The Academic Registrar: a diverse leadership role that is critical to the operations of the University, one that carries the huge responsibility of supporting the growth and development of the institution through a strong vision and strategic direction.
It is not a role for the faint-hearted, simply because it involves looking beyond immediate surroundings, and more towards the long-term aspirations, and doing this while trying to inspire stakeholders to be on board with that vision isn’t easy at all.
With news having reached Newspoint that current Registrar, Ms Veronica Grech, will shortly be retiring, we reached out to some of her colleagues, who are expressing their thanks for her valued contributions to the University.
Ms Grech has been the University Registrar for the past thirteen years, before which she acted as Registrar Designate. She is one of the University of Malta’s longest-serving employees, having started her career over 40 years ago at the Office of the Rector, then occupying various positions, including at the MATSEC Support Unit.
- Prof. Alfred J. Vella, Rector:
Veronica has proven her dedication to the University in many ways, but her greatest strength has been her genuine interest in students’ progress. Having been able to look at the big picture, she has taken great care in leading the administration of students from the minute they apply until they graduate, and even when they reach alumni status. And for that, she has proven to be the backbone we all needed to implement and execute a significant number of projects in the past years.
I would like to thank Veronica for her years of service, and may her retirement be filled with pleasant memories of contributing to the success of the University of Malta.
- Prof. Carmen Sammut, Pro-Rector for Student and Staff Affairs and Outreach:
Ms Veronica Grech dedicated her life to the University and while we wish her all the best upon her retirement, I truly hope that she will continue to support the University in other functions for many years to come. Her unbounded loyalty to the institution will be sorely missed. Ms Grech supported the work of the rectorate diligently. She had a key role in the smooth organization of the Senate. Her office is a repository for University regulations and her guidance to academic and administrative staff was always impeccable. Veronica Grech was a leading figure from the point of student admissions to their final graduation ceremony, which she organised. She led a great team who will pursue her admirable legacy. I will miss her rigour, her presence and her friendship. May she serve as a role model to many.
- Ms Angela Tabone, Office of the Rector:
I have known Veronica for forty five years, but she became a loyal colleague and good friend during the past 25 years when we were working closely together. During her years as Registrar, she led by example and worked relentlessly to ensure that her Office provided the support and expertise needed to continue updating and modernizing the services provided by the Office of the Registrar.
I have always admired her great sense of duty, loyalty and extreme dedication to her work and this will be her lasting legacy. I wish her well for the future.
- Mr Colin Borg, Academic Registrar-Designate at the Office of the Registrar:
When I joined the University as a graduate trainee back in July 2002, I started to work in collaboration with Veronica. At that time, she was the Deputy Registrar in charge of SIMS, amongst other areas. Veronica taught me how to be objective and meticulous in a manner that considers the totality of the situation at hand. Back in time, Veronica was my mentor without her realising. Fast forward to January 2012, I was appointed Assistant Registrar and during these 9 years, I learned a lot from Veronica but most importantly I learned how to be just and dedicated to the University without expecting much in return. Veronica's aims were always to see the University progressing forward and I truly believe that she should be recognised and appreciated by everyone for her long sterling service to the University of Malta.
- Ms Maria Filletti, Senior Administrator at the Office of the Registrar:
I have been working closely with the Registrar as her personal assistant for nearly ten years. The post of Registrar of the University presents many unpredicted challenges but Veronica has always performed her duties in a professional and fair manner. She has always shown great respect to her superiors and peers, whilst at the same time showing appreciation to personnel who are assigned to her offices. Dedication, precision and hard work are synonymous with Ms Grech, qualities which I always admired in her.
- Ms Marilyn Camilleri, Administrator at the Office of the Registrar:
I have been working with Veronica over the past six years, and I have witnessed first-hand, time and time again, what a hard-working, dedicated, professional individual she is. The University of Malta should be very proud of you for all the work and the service you have given to us throughout these years. Best wishes for your well-deserved retirement.
