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

In the realm of higher education, few stories are as deeply rooted in faith and purpose as that of Dr. Christon Arthur, the recently appointed president of La Sierra University. As an alumnus of the Caribbean Union College (now the University of the Southern Caribbean), Dr. Arthur’s remarkable journey reflects the power of faith, determination, and an unwavering commitment to education. This month, we honor his 35-year career, celebrating the pivotal moments that shaped his path, his inspiring leadership, and his profound influence as an educator.

A Humble Beginning: Faith at the Center

Born and raised in Grenada, Dr. Arthur’s story begins with a humble upbringing marked by a deep spiritual foundation. His mother, a devout Catholic, ensured that he and his siblings were consistently involved in the practices of the church. “Attending mass on Sundays wasn’t a choice; it was a given,” Dr. Arthur recalls with a nostalgic smile. The Catholic traditions of his youth shaped a life centered around faith. However, as he grew older, his inquisitive mind led him to question and explore new spiritual paths.

By the time he finished high school, Dr. Arthur had drifted from Catholicism. His journey took a new direction when he began attending Seventh-day Adventist services, influenced by friends whose faith inspired him. Eventually, these friendships blossomed into a deeper religious conviction, and he made the life-changing decision to be baptized. His mother’s response to his conversion, however, left a lasting impact. “She said, ‘If this is what you want to do, make sure it’s a decision for life,’” Dr. Arthur shares. “That advice has stayed with me through every challenge.”

The Call to Caribbean Union College
Dr. Arthur’s journey to Caribbean Union College (CUC) was a series of divinely orchestrated events. College was not part of his plan after high school. Satisfied with his high school diploma, he believed his educational journey had come to an end. Yet, a moment in church changed everything. His local pastor approached him with a firm suggestion: he needed to pursue higher education. Dr. Arthur resisted initially, but his pastor’s persistence paid off. “He went so far as to get the application, fill out the recommendations, and send it in for me,” he recalls with amazement.

In January of 1986, Dr. Arthur landed in Trinidad to begin his studies at CUC, an experience that would change the trajectory of his life. His initial resistance quickly turned into appreciation as he embraced the vibrant campus life. He recalls the incredible sense of community he found at CUC. “The faculty cared about us as students just as much as they cared about the subjects they were teaching,” he reflects. “There was a deep bond, a sense of belonging, and a mutual drive to help one another succeed.”

Over the next four years, Dr. Arthur pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, completing his degree in 1989. The friendships, spiritual growth, and mentorship he received during this time shaped his future, imbuing him with a passion for both education and ministry. “It was at CUC that I first experienced the idea of education as ministry,” he shares. “The faculty weren’t just teachers – they were mentors, pastors, and community builders.”

A Call to Educate: The Start of a Teaching Career
Dr. Arthur’s career in education began as unexpectedly as his journey to college. Shortly after graduating, while attending a church service in Grenada, the principal of a local secondary school approached him with an offer to teach. Once again, Dr. Arthur found himself being “tapped on the shoulder” by opportunity. He accepted the position and began teaching high school in September 1989. It was the beginning of a long and fruitful career in education, one that would take him across countries and institutions, all while nurturing young minds.

Teaching quickly became a passion, but Dr. Arthur’s academic journey was far from over. One day, while in the middle of teaching a class, he received a phone call from an official at the Organization of American States (OAS). “They told me they had been watching my work and wanted to offer me a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree,” he recalls, still amazed at the serendipity of the moment. Over the next four years, he spent his summers in Jamaica, working toward a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction through an Andrews University program.

But the blessings didn’t stop there. Due to the favorable exchange rate in Jamaica, he was able to stretch the scholarship funds further than expected, leaving enough money to pursue a doctoral degree. “I couldn’t believe it,” he says. “Had I studied elsewhere, the money would have run out, but God made sure there was enough for both my master’s and doctoral degrees.”

Tennessee State University: Building a Foundation for Leadership
With his advanced degrees in hand, Dr. Arthur accepted a position at Tennessee State University (TSU), a historically Black institution in the United States. It was here that his career in higher education truly took flight.

At TSU, Dr. Arthur taught educational administration, eventually earning tenure and being promoted to Associate Professor. He was later appointed as associate dean of the College of Education. “My time at TSU was transformative,” he recalls. “It gave me a deep understanding of the importance of providing opportunities for those who have been historically marginalized.”

During his nine years at TSU, Dr. Arthur’s passion for empowering underserved communities was solidified. He began to see education not just as a profession, but as a ministry—a way to uplift those who had been left out or overlooked. His work at TSU laid the foundation for his philosophy of leadership, which he would carry with him throughout the rest of his career: “Make room at the table for others.”

Andrews University: A Journey of Faith and Academic Excellence
In 2010, Dr. Arthur accepted an invitation to join Andrews University, a pivotal moment in his career. Over the next 14 years, he served in various leadership roles, including Associate Provost and Provost, gaining experience and insight into the complexities of higher education administration. He credits these roles with shaping his approach to leadership, always focusing on service, humility, and a deep commitment to the university’s mission.

At Andrews, Dr. Arthur continued to be guided by his faith, frequently turning to biblical wisdom to navigate the challenges of leadership. “Every job I’ve had has been the result of someone tapping me on the shoulder and saying, ‘I need your help,’” he reflects. “I believe that when you work with excellence and faithfulness, God opens doors for you – even doors you didn’t know existed.”

La Sierra University: A New Chapter, A Historic First
In July 2024, Dr. Arthur became the sixth president of La Sierra University in California, making history as the first Black president of the institution in its nearly 102-year history. Reflecting on his appointment, he sees this new role as the culmination of his lifelong mission to serve others. “La Sierra is a place where we can make room for everyone at the table,” he says. “I want to ensure that every student, every faculty member, and every staff member feels seen, valued, and empowered.”

Dr. Arthur’s vision for La Sierra is rooted in the same principles that have guided him throughout his career: faith, service, and a commitment to making room for others. “God has brought me this far, and I know He will continue to guide me,” he says with humility. “I don’t fit the script for a university president, but that’s the beauty of God’s plan. He can work with whatever you have, as long as you make yourself available.”

Lessons for the Next Generation: A Message of Hope and Excellence
As Dr. Arthur looks back on his 35 years as an educator, his message to students and young professionals is both simple and profound: “Do your work with excellence and faithfulness. You never know who’s watching, and your work will open doors that you didn’t even know existed.”

He frequently draws inspiration from the story of Isaiah’s call in the Bible, where God does not call by name, but simply asks, “Who will go?” Dr. Arthur encourages everyone to have the same spirit of availability. “God is not looking for perfection; He’s looking for those who are willing to be used,” he says. “When you make yourself available, He will do the rest.”

A Legacy of Faith and Leadership
Dr. Christon Arthur’s journey from a small island in the Caribbean to the presidency of La Sierra University is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and divine guidance. His life and career stand as a reminder that no matter where you start, with God’s help, anything is possible. As he steps into this new chapter of leadership, he continues to inspire future generations to dream big, work hard, and trust in the power of God to take them farther than they ever imagined.

In the words of Dr. Arthur, “What you have is good enough for God to work with. Don’t let your background limit you. God can use you, and when you make yourself available, He will surprise you with how far you can go.”

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

When Ms. Abby Taylor graduated from the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in History, she could not have foreseen her path leading to the historic appointment as the Presiding Officer of the Assembly Legislature in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). At just 36 years old, she made history as the youngest individual to hold this esteemed position. Ms. Taylor’s inspiring story is a testament to resilience, faith, and a commitment to serving her community.

A Leap of Faith

Ms. Taylor’s path to USC began with a bold decision. She was employed in Tobago when she chose to resign, using her gratuity to fund her education. “I took a leap of faith,” she recalls. “I decided that in order to do this as quickly as possible, I needed to be at USC’s main campus in Trinidad.” She was fortunate to receive 100% tuition coverage through GATE, a program she describes as “very gracious.”

Initially interested in law, Ms. Taylor pivoted to history after excelling in Tort Law and discovering her love for the subject. Her decision to attend USC was influenced by her brothers, alumni of the institution and members of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) faith. Although she does not practice the Adventist faith, she appreciated the transformative impact it had on her siblings. “I saw how it changed their mindsets. I appreciate everything the SDA religion stands for,” she shares.

USC: A Place of Growth and Community
Ms. Taylor’s USC experience was defined by independence, camaraderie, and cultural diversity. Living just five minutes from campus allowed her to maintain autonomy, particularly as a mother to her then four-year-old daughter. “It gave me a sense of independence,” she says, recalling the countless hours spent in the library before walking home late at night.

Her time at USC also forged lifelong friendships. “My best friends and I all cemented our bond on campus,” she recalls fondly. The ripple effect of her influence is evident; one friend, inspired by Ms. Taylor’s passion, enrolled in a psychology program at USC. Today, that friend’s daughter is set to graduate from USC with a degree in biology, a testament to the enduring impact of their bond.

Diversity at USC also left a lasting impression. “USC prides itself on being culturally diverse,” Ms. Taylor observes. The annual International Students Week, showcasing the traditions and cuisines of various cultures, remains one of her fondest memories. “It’s almost like edutainment. We learn through different interactions and communications.”

Taylor fondly describes USC as “home away from home,” a nurturing environment where the warmth of staff, students, and faculty fostered a deep sense of belonging. “There’s something uniquely comforting about USC. Even when homesickness struck my friend, the community cocooned her with love.”

Challenges that Shaped Resilience
Presenting a final research paper was a daunting hurdle for Taylor, who admits to being reserved. To navigate this, she delved into a unique topic: women in calypso, showcasing the profound influence of her history professors. Despite these challenges, Ms. Taylor found support and inspiration from faculty members like Dr. Fiona Rajkumar, Dr. Loverne Jacobs-Browne, Dr. Terencia Joseph, and Mr. Hayden McKenna. Her professors’ wisdom, particularly Dr. Irwin Wilson’s call to “Think! Make it a habit,” continues to influence her professional life.

A Career in Public Service
Taylor’s path to public service was not premeditated but stemmed from a deep desire to bring change. A friend encouraged her to enter the political arena, and she took another leap of faith. After years of service in various public roles, she entered politics to uplift her Mary’s Hill community, driven by their untapped potential. Despite her initial reservations and social anxiety, Taylor embraced the challenge, encouraged by friends and family. “I hated seeing so much potential go to waste. That was the catalyst for entering politics,” she shares.

Ms. Taylor’s career began in public service with the Division of Settlements, where she served as a Client Relations Officer for a decade. She later worked as a Public Procurement Officer in the Division of Sport and as Procurement Manager at the Tobago Festivals Commission Limited. Each role deepened her understanding of governance and community impact.

Her current role as Presiding Officer of the Assembly Legislature in the THA marks a historic milestone. Appointed in December 2021 at just 36 years old, Ms. Taylor is the youngest person to hold this position. In her capacity as Presiding Officer, she has introduced initiatives like “Primary Plenary,” a groundbreaking program that engages primary school students in legislative practices and debates. “The primary schoolers got it right,” she says proudly. “We were able to create a platform for them to have a voice.” The program has garnered recognition from both the national parliament and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Defining Moments and Lasting Impact
Ms. Taylor’s greatest accomplishment, however, transcends policy. She recounts helping a mother of three from Castara secure a new home through a partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank. “To this day, I call that lady my mother because she prays for me,” she shares. This act of service, deeply personal and transformative, exemplifies her commitment to uplifting others.

Her professional experiences have also broadened her worldview. Representing the THA at the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Australia underscored the importance of dreaming big. “The world is bigger than Trinidad and Tobago,” she affirms, echoing the wisdom of her USC lecturer, Mr. McKenna.

Words of Wisdom
For new students, Ms. Taylor emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness and faith. “Be open-minded and allow God to lead,” she advises. She credits USC for teaching her to rely on God and for fostering bonds with teachers who became lifelong mentors.

To outgoing students, she offers this reassurance: “Whatever you have learned at USC, put it into practice. Your gift will always make way for you.”

Ms. Taylor’s life and career embody this philosophy. From her leap of faith to attend USC to her groundbreaking role in governance, she continues to inspire those around her. Her story is a powerful reminder that with faith, perseverance, and a willingness to serve, no dream is too big.

Ms. Abby Taylor’s journey reflects the essence of the USC experience—a place where faith meets education, and dreams are nurtured into reality. As she leads with humility and grace, she exemplifies the university’s mission to inspire ethical leaders who will serve the world with distinction.