The University of the Southern Caribbean Welcomes its 29th President
The University of the Southern Caribbean welcomes Dr. Colwick M. Wilson as he assumes the role of the institution’s 29th President today, July 1, 2021. A seasoned leader, Dr. Wilson begins his presidency with many years of academic and higher education administrative experience.
Having served as Provost and Senior Vice President at Oakwood University since 2017, Dr. Wilson is excited for the opportunity to now lead his alma mater through this unparalleled time in higher education.
Dr. Wilson’s background as an academic, published researcher, and administrator – as well as his commitment to advancing USC’s philosophy of holistic development – will serve the University well into its 95th anniversary of transformative education delivery.
A visionary, innovative, and collaborative leader with an affable personality, Dr. Wilson looks forward to engaging with and listening to the students, staff, faculty, alumni and all other stakeholders as USC navigates this new beginning.
The University of the Southern Caribbean welcomes Dr. Colwick M. Wilson, his wife Dr. Deleise Wilson and daughters Chidinma and Corliss as we work together to take our beloved USC even further “Beyond Excellence”!
- Published in Corporate Communications, News, Office of the President
USC’s Virtual Graduation Weekend 2021
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic the University of the Southern Caribbean remains committed to celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2021!
The Class of 2021 has chosen as its theme: We Have Left the Bay; The Ocean Lies Before Us!
As they prepare to begin their next chapter, we officially invite you to virtually celebrate this milestone at our 88th Graduation Exercises on June 18-20, 2021.
Information on the Class of 2021 and streaming links for all events can be accessed at: https://usc.edu.tt/graduation/
Join us on Facebook and YouTube as we create history at USC’s first Virtual Graduation Weekend!
- Published in News, Office of the President
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS | National Health Research Conference (NHRC) 2021
The 2021 National Health Research Conference (NHRC) will be held on November 18-19, 2021 under the theme: Building Resilience through Research in a Pandemic.
Submission Deadline for Abstracts: June 30, 2021.
For more details: https://tinyurl.com/3jnnchrw
- Published in News, Uncategorized
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) Re-approves USC’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy for the Next Five Years
The University of the Southern Caribbean is pleased to announce the re-approval of its Master of Science in Occupational Therapy by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) for another five years from 2021 – 2026.
WFOT approval ensures that occupational therapy programmes worldwide meet their Minimum Standards of Education, which are constantly revised to reflect our evolving world. Approval indicates that the programme structure and content are sufficient to produce entry-level occupational therapists that are able to respond to the needs of their local population, as well as international communities, with occupation at the centre of their practice.
Re-approval on the global level allows us to continue to complete our mission of graduating “individuals who, having undergone transformative and holistic education in occupational therapy, are prepared to be competent and compassionate entry-level clinicians and future leaders in the profession.” (OT Department)
The University Administration expresses sincere gratitude to the Director and faculty of the Department of Occupational Therapy, our past and current students, TTOTA, CPRM, OTSLP and the community organisations for supporting our programme for the first five years of its functioning. We look forward to working together for the advancement of quality health care for the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean in the future.
The Department of Occupational Therapy was established at the University of the Caribbean in 2015 under the leadership of the then Director, Dr. Leslie Garcia and the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy was first approved by the WFOT in 2016 for five years. USC enrolled the first batch of students in the MSOT programme in September 2016.
- Published in News
USC Dedicates and Commissions New University Auditorium and the School of Nursing & Allied Health Facility
The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) is unwavering in its commitment to institutional progress in support of its mission to transform ordinary men and women into extraordinary servants of God to humanity. Consonant with this, on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, USC officially dedicated and commissioned the building that houses the new University Auditorium and the School of Nursing & Allied Health.
In a virtual ceremony, 3,317 days after the fire which destroyed the previous auditorium, the USC Administration and Board of Trustees celebrated the completion of this priority project. This two-floor structure, with its architecturally modern glass-clad auditorium entrance marks the culmination of a nine-year journey of faith and determination.
On the top floor, the University Auditorium has a seating capacity of 2,600 and is well equipped to host conferences, concerts and student and community activities. The ground floor houses classrooms, labs, and offices for the School of Nursing & Allied Health.
In celebrating this historic development, the administration, faculty, staff and students extend sincere gratitude to the many generous benefactors who contributed over the years to the completion of this landmark project. As USC approaches its 95th anniversary of providing transformative education to the Caribbean region and beyond, we welcome your steadfast support continuing our legacy of Intellectual Curiosity, Cultural Diversity, Moral Integrity and Spiritual Nurture.
At USC we raise our praise to God as we remain faithful and grateful, for He has kept us triumphant as we continue our journey Beyond Excellence.
Photo (left to right): Dr. Johnson Frederick – Secretary, Caribbean Union Conference; Dr. Kern Tobias – President, Caribbean Union Conference; Phyllis Woolford – Director, Department of Nursing; Dr. Hilary Bowman – President, USC; Dr. Wanda Chesney – Provost, USC
- Published in Corporate Communications, News, Office of the President
Webinar: Psychological First aid for St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Join us on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 5:00 pm as we seek to address the psychological needs of the frontline workers which include Law Enforcement and National Security, Healthcare Workers, Public Servants, and other frontline workers and volunteers.
Dr. Edward Clarke will present on the topic: Psychological First aid for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Register for this webinar here: https://uscaribbean.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMpf-GuqTooHdKYLhajkdKtIBw62GyAT50q
Share this session with your colleagues, friends, and family members so they too can benefit from this presentation.
See you there!
- Published in News
New Dates for Graduation 2021
In light of the increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases and the recently updated public health regulations in Trinidad and Tobago, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) has postponed Graduation Exercises for the Class of 2021 to take place during the period June 18-20, 2021.
This decision has become necessary as USC prioritizes the health and safety of its stakeholders, and in an effort to ensure that all graduating students are properly represented at the Class of 2021’s Graduation Weekend. Further revisions will be detailed in a virtual meeting with the Class of 2021 on Monday, May 17, 2021 at 6:00pm.
We welcome your cooperation and understanding as we work to deliver a Graduation Weekend befitting the Class of 2021. We encourage you to follow the COVID-19 protocols as outlined in your respective locations. Stay safe and save lives!
- Published in Corporate Communications, News, Office of the President
USC Hosts 15th Annual Research Day
Under the auspices of USC’s Charter Week 2021 which commemorates fifteen years of University Status, the Department of Research and Innovation presents its 15th Annual Research Day. For the first time, USC’s Research Day will be hosted virtually under the theme: Education in Transition: Moving Beyond a Pandemic Response.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the educational landscape has dramatically transitioned from the traditional face to face teaching and learning experiences to remote mode on a digital platform.
Presentations will focus on the challenges, opportunities, innovative approaches in the diverse disciplines of study – health and medical care, management strategies, promoting student-centric culture, entrepreneurship, unemployment issues, online education and counselling, teacher-student attitudes and beliefs, home-schooling, national security issues and food consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 10 & 11, 2021 presenters from Africa, Asia, the USA, South America and the Caribbean will participate in auspicious event inaugurated by The Honourable Minister Dr. Nyan Gadsy-Dolly, Minister of Education, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
USC’s 15th Annual Research Day will conclude with a lively Round Table Discussion facilitated by Sen. Paul Richards, Independent Senator in the Parliament, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Panelists from various Adventist Universities will focus on theme: Moving Beyond a Pandemic Response. Panelists will highlight their success stories and effective strategies undertaken during the pandemic.
As a pre-cursor, USC’s 5th Annual Public Lecture Series will see a feature presentation by Dr. Leslie N. Pollard, President of the Oakwood University. Dr. Pollard’s presentation will also reflect on the theme: Education in Transition: Moving Beyond a Pandemic Response.
For more information and to view a full schedule of activity: https://usc.edu.tt/researchday/
- Published in News, Research and Innovation
USC Assists Student Whose Home Lost in Fire
On Sunday, February 14, 2021, Nneka McNeil-Green lost her San Fernando home to a fire. The 4th-year Biology major lived with her mother and three siblings. The devastating loss of their home came just two weeks after Nneka lost her father to a fatal asthma attack.
USC’s Office of Spiritual Development reached out to Nneka to assess her family’s needs, and subsequently coordinated collaborative relief efforts.
Combined with financial assistance to help with any immediate needs, Nneka and her family were temporarily relocated and housed in a fully furnished and stocked apartment at the Married Students Complex.
On Sunday, February 21, 2021, USC’s I-Provide Ministry Team coordinated and assisted a renovation exercise of another property owned by the family but had fallen to disrepair. Collaborating with USC’s I-Provide Ministry Team were Pastor Lyndon Lewis and his wife Alice Lewis, and members of the Rainy Temple SDA Church. This San Fernando congregation also provided food, man-power, and other valuable assistance in helping the family to settle into the new location. The new home is presently being transformed into a livable dwelling, but still does not have basic amenities.
This is an ongoing relief effort and donations towards helping Nneka with scholarship funding, electronic items, appliances, and home furnishings are welcomed. To find out how you can provide assistance, please contact USC’s Office of Spiritual Development at (868) 612-4USC (4872) ext. 1170.
- Published in News
A Tribute to the late Dr. Esther Simmons
The board of trustees, administration, faculty, staff, students and community of the University of the Southern Caribbean deeply mourn the recent passing of the late Dr. Esther Simmons. We express our heartfelt condolences to her husband, Dr. George Carlington ‘Charlie’ Simmons and to her living step-children of two marriages, Roselyn, Cynthia, Angela, George and Cheryl.
Our collective mourning is conjugated to this occasion to celebrate the life, work and legacy of this justly virtuous woman. Born into unpretentious circumstances in the British colony of Barbados on October 20, 1924, Dr. Esther Simmons nee Osbourne began her higher education journey at Caribbean Training College (now called the University of the Southern Caribbean). She was a proud member of the class of 1947, which marked the twentieth anniversary of this now ninety-three-year-old institution.
From this sure foundation, Esther Simmons through faith and perseverance, proceeded to go beyond excellence, to live a full life as an extraordinary servant of God to humanity. Her academic adventures led her to Oakwood College (now Oakwood University) in Huntsville, Alabama where she earned a BA in English with a minor in History. She then went on to Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan where she successfully pursued an MA in English. Howard University in Washington, D.C. next beckoned and she responded, carrying with her the cultivated habit to succeed and taking away from Howard University, a Doctor of Philosophy in English. She was not finished. She would also pursue post-doctoral studies at colleges of the prestigious Cambridge and Oxford Universities in the United Kingdom.
As an academic, educator and higher education administrator, she devoted the greater share of her career to Bowie State University, the oldest HBCU in the State of Maryland in the United States of America. There she served with distinction, earning her an enviable flight of appointments and promotions including, Professor of English, Chair of the English Department, Head of the Division of the Humanities, Vice President for Academic Administration, Provost and Assistant to the President. Her distinguished service also attracted citations and awards. Dr. Simmons was also actively involved in professional, civic and community organizations and with their work. At the time of her passing, she held the title Professor Emerita and Provost Emerita of Bowie State University.
Dr. Esther Simmons, was ceaseless in her fidelity, devotion, and generosity to what was most probably her favourite alma mater, the University of the Southern Caribbean. This affection for USC was something she and her husband ‘Charlie’ deeply shared. So deep it ran, that when in October of 2003, Caribbean Union College, as it was then known, suddenly required leadership, she and her husband furloughed the pleasures of contented retirement to assume the demanding roles of interim President and Assistant to the interim President respectively. The chronicles of the History of USC therefore records the very experienced Dr. Esther Simmons as the twenty-fourth President of our noble institution.
A decorated soldier of the cross has been called home to rest after serving distinguished tours of duty. Psalm 116:15 informs us that “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. The Lord counts it as “precious” that Dr. Esther Simmons is done with the troubles of this world.
May we allow this exemplary and virtuous life to inspire us.
The Memorial Service for Dr. Esther Simmons will be held on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 3:05pm.
View on YouTube: https://youtu.be/j7f-61wilDo
- Published in Office of the President