UTASU Executive Members

Dr. Clavery Allen is a Senior Lecturer in Accounting within the School of Business Administration at the University of Technology, Jamaica. He has a wealth of academic and administrative experience, underpinned by a strong foundation in finance and accounting. Dr. Allen earned his PhD from the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom, following the completion of his MSc in Finance and Accounting at London South Bank University. During his undergraduate studies at the University of Technology, Jamaica, he was awarded the KPMG Peat Marwick Scholarship.

Dr. Allen was selected as the 2000 Student of the Year, 2000 Most Outstanding Student (School of Business Administration), and Valedictorian. In 2002, He was the recipient of a European Union Fellowship. Throughout his career, Dr. Allen has demonstrated a deep commitment to academic excellence and institutional leadership. He has served in several key leadership roles, including Head of the School of Business Administration, where he was instrumental in student engagement, curriculum development, quality assurance, faculty advancement, and strategic planning. Dr. Allen’s research interests span a diverse range of contemporary and impactful topics. These include corporate finance, corporate misconduct, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues, as well as educational leadership and administration. With a passion for teaching, research, and academic service, Dr. Allen continues to inspire students and colleagues alike, making meaningful contributions to the advancement of business education in the Caribbean and beyond.

Dr Allen currently serves as the President of the Academic Staff Union, advocating for faculty interests and contributing to the governance of the university through membership in the University Council, Governance Committee of the Council, Academic Board, College of Business and Management Board and the College Curriculum Committee. As President of the Union, he is also responsible for the strategic direction of the Union, chairs the executive committee, ensures financial probity, and professional development of members.

Dr. Eraldine Williams-Shakespeare, an educator and certified instructional designer and evaluator with over 24 years of experience, currently serves as Grievance Officer for UTASU. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction – Instructional Technology, University of South Florida, and a M.A. in Open Distance and Flexible Learning, University of London. She is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies at the University of Technology, Jamaica, and has served UTASU as Public Relations officer and School Representative, SOTAVE. An avid researcher, she has published in several local and international peer-reviewed journals and has research interests in distance and online learning, technologies in teacher education, curriculum development and planning, teacher education, student satisfaction, and most recently, collaboration in academic unions.

Denise Allen has been a dedicated member of the School of Computing and Information Technology at UTECH for over 20 years, teaching courses such as Database Design, Database Implementation, Web Programming, and Data Protection and Regulation. She also serves as the Faculty Board of Law representative for FENC. With research interests in leadership in education, artificial intelligence, information security, and technological solutions in law, Denise has delivered insightful presentations on Technology in Education and Data Protection Readiness. As UTASU Secretary, Denise manages the UTASU office and ensures smooth operations by taking minutes at meetings, maintaining the union’s membership register, and managing correspondence. She also oversees sub-committee reports, prepares ballots for elections, and ensures the union’s records are well-managed. In addition to her academic and union roles, Denise is a practising Attorney-at-Law, a passionate pescatarian, and a strong advocate for health and fitness and continuous personal development.

Tashieka Burris-Melville is a seasoned educator with over 19 years of experience. She holds a doctoral degree in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University and a Master of Arts in Linguistics from the University of the West Indies, Mona. She currently serves as the Public Relations Officer for the UTASU as well as leads the professional development and visibility portfolio, which focuses on enhancing member engagement, scholarly dissemination, and public outreach.

With a versatile teaching background, she has delivered courses in academic writing, linguistics, and leadership at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Driven by a passion for learning and a commitment to scholarly inquiry, Dr. Burris-Melville has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, books, book chapters, and conference presentations on a wide range of topics. Her research interests include sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, writing in higher education, teamwork development, collective leadership, collaborative and inclusive leadership, transformational leadership, and online teaching and learning.

Dr. Barrett-Maitland serves as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing and Information Technology at the University of Technology, Jamaica, where she has distinguished herself through her dedication to teaching and research. With an illustrious educational background, she has earned a PhD and a Master's degree in Computer Science from the University of the West Indies Mona, and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Studies with Management from the University of Technology, Jamaica. Dr Barrett- Maitland is a proud graduate of Jose Marti Secondary School.

Dr Barrett-Maitland is an accomplished academic and a respected leader in her field. Her research focuses on information security, Artificial Intelligence (AI), data protection, leadership and using technology to improve lives. She has numerous academic publications and writes tech columns for The Jamaica Gleaner. A respected speaker on AI, Data Protection and cybersecurity, she is also a devoted Christian and a proud mother of three children. Dr Barrett-Maitland is known for her commitment to lifelong learning and service. Her commitment to excellence, integrity, and service are the values that drive her to continue giving her talent to support nation building.

Dr. Andrew S. Lamm is a dedicated educator and researcher, specializing in natural products with medicinal, agricultural, or commercial applications. He is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and the former Vice Dean in the Faculty of Science and Sport (FOSS) at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech). He is also the former Director of the Center for Science-based Research, Entrepreneurship and Continuing Studies (CSRECS). Dr. Lamm holds a PhD (Chemistry); BSc. (Chemistry & Biochemistry) and a DipEd (Higher Education). His publications include peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, technical reports, as well as both commercial and academic presentations which are complemented by grant funding from local and international organisations.

Dr. Lamm assists the Secretary in performing all secretarial duties and responsibilities as outlined in the UTASU Constitution and any other duties as assigned by the Secretary or the Executive Committee to support the effective operation of the Union.