeran said he was not surprised as he had been previously informed.
The former Central Bank governor said he had been abroad for the past 18 months as he fulfilled international commitments in his capacity as an adviser to ECLAC, United Nations, Washington, DC on Caribbean Affairs and also as adjunct professor at University College, Toronto.
Declining to say much about his new portfolio until he had the contract in hand, Dookeran only added, "It is a great opportunity to contribute once more to the scholarly world at UWI."
Asked how his family felt having him back home and the subsequent appointment, Dookeran replied, "Everybody seems to be quite satisfied."
In its guidelines for the Professor of Practice, the UWI stated the post had been in circulation at many North American Universities and confirmed its newest position was adopted from the University of California, San Diego.
"The initiative is consistent with the Vice Chancellor's vision of ensuring that the UWI plays a more significant role in wealth creation in the region and help to promote private/public partnerships and further the cause."
Regarding the appointment and advancement criteria, departments were required to identify the candidate's leadership in and major contributions to the field in question, as well as document what credentials from practice he/she would bring to bear in teaching, research, and service.
Professors of Practice are mandated to design and teach undergraduate and graduate courses based on their expertise.
Appointees are expected to teach primarily in professional programmes at the graduate level—and can serve as a full-time or part-time official with or without a salary.
The term of contract for appointees is not expected to exceed three years—with reappointments being for shorter duration.