Custos Fuller installed as Mico University College chancellor

Custos of Kingston, Steadman Fuller, was on Thursday installed as the third Chancellor of The Mico University College.

It was a full circle moment for the chairman and managing director of Kingston Bookshop Limited, who completed his teacher training at the institution 53 years ago.

He taught briefly at Water Valley All Age School in St Mary before embarking on a career in business and public service, making significant contributions to Jamaica’s book industry, literacy and intellectual development.

Addressing the installation ceremony held at King’s House, Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen said Custos Fuller’s appointment is a fitting recognition of his achievements, service, and continuing contribution to Jamaica.

“His excellent service as Custos Rotolorum for the Parish of Kingston, his wider responsibilities in national life and the many times he deputised as Governor-General, when I’m unavailable, these experiences speak to a record of service, leadership and public trust,” he said.

He noted that despite leaving the classroom, Custos Fuller has continued his dedication to education through the Kingston Bookshop, sourcing textbooks from the United Kingdom and other countries to support schools, educators, and students across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

“He has demonstrated that nation building takes many forms and that entrepreneurship, when guided by vision and purpose, can become a powerful instrument of educational advancement,” he stated.

The governor-general commended Custos Fuller’s enduring relationship with his alma mater, noting that his service on Mico’s board and committees reflects a sustained commitment to the institution that helped shape him today.

“When we were public school teachers at Water Valley All Age School, little could we have imagined the remarkable journeys that laid ahead of us and that we would one day reunite in these distinguished circumstances,” he said.

“May your tenure as Chancellor be fruitful and purposeful and may your leadership further strengthen Mico’s enduring mission of preparing generations to teach, to lead and to serve guided by its motto, ‘Do It With Thy Might’,” the governor-general expressed.

Education, Skills, Youth and Information Minister, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, congratulated Custos Fuller, describing him as a distinguished Jamaican whose life exemplifies service.

“You assume this office at an important time in Jamaica’s development and at a defining moment in the history of this distinguished institution. I am confident that your experience, your wisdom, your commitment to service and your deep connection to Mico will contribute meaningfully to its continued growth and success. I pray that your tenure will be marked by innovation, strong partnerships, institutional advancement and most importantly, an unwavering commitment to the development of Jamaica’s educators and our young people,” she said.

President, Mico University College, Dr Asburn Pinnock, said the institution looks forward to Custos Fuller’s leadership, counsel and support as it strengthens institutional capacity, expand opportunities to students, and advance teacher education and research and deepen contribution to national and regional development.

He noted that his appointment presents an important chapter in the continuing story of The Mico University College.

“It represents the heritage, values, and aspirations of our institution and provides an important link between its historic foundation and the future ambition.

As you assume this office, you do so at a time when education is being reshaped by technological advancement, changing social expectations, economic uncertainty, and a growing demand for innovation and the resurgence of excellence,” he stated.

“We welcome you home, the man of 1973 and a Bucks Knight, and look forward to working with you and advancing the institutional mission and aspiration,” he said.

President Pinnock saluted outgoing Chancellor, Dr Roderick James, and the institution’s first chancellor, Professor Errol Miller.

Chancellor Fuller, in his response, gave his commitment to strengthening Mico’s capacity to shape Jamaica, improving research, embracing innovation, attracting excellent students, and continuing to serve children and communities.

- JIS