A major milestone in the University of the Southern Caribbean’s mission and institutional development was achieved during the Intercultural Mission and Church Planting Summit with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing the Global Mission Institute.
The signing ceremony brought together key leaders from the University, the Caribbean Union Conference, the Inter-American Division, and the wider Seventh-day Adventist Church, marking the beginning of a collaborative initiative designed to strengthen mission education, leadership development, church planting, and intercultural engagement throughout the region and beyond.
Held at USC during the inaugural Intercultural Mission and Church Planting Summit, the ceremony represented a significant step in advancing the University’s role as a center for mission-focused scholarship, training, and service. The Institute is expected to provide opportunities for students, church leaders, and mission practitioners to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to engage effectively in increasingly diverse cultural and religious contexts.
The ceremony was moderated by Dr. Barbara Reynolds, Vice President of Advancement and Planning, who outlined the vision and objectives of the agreement and highlighted its anticipated impact on mission training throughout the Inter-American Division and the wider global church.
Following the presentation, the memorandum was formally signed by USC President Dr. Colwick Wilson, Caribbean Union Conference President Dr. Kern Tobias, Inter-American Division President Dr. Abner De Los Santos, and other denominational leaders and representatives. Their participation reflected a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between the church and its educational institutions in preparing individuals for service in a rapidly changing world.
The establishment of the Global Mission Institute further positions USC as a strategic partner in supporting the church’s mission initiatives. By bringing together academic expertise, practical ministry experience, and intercultural engagement, the Institute will serve as a resource for leadership development, missionary preparation, and research that addresses the realities of contemporary mission work.
The initiative also aligns closely with USC’s Strategic Plan 100 (SP100), which emphasizes global engagement, transformational learning, innovation, and service. As the University approaches its centennial celebration in 2027, the creation of the Global Mission Institute represents an important investment in the future and reflects USC’s ongoing commitment to preparing graduates who are equipped to lead and serve across cultures and communities.
For nearly a century, USC has played a significant role in educating leaders for the Caribbean and the wider international community. The establishment of the Global Mission Institute builds upon that legacy while creating new opportunities for collaboration, training, and research that will support the church’s mission for generations to come.
Beyond a ceremonial agreement, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding signals a shared vision among church and educational leaders to strengthen mission capacity across the region. Through the Global Mission Institute, USC is poised to expand its influence as a hub for intercultural engagement, leadership development, and mission-focused education, reinforcing its commitment to service as it enters its second century.
