By Ms. Sherri-Lyn Legall and Ms. Simone Augustus
The 26th annual Caribbean Tertiary Level Personnel Association (CTLPA) regional conference converged at the picturesque Starfish Resort in Courland Bay, Tobago, from June 25 to 27, 2024. With the theme, “The Future of Higher Education: Trends and Innovations,” this year’s conference was a beacon of thought leadership, collaboration, and cultural exchange, focusing keenly on the Caribbean’s unique educational landscape.
Ms. Del Phillips, Assistant Professor at the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) represented USC with poise and professionalism. Ms. Phillips not only absorbed the wealth of knowledge shared but also actively contributed to the dialogue, serving as a moderator for two plenary sessions. These sessions brought together leading experts and educators to discuss the latest trends, best practices, and the pressing challenges facing higher education, particularly within the Caribbean context.
With participants hailing from Jamaica, Barbados, St. Kitts, Trinidad and Tobago, and the USA, the conference was a melting pot of perspectives. Each delegate brought their own unique insights and experiences, making every discussion rich with diversity and depth. For Ms. Phillips, the event was more than just a professional gathering; it was an opportunity to network with faculty from across the region, engage in meaningful cultural exchanges, and glean invaluable insights that would not only enhance her teaching practices but also contribute to the broader educational community.
Beyond the sessions and workshops, one of the key highlights of the conference was the announcement by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA), which is the parent body of CTLPA, headquartered in Chicago. In a move designed to democratize access to professional development resources and foster a more inclusive academic environment, ACPA extended automatic membership to all CTLPA members. This new initiative also includes discounted access to training, workshops, and seminars—an incredible boon for educators striving to stay at the cutting edge of their fields.
For those involved in higher education in the Caribbean, the 26th CTLPA regional conference was a pivotal event, offering not just a glimpse into the future of higher education but also the tools and connections necessary to shape it. As Ms. Phillips returned to USC, she carried with her new ideas, fresh perspectives, and a renewed commitment to excellence, all of which she is eager to share with her colleagues and students alike.
The future of higher education in the Caribbean is indeed bright, with conferences like CTLPA lighting the way forward.
