By Ms. Simone Augustus, Communications Specialist, Office of the President

As Dr. Emmanuel Antwi retires after 15 remarkable years at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), the USC community reflects on the profound impact of his tenure as Dean of the School of Science, Technology, and Allied Health. A man of vision, passion, and unwavering commitment, Dr. Antwi leaves behind a legacy of transformation that has shaped the lives of countless students, faculty, and staff.

A Journey Rooted in Faith and Dedication

Dr. Antwi’s journey to USC began in Ghana, where he cultivated a love for teaching inspired by his aunt, a teacher who unknowingly set him on a path of lifelong service. After earning his PhD in 1996, he embarked on a career that spanned continents, teaching in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka under the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. His global experience in science education and leadership eventually led him to USC in 2009.

When Dr. Antwi arrived at USC with his wife and three children, he stepped into a pivotal role as Chair of the Biological Sciences Department. Soon after, he became Dean, steering the school into a new era of growth and excellence.

Transforming SciTech: Milestones and Memories
Under Dr. Antwi’s leadership, the School of Science, Technology, and Allied Health blossomed. In his early years, he recognized the need for programs that aligned with students’ career aspirations and the demands of the job market. He introduced the Biomedical and Pre-Medical programs, expanding opportunities for students and attracting record enrollment.

“When I came, we had only about 30 nursing students. Today, we’re rejecting thousands due to capacity limits,” Dr. Antwi recalled. Similarly, biology students grew from a handful to hundreds, with the new programs providing pathways to careers in medicine and healthcare.

His visionary approach also reshaped the school’s infrastructure. Laboratory spaces, once limited and outdated, were revitalized under his guidance. “Lab Five was just a classroom and office when I arrived,” he shared. “We transformed it into the largest lab on campus.” By acquiring state-of-the-art equipment, including expanding the department’s stock of microscopes from five to 30, he ensured that students received hands-on training in a modern environment.

Beyond academics, Dr. Antwi fostered a sense of community and purpose. Initiatives like the Gnostai Club encouraged students to serve the broader community through outreach programs and environmental cleanups. Annual events such as Science Week brought together faculty, students, and even government officials, showcasing the school’s dynamism and unity.

A Collaborative Spirit
Dr. Antwi’s tenure was marked by a deep appreciation for the faculty and staff who worked alongside him. “I will always remember how cooperative and committed they were,” he said. Whether it was organizing Science Week or pioneering fundraising initiatives like the beloved boat rides, his team consistently supported his vision.

This collaborative spirit extended to the students. Dr. Antwi believed in nurturing the whole person, emphasizing that education at USC was not solely about academics but also about character building and spiritual growth. “We brought non-Adventist students into our church during events, and seeing them come back was a joy,” he said.

Guided by Faith: A Life of Service and Commitment
Dr. Antwi credits his successes to unwavering faith and a life dedicated to fulfilling promises made to God. He recounted the promise he made to God during his studies: “When I was young, I prayed, ‘Lord, I would like You to take care of my wife and I as we study.’ At that time, we had only one child, and I prayed, ‘Lord, if You give us even one more child, anywhere You send, we will go.’ Between our first daughter and our second child, there was a 15-year gap, but the Lord fulfilled His promise to us.”

Dr. Antwi and his wife embraced a life of service, moving wherever the Lord called them, including Indonesia, where the challenges of language and culture tested their faith.

The Antwi family was ultimately blessed with three more children, bringing the total to four. Today, all four have excelled academically, with three having completed their PhDs and the fourth nearing completion. “It’s all because when you promise the Lord, and the Lord does His part, you also need to fulfill your promise,” he emphasized.

Post-Retirement Plans: A New Chapter of Service
As Dr. Antwi prepares to return to Ghana with his family, his retirement is anything but a step back. Instead, he envisions this new phase as an opportunity to deepen his service to his community and country.

A passionate advocate for sustainable development and education, Dr. Antwi plans to contribute to initiatives that address the challenges facing rural areas in Ghana. His focus will be on empowering communities through education, healthcare, and agricultural projects. “I see retirement as a new mission field,” he said, expressing his desire to leverage his vast experience to make a lasting impact.

Dr. Antwi also intends to engage with academic institutions in Ghana, mentoring young educators and contributing to the advancement of science education. He hopes to inspire the next generation of leaders to prioritize innovation, integrity, and service in their work.

Above all, he looks forward to spending more time with his family, strengthening bonds, and enjoying the slower pace of life while continuing to serve where he is needed most.

Words of Wisdom and Hope
As Dr. Antwi prepares to leave USC, he shares words of encouragement for the university community. He emphasized the importance of innovation and adaptability, particularly in the face of economic challenges. “We cannot rely on GATE alone,” he urged, advocating for the development of practical, job-oriented programs such as engineering and other applied sciences.

Dr. Antwi also highlighted the critical role of recruitment and retention, recalling his own efforts to engage prospective students through outreach initiatives. “We must all be involved in getting students and ensuring they stay,” he advised, stressing the importance of fostering an environment that supports and motivates students throughout their academic journey.

A Fond Farewell
As USC bids farewell to Dr. Antwi, his absence will undoubtedly be felt across the campus. Beloved by students, respected by faculty, and admired by staff, he leaves behind not just a thriving school but also a family united in its mission.

Dr. Antwi’s legacy is one of transformation, collaboration, and faith in the potential of every student who walks through USC’s doors. While his retirement marks the end of an era, his influence will continue to shape the university for generations to come.

We thank Dr. Antwi for his exceptional service and wish him and his family abundant blessings in this new chapter of their lives.

Dr. Emmanuel Antwi: teacher, mentor, builder, and friend. Thank you for 15 years of excellence.

By Ms. Simone Augustus, Communications Specialist, Office of the President

The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) is proud to highlight Ms. Kimarah Reefe as the Faculty Spotlight for September 2024. With her vibrant teaching style, dedication to student development, and impressive contributions to her field, Ms. Reefe has quickly become a beloved and influential figure at USC. In just seven years, Ms. Reefe has made an indelible mark on the Occupational Therapy Department and its students.

As the Acting Director of the Occupational Therapy Department within the School of Graduate Studies, Ms. Reefe has cultivated a dynamic learning environment that balances academic rigor with practical, hands-on experience.

With a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and a specialization in Pediatrics, Ms. Reefe has dedicated her career to empowering future occupational therapists; bringing a wealth of knowledge and practical skills to the classroom. Her passion for pediatric therapy shines through in her work, inspiring students to engage deeply with the material and pursue excellence in the field. Her influence extends beyond theory, as she emphasizes the importance of hands-on, experiential learning in helping students grasp complex concepts.

USC holds the unique distinction of being the only tertiary institution in the Caribbean region that offers a degree in Occupational Therapy. Under Ms. Reefe’s leadership, this program has continued to grow, providing students with the rare opportunity to pursue this specialized field in Trinidad and Tobago.

Teaching with Impact
Ms. Reefe’s approach to teaching is both practical and engaging. She believes that true learning happens when students take an active role in the process, often saying, “If you can teach it, you’ve learned it.” The philosophy that students truly understand concepts when they are given the opportunity to teach others, drives her to incorporate peer teaching as a cornerstone of her approach.

Her classes are anything but ordinary; through real-world experiences and collaborative learning, she creates an environment where students can explore ideas, challenge themselves, and gain confidence in their abilities. This innovative method has earned her admiration from both students and colleagues, who appreciate her focus on making learning both interactive and deeply impactful.

Mentorship and Lifelong Learning
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Reefe is a passionate advocate for mentorship, encouraging her students to seek out mentors. She knows firsthand the pivotal role of mentorship, having experienced it throughout her own career. Her guidance extends to helping students build a support network that fosters development, both academically and personally. This commitment has helped countless students at USC build the confidence and skills necessary to excel in the demanding field of occupational therapy.

Groundbreaking Research and Contributions
Ms. Reefe’s contributions to occupational therapy are not limited to her teaching. Her research has made waves in the field, particularly her 2023 publication, Expanding Practice in Trinidad and Tobago: Training Therapists to Implement Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy. This groundbreaking study, co-authored with colleagues, highlights her commitment to expanding the scope of pediatric therapy in Trinidad and Tobago. Currently, she is working on a capstone project focused on caregiver skills training for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, further cementing her reputation as a leader in the field.

Active Leadership in the Community
Ms. Reefe’s leadership doesn’t stop at research; she is a dedicated advocate for occupational therapy on a national level. As Treasurer of the Trinidad and Tobago Occupational Therapy Association, she plays an essential role in advancing the profession and ensuring high standards of care. On campus, she is an active participant in various committees, including the 2024 Colloquium Committee, where her insights help shape meaningful initiatives and events.

Advancing the Field with Vision
Looking toward the future, Ms. Reefe envisions a bright path for the Occupational Therapy Department at USC. She is passionate about increasing student intake and reopening the student-run clinic, which will provide much-needed services to both the USC community and the wider population of Trinidad and Tobago. Her ambition to bring in Fulbright Scholars to expand faculty expertise reflects her commitment to continually improving the department and offering students the best possible education.

Recognition and Impact
Ms. Reefe has been recognized for her research and leadership in pediatric occupational therapy by both professional organizations and academic institutions. Her innovative teaching, community advocacy, and forward-thinking vision make her an exemplary figure in the field of occupational therapy and a true asset to USC.

In every role she plays—educator, mentor, researcher, and advocate—Ms. Kimarah Reefe embodies the spirit of excellence. Her passion for her field and her students is evident in everything she does, and her impact will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of occupational therapy at USC and beyond.

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.

By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

At the University of the Southern Caribbean’s 91st Commencement Ceremony, the academic achievements of two esteemed faculty members were celebrated as they were hooded for completing their doctoral studies. The recognition of these scholars marks a significant milestone in their academic careers and underscores the university’s commitment to excellence in education.

Dr. Grace Jacott  
A pillar of the USC community for 17 years, Dr. Grace Jacott was hooded after completing her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Higher Education) with a specialization in Leadership in Tertiary Education. Dr. Jacott, who serves as the Coordinator of USC’s International Center for Corporate Training & Languages, conducted her research on the transition from emergency remote teaching to planned online education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dissertation, titled “From Emergency Remote Teaching to Planned Online Education by Academic Leaders at a University in Trinidad and Tobago During the Covid-19 Period, 2020 to 2022,” was completed at the University of the West Indies Global Campus in September 2023.

Dr. Jonathan Barran 
Since joining USC in 2020, Dr. Jonathan Barran has been a vital part of the School of Business & Entrepreneurship. Dr. Barran earned his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Vern University, focusing on Business Management. His dissertation, “A Critical Study of Digital Marketing Strategies’ Impact on Consumer Purchases in the Retail Industry within Trinidad and Tobago,” reflects his dedication to advancing knowledge in the field of business management.

Dr. Fayola St. Bernard
Also recognized was Dr. Fayola St. Bernard, the Chair of USC’s Department of Computing, Mathematics, and Technology. Dr. St. Bernard was awarded her PhD in Technology Enhanced Learning from Lancaster University, UK, in December 2023. Her dissertation, “Examining the Impact of Game-Based Learning on Student Performance and Engagement in an Introductory Computer Programming Class,” highlights her innovative approach to education and her commitment to enhancing student learning experiences. Although she was hooded earlier, USC took this opportunity to celebrate her remarkable achievement.

These faculty members’ accomplishments reflect their perseverance, dedication, and commitment to academic and professional excellence. Their contributions will undoubtedly continue to enrich the USC community, inspiring both colleagues and students alike.

USC congratulates Dr. Jacott, Dr. Barran, and Dr. St. Bernard on their outstanding achievements and looks forward to their continued contributions to the university’s mission of transforming lives through education.