By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer
The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) is delighted to announce that Dr. Slimen Saliba will be the distinguished guest speaker for the Baccalaureate Service during our 91st Graduation weekend. The service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 10:30am at the USC Auditorium on our Main Campus in Maracas Valley, St. Joseph, and will be streamed live on YouTube (youtube.com/@UoSC).
Meet Dr. Slimen Saliba
Dr. Slimen Saliba, is a distinguished academic and leader with a profound heritage and a global impact. Born in Barataria, Trinidad, Dr. Saliba’s journey began with humble roots. His mother, Hyacinthe Saliba, an elementary school teacher, and his father, Nabih Saliba, a Lebanese immigrant, instilled in him a passion for education and service from a young age.
Dr. Saliba’s educational path led him from Woodbrook CM Elementary School to Queen’s Royal College and then to Caribbean Union College (now USC), where he began his Theology studies in 1963.
His quest for knowledge and excellence took him to Andrews University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Religion and History in 1967 and a Master of Arts in Ethics and Theology in 1969.
Upon returning to Trinidad in 1970, Dr. Saliba dedicated himself to the South Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, serving as a Youth Director and later as Executive Secretary. His commitment to his faith and community was further solidified when he was ordained as a minister.
Dr. Saliba’s academic pursuits did not stop there. He completed an MBA at Andrews University in 1978 and a PhD in Marketing Management at Northwestern University in 1983. His exceptional leadership skills were soon recognized, and in 1982, he was appointed Dean of the Andrews University School of Business. Under his tenure, the School of Business experienced significant growth, including the construction of Chan Shun Hall and the establishment of MBA programs in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Trinidad.
Dr. Saliba’s vision extended beyond academia. In 1993, he played a pivotal role in founding the Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, now AdventHealth University. As Vice President of Marketing at AdventHealth Orlando, he led numerous initiatives that propelled the institution forward.
In 2008, Dr. Saliba married Carolyn Fagal Cales after the passing of his first wife, Patricia Thomson, due to multiple myeloma. Together, they have a blended family of five children and three grandchildren, with loved ones spread across California, Colorado, Orlando, and Toronto.
Dr. Saliba retired in 2017 as Senior Vice President of Marketing at AdventHealth but was soon called back to establish the AdventHealth Leadership Institute. His mission: to develop physician and executive leaders dedicated to extending Christ’s healing ministry.
Despite his retirement as Director of the AdventHealth Leadership Institute, Dr. Saliba continues to serve passionately, embodying his life’s mission and inspiring others.
Join Us Live
Dr. Slimen Saliba’s remarkable journey from Barataria to global leadership is a testament to his dedication and vision. We invite you to join us for the Baccalaureate Service at USC’s 91st Graduation on June 29, 2024, at 10:30am. Dr. Saliba’s profound insights and inspiring life story will set a powerful tone for this celebratory weekend.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a true visionary. Tune in live on YouTube and be part of a momentous occasion as we celebrate “Determined Minds, Boundless Futures.”
