The University of the South Pacific Council farewelled pro-chancellor and chair of council, Winston Thompson, during its 92nd meeting last week.
Mr Thompson was presented with a plaque as a token of gratitude for his service to the university.
His term ends on December 31. A statement from USP said Marshallese educator Dr Hilda Cathy Heine has assumed the role of pro-chancellor and chair of council as it embarked into the next phase of its development.
She was the first female President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, serving from 2016 to 2020.
She attained an Educational Doctorate from the University of Southern California in 2004. USP vice-chancellor and president Professor Pal Ahluwalia wished Mr Thompson well, saying he hoped “the next phase of your retirement will be fruitful”.
Mr Thompson served as chair for six years.
He was first appointed in 2016 and re-appointed as pro-chancellor and chair of council of USP on January 1 2019, for a further three-year term.
He also served for nine years as chair of the University Grants Committee.
