Leadership Matters: A Conversation with Dr. Ella Louise Simmons, retired Vice President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

By Hayden McKenna

Leadership sometimes involves pathfinding and trailblazing. It sometimes requires invasion,
trespassing and occupation in unfamiliar, lonely, sometimes forbidden, sometimes faraway,
sometimes neighbouring territory cordoned by a proverbial “glass ceiling”. For the Star Trek
afficionados among us, leadership sometimes cajoles the courageous “to boldly go where no man
(or woman) has gone before!”

The leadership story of Dr. Ella Louise Smith-Simmons, the first ever female General Vice
President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists lives up to this billing. If we are
candid with the facts of the history of leadership at the highest level of the organized global
Seventh-day Adventist Church, we would have to concede that it disproportionately privileges
the experienced, ordained, Caucasian male pastor, who was educated exclusively or mostly in
Adventist schools, who possesses a thoroughbred Adventist ancestral pedigree that stretches
back at least two generations and who is happily married to a wife who among her own
accomplishments is probably is a pretty decent pianist or singer. These descriptors approximate
closely to the standard leadership profile.

Dr. Ella Simmons a conscious African American woman checks none of these boxes. She joined the Adventist church as a teenager, never formally studied Theology or has never been ordained as a pastor. With the exception of earning a Master’s degree from Andrews University, she was educated mostly in secular schools. She was therefore a most unlikely candidate for the job. Yet for seventeen years from 2005 to 2022,

Dr. Ella Louise Simmons served the world church with distinction, ever-conscious but never
distracted by the fact that God called her above the multiple jeopardies of gender, race and
deeply-rooted conservative traditions to higher service. Her seventeen-year tenure, spanned the
presidencies of Elder Jan Paulsen and incumbent Elder Ted Wilson. While several persons of
colour held the esteemed position of General Vice President of the General Conference before
Dr. Simmons – including the late Elders George Ralph Thompson and Harold Wilson Baptiste,
both alumni of our beloved USC – they were all men. In this respect Dr. Simmons’ entry into the
office, broke a real but invisible barrier and has opened the door to other women like Audrey
Andersson.

Being the first woman in this role came with its challenges. There was the internalized pressure
of being careful not to be seen a hinderance to the election of other female vice presidents in the
future. There was the potential to yield to the unhelpful pathologies of the “imposter syndrome”
– is there really a legitimate place to be found for an un-ordained African-American woman
among all these mostly white men of God? Could she be true to her convictions as an educated
African American woman with a passion for justice and truth? Could she be seen as an occupant
of a token sinecure – the pointed-out exception whenever the norm becomes an inconvenient
truth? The pressure of being first is seldom easy.

Dr. Simmons is convinced that even before she knew it, God was preparing her from very early
in her life to be unfazed by leadership in a context when hers was the lonely female voice in the
room. Long before having a door at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland, even
before having her name on the membership roll of a local Adventist congregation, Ella Louise
was the firstborn of seven Smith siblings. She shares with the levity of hindsight that:
I can laugh now as my parents would bring a new baby home, another boy, another boy. I
want a sister. No, another boy. Why are all these boys coming, I would say. Now I say,
thank you Father. Thank God, because I learned to be the only girl, the only female
among males. And it became a natural way of being, a natural part of my personal life
perspective. And so, when I was called to serve as the only female vice president of the
General Conference, I felt right at home with all the men because it has been my life from
the very beginning… I even told the vice presidents who were in office at the time back
in 2005 when I came in, I said, you guys cannot do anything to intimidate me.

My brothers have already done it all, so don’t even try. We all had a good laugh together.
Dr. Simmons’ education and career journey also contributed to her preparation to serve the world
church. Here too as indicated before, it did not take the well beaten path. Early in her life she had
a great affection for science and remembers the childhood delight at receiving a chemistry set in
a little metal box for Christmas. She cherished ambitions of becoming a research scientist, even
at a time when such aspirations were generally out of the reach of little black girls from places
like Louisville, Kentucky.

Her second great love was education. This was more availing and she pursued it with passion. In
1978 she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University
Southeast and became a K-12 academy teacher. She loved teaching and really enjoyed the
classroom. There would, however, be the unsought calls to administrative and leadership roles.
At first, she was resistant to these calls, but her faith in God’s leading and her devotion to duty
would prevail. She would reluctantly accept the call of leadership, rising to the position of
principal. In 1981, she earned a Master of Arts in Curriculum, Instruction and Supervision from
Andrews University and in 1987 a Doctor of Education from the University of Louisville,
focusing on Foundations [sociology and politics] of Education, Supervision, Curriculum and
Administration.

Concomitant with the progress of her education were calls to service at various levels in the field
of education, educational leadership and academia. Dr Simmons worked in various locations
across the continental United States, at both Adventist and secular schools and institutions of
higher learning in substantive, elected, ex-officio and voluntary roles that not only compile an
impressive vita but prepared her with the experiences, skill-set and influence to excel in
successive rungs of her obedience to God’s call on her life. Dr. Simmons served in various
academic and leadership roles a Kentucky State University, the University of Louisville,
Oakwood College, now Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama and La Sierra University in
Riversdale, California. At Oakwood University and La Sierra University – both Seventh-day
Adventist owned and operated institutions of higher learning – Dr. Simmons held very senior
administrative roles. At the former she served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and
Professor of Education, from 1997 to 2000. At the latter, she was Provost and Vice President for
Academic Administration, from 2000 to 2004.

In 2004, Dr. Simmons took the decision to offer her resignation to La Sierra University, leaving
behind the prestigious Provost and VP position – the second ranked executive officer at the
university. She tendered her letter of resignation with no serious career prospects immediately in
sight. The decision attracted well-meaning dissenting voices among her colleagues and friends
who made the most persuasive appeals for her to stay on. She recalls being worn down by their
good arguments and agreed to recant her notice at least for a while but:
I came home that evening, and it was as though the weight of the world came crashing
down on me. And I knew God wanted us to leave, still not understanding why. She went
back the next day and said, no, I cannot stay, I have to go. And of course, well, where are
you going, what are you going to do, were the questions. My responses were, I don’t
know, God hasn’t told me yet… It was like free falling in Jesus, just knowing He’s going
to catch me, but not knowing when or where.

She and her very supportive retired spouse Nord Simmons, had decided that they would follow
God’s leading and they returned to Louisville Kentucky. After settling in and relaxing for about a
year, Dr. Simmons took up a position at a small local university. Of that she says:
I went into that position at the request of friends to help create and direct a doctoral
programme and within months, I was called to the General Conference to serve as Vice
President. And so, reflecting back I could see how God led in that. But as we were
stepping one step in front of the other, we had no idea what God’s plan was.
Dr. Simmons’ journey to and in leadership has provided her with an affluent trove of lessons
learnt and wisdom. She is very candid about her God-centered approach to leadership. For her,
the best leaders are the best followers, the best followers of God… I know that for many
years, the research was telling us that this style or that style was the best for leading. I've
never been able to quite get my hands on that, to wrap my brain around that because God
is so much greater than any one theoretical frame or construct that we can come up with.
Disavowing obsequious devotion to the superiority of one man-made style of leadership over
others and reinforcing her commitment to a God-reliant approach, Dr Simmons is persuaded that
good leadership emerges out of intentionally leveraging “a combination of life experiences and
lessons from God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit… Each model has valuable elements,
there’s no one expert model.”

Trust for Dr. Simmons, is an important hygienic prerequisite to healthy leadership.

I think that leadership is based in trust, that it emanates from trust, that it is carried
forward between individuals and in organizations based on trust.” Good leadership is
“service based… good leadership always is projected from, continues from development
of self and development of others. And it is what is inside the person, not just what we
see… leadership is that which is inside that being that God has created for this specific
purpose.

Dr. Simmons’ list of traits or be-attitudes that good leaders must sleeplessly manifest, begins
with a formidable list of “c-words”. For Dr. Simmons the best leaders must possess good
character. They must be caring, sharply competent, consistent, credible, committed and
confidential. They must have the ability to communicate with clarity. The best leaders set good
boundaries and are respectful and protective of the boundaries of others. They are reliable, loyal,
honest, accountable, authentic, transparent, humble, teachable, empathetic, inclusive, non-
judgmental and logical. For Dr. Simmons “logic is Godly wisdom.” The good leader knows how
to be demanding without ever losing compassion. “Coercion and leadership are different.
Driving and leading are different.” These are nuances that are sadly lost on many who are called
to lead. Self-preservation is not the basic instinct of the progressive leader. The welfare of others
and the health of the organization are given genuine priority over self-interests. The progressive
leader is a champion for the undervalued and invisible.

The global Seventh-day Adventist Church, far from being a monolith, is extremely diverse in
terms of cultures, geographical spread, generations and ideological perspectives. The church is
diverse – to the discomfort of some – in almost every way that we can think about it. Moreover,
the far majority of the human resources of the church is found in its membership who are
volunteers, not employees. Leadership in this complex global context cannot be easy. How can a
diverse church preserve its identity and stay true to its mission while embracing differences?
How can it be outward looking in its mission but introspective about correcting its own
prejudices, and honestly confronting the ways in which the power of privilege is distributed
across the church?

How are the Jenga-blocks of inequity, unhelpful inflexibility and resistance to
change to be delicately and nimbly removed without causing a crash of the timber-tower? Dr.
Simmons believes that her own lived experiences helped to prepare her to meaningfully
contribute to the needs of such a complex leadership context. She says that:
As a Black African-American female, born and raised in the United States of America, I
had some preparation. I know what it is to be devalued, to be looked down upon because
of your appearance. I know what it is to be an outsider… I know what it is to be buffeted
and to stand your ground… I knew what it was like to be loyal to an organization or an
entity and be in vehement disagreement with some of its practices. So, I came to the
position with that kind of preparation… I had learned not to take myself too seriously and
yet, at the same time, to always be willing to fight for others.

Balance, sequencing, knowing when and how to fight and how to be the example of a
peacemaker are important leadership abilities. The Christian leader is not called to a disposition
of pacificism and cowardice, especially in the face of injustice. The half-truth is sometimes
expressed that Christian piety requires only prayer and patience and in time God would solve it
all. Dr. Simmons argues that “God put us in places to make a difference, to do something and to
do it now. Not in heaven, but here on this earth right now as we walk this journey together.”
Drawing on the teachings of the major and minor prophets of the Old Testament, she further
argues that their messages spoke indubitably about the eradication of oppression and injustice
within the church and society. “Over and over again, it says God’s people cannot be blessed,
God’s people are cursed, God turns His back on His people when they do not treat each other
right, when they oppress each other.” Dr. Simmons goes further by asserting that “justice and
righteousness are one and the same.” She rejects out-of-hand the view that sees the pursuit of
justice as disruptive “political shenanigans” and righteousness as pious conformity to the safety
of the status quo. Alluding to Matthew 25:31- 46, Dr. Simmons contends that feeding the hungry,
offering drink to the thirsty, shelter to the homeless, clothing to the naked and ministry to the
sick and imprisoned are as much justice issues as they are descriptors of righteousness.
Discussions about leadership typically centre individuals and their behaviours, aptitudes and
influence. For Dr. Simmons when it comes to the church, there is a salient collective dimension
that cannot be ignored or understated. God calls the church as a collective to leadership! The
church is called to be a norm-entrepreneur, a leader in the intentional pursuit of a more just
society. The church must model God’s kingdom to the world. The church must never be timid
about giving purposive leadership to righteous causes. There is a call to collective leadership that
is embedded in the great gospel commission.

On the matter of the full appreciation and recognition of the contribution women make to
ministry and leadership in the church, Dr. Simmons resorts to a rather thought-provoking
Socratic-type rhetoric:
For me it all boils down to this. Does God call women to the gospel ministry, to pastor
churches? If He does, then the church should recognize that and ordain and support women
as they do men. Does God call women to leadership in the church at all levels? If so, then the
church should recognize this and support women in the same way they support men. Now on
the other hand, if God does not call women to pastoral leadership, ministry and to leadership
in the church, I feel then that we need to step back and that the church should stop using
women’s gifts and talents while denigrating their presence in the position.

On the matter of the challenges the church is having in some parts with conserving the loyalty of
its youth membership, Dr. Simmons concedes that many 21st Century young people – particularly
in the US and the western world – have developed a skepticism about organized religion. They
are, however, enamored by spirituality and connect to God through a kind of spiritual
consciousness. This – abetted by the identity politics of our age – is manifesting itself among
other ways in a turn to ancestral spiritualities or sometimes undefined beliefs in the sovereignty
of the universe. Many of them are reaching beyond what they have been taught in their search for
faith. In many ways, organized Christian religion, including the Seventh-day Adventist Church,
serves-up a value proposition that sometimes seems out of step with contemporary needs. The
examples that the church has set have not always been good ones. Many of our young people,
especially those whose parents, relatives or close friends have worked for the church, have seen
some of their loved ones become victims of harm perpetrated by the church. They are jaded by
that witness and can sometime see the church as undeserving of their loyalty. Dr. Simmons
counsels that we have to equip our young people to see God’s kingdom beyond the foibles of the
church. There is still value to Christianity. There are still good Christians within the church.
There are also real challenges with how some interpret our traditions. Our 19th Century largely
New England, largely Caucasian, largely patriarchal cultural provenance prevents many from
fully accepting – even in the face of a global inter-generational church – that there are several
valid ways to be Seventh-day Adventist Christians. The attitude that our church belongs only or
more so to those who have their own cultural heritage hitched to the where, how and who of the
Adventist origin story and that the gentiles (others) are more subjects than they are citizens must
be confronted. The arrogance that says that these outsiders must not be permitted to take over our
church does not help to create the conducive space for our church to grow in its relevance to our
times and appeal to youth and even broader niches of human identities with the unblemished
truth of the gospel. Dr. Simmons’s observations here remind me so much about the lyric of a
song composed by Flynn Johnson and David Johnson and recorded in 1992 by the gospel group
Urban Hope (Integrity Music 1992). Part of that lyric goes: “Every generation (needs) a
demonstration of the Church of Jesus Christ relevant to its time. We are determined to be part of
that expression in our time…” (https://youtu.be/LsUXMiR1esI?si=WwnaOnuAR6JJExSJ)
In our fundamental beliefs, we find beautiful statements about unity, equity and “one humanity”
– if only we could live out these ideals to the fullest, live out the love of God, what a positive
difference that would make.

To aspiring leaders, Dr. Simmons counsels first that you must know that God has called you to
leadership. Leaders need to be self-aware. Leaders should possess not solely the intellectual
quotient but also emotional, social and spiritual intelligence.
Leaders must possess big-picture vision. Leaders must know how to let some battles go while
keeping their eyes on war. They must learn how to not be distracted by the skirmishes.
Trust is foundational to leadership. “If people lose trust in you, you’ve lost your leadership. You
may be able to force people to do some things, but you’ll never be able to lead them as you are
called to do.” Leaders must be known for the integrity of their characters.
Leaders must have the ability to champion other people’s causes.

Leadership is tough. It is not for the fainthearted. Leaders are called to be fair in an unfair world.

If God calls you to be a leader, embrace the journey with courage. “Always keep before the
people and keep before yourself that it’s all about God and God’s will for you, for others, for His
church, His organizations, His world.”

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The USC Hummers Netball Team Triumphs as Division Champions

By LeRoy Pierre, Director, SPED & Kadan Esson, Corporate Communications Assistant 

Courts All Sectors Netball Competition (Alternative Division) Tournament
In a stunning display of skill, teamwork, and determination, the USC Hummers Netball Team emerged victorious in their recent Courts All Sectors Netball Competition (Alternative Division) Tournament, winning all eight (8) of their games and securing the title of division champions. This remarkable achievement has brought immense pride and joy to the University of the Southern Caribbean community.

Under the coaching of internationally renowned coach Grace Parkinson-Griffith and the management of Delano Henry, the USC Hummers Netball Team secured the following titles in the Alternative Division:

  • League Champions
  • Fast Five Champions
  • Most Disciplined Team for the Second Year
  • Best Defense – Alternative Division: Shenelle Thomas
  • MVP for Team: Gellana Grant

Lystra Lewis Port of Spain Netball League
Adding to their accolades, the USC Hummers also triumphed in the Lystra Lewis Port of Spain Netball League. This achievement was witnessed firsthand by our esteemed President, Dr. Colwick Wilson, who attended their final game on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. The USC community extends a heartfelt salute to our girls, their coach, and their trainer/manager for their grit, skill, and determination in securing yet another victory. 

Remarkably, these victories were accomplished against all odds. The team trained on a quarter of a netball court, often under poor lighting, before we received the donated field lights and inconsistent weather conditions, while balancing academic commitments and other constraints. Despite these challenges, their unwavering dedication and teamwork led them to glory.

Special thanks is extended to the Transport Department for providing timely transportation, and to the staff at SPED for ensuring that uniforms were laundered and equipment and supplies were always ready for the team. We also extend our gratitude to the organizers of the LLPOSNL for accommodating our request to avoid scheduling games during Sabbath hours.

As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we eagerly await the prize-giving ceremony to honor our champions. The USC Hummers have set a new benchmark of excellence, inspiring the entire USC community with their outstanding performance.

Congratulations to the USC Hummers Netball Team! Go Hummers! 

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University of the Southern Caribbean Announces 91st Graduation Celebration

By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) is pleased to announce its 91st Graduation Weekend, scheduled to take place from June 28-30, 2024. Founded in 1927, USC is a private, coeducational institution offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Its Main Campus located in the beautiful Maracas Valley, USC is committed to providing a holistic educational experience that fosters intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth.

USC’s 91st Graduation Weekend will celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2024 under the theme “Determined Minds, Boundless Futures.” The graduating class has chosen the guiding aim “Guided by Faith, Destined by His Calling” and a scripture text from Romans 12:2 (NKJV): “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

The weekend will feature a series of inspiring and celebratory events:

Friday, June 28, 2024, 7:00pm – Consecration Service
Guest Speaker: Pastor Anthony Hall, President, East Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Saturday, June 29, 2024, 10:30am – Baccalaureate Service
Guest Speaker: Dr. Slimen Saliba, Director of Programs, AdventHealth Leadership Institute

Saturday, June 29, 2024, 4:30pm – Evening of Tributes
Hosts: Mrs. Rachel Sealy, University Chaplain & Mr. Roland Sealy, Chair, Department of Teacher Education

Sunday, June 30, 2024, 9:00am – Commencement Ceremony
Guest Speaker: Dr. The Honorable Keith C. Rowley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

This year’s graduation will also honor our esteemed alumni from the Classes of 1974 and 1999, celebrating them as our Gold and Silver classes, respectively. USC has graduated over 32,000 alumni who have embodied the spirit of our motto, “Beyond Excellence.” These individuals have carried forward our mission “…to transform ordinary people into extraordinary servants of God to humanity through a holistic tertiary educational experience.”

As USC approaches its centennial celebration in 2027, we reflect on a proud legacy of excellence in education. For nearly 100 years, USC has adhered to an educational philosophy that emphasizes the holistic development of the head, heart, and hand. This philosophy is built on the pillars of intellectual curiosity, moral integrity, cultural diversity, and spiritual nurture.

We invite all USC alumni, friends, and family to join us in celebrating the Class of 2024 as they embark on their journey to make a positive impact on the world.

For more information about USC’s 91st Graduation Weekend, visit usc.edu.tt/graduation

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University of the Southern Caribbean Charts Bold New Course with SP100 Strategic Plan

By Ms. Sherri-lyn Legall, Dean, School of Business and Entrepreneurship (Interim) & Ms. Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

In February 2022, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) embarked on a transformative journey with the commissioning of a strategic planning committee to develop SP100, a comprehensive strategic plan for the period 2022-2027. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Colwick Wilson, President of USC, the committee was tasked with crafting a roadmap that would guide the university’s future growth and development.

Dr. Wilson provided the team with broad strategic priorities, setting the stage for a collaborative and inclusive planning process. The committee was further bolstered by the inclusion of two distinguished alumni, who brought with them extensive experience in senior leadership and strategic planning, to offer support and guidance.

Central to the development of SP100 was the engagement of the university’s stakeholders. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees were all invited to participate in a comprehensive survey to share their ideas and aspirations for the university’s future. The feedback from these surveys was meticulously collated and analyzed, revealing key themes and priorities. This initial feedback was shared with the stakeholder groups, and additional input was solicited to ensure that the plan reflected the diverse perspectives of the USC community.

In addition to internal consultations, the SP100 team conducted an extensive external scanning exercise. This analysis provided crucial data on regional and global trends, ensuring that the strategic plan would be both relevant and forward-looking. The team also held in-depth discussions with USC’s senior leadership, including Vice-Presidents, the Provost, and the Human Resources Director, to gain insights into recent operations and ongoing projects. Trustees of the university were kept informed with progress reports and their feedback was incorporated into the draft plan.

The culmination of these efforts was presented at the University’s Colloquium in August 2022. Here, a summary of the recommended strategic priorities and themes was unveiled, and further feedback from the university community was invited. This iterative process ensured that the final draft of the SP100 plan was a true reflection of the collective vision of USC’s stakeholders.

Over the course of six months, the SP100 team met twice a month, working diligently to compile and refine the gathered information. Following a brief end-of-school-year break, the team resumed its efforts, finalizing the strategic projects and plans that would define USC’s path forward.

The SP100 strategic plan represents a bold vision for the University of the Southern Caribbean, one that is grounded in the aspirations of its community and informed by a rigorous analysis of both internal and external factors. As USC moves into the future, the initiatives and activities outlined in SP100 are expected to drive significant growth and innovation, solidifying USC’s position as a leading institution in the region.

With the implementation of SP100, the University of the Southern Caribbean is poised to embark on a new era of excellence and impact, fostering an environment of learning and development that will benefit students, faculty, and the wider community for years to come.

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Cultivating Multilingualism: USC’s ICCTL Hosts Successful French Guiana ESL Immersion Camp

By Dr. Grace Jacott, Coordinator – ICCTL & Ms. Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

The University of the Southern Caribbean’s (USC) International Center for Corporate Training and Languages (ICCTL) recently concluded a successful two-week vacation camp aimed at enhancing English language skills for over eighty participants from French Guiana. From May 6-17, 2024, children, parents, and educators from Ecole Adventiste and La Perseverance schools participated in the immersive program designed to improve English proficiency and explore Trinidad’s vibrant culture.

Dr. Grace Jacott, Coordinator of ICCTL, spearheaded the initiative, which sought to provide an engaging and comprehensive English-learning experience. Recognizing the basic introduction to English in the French Guianese elementary curriculum, ICCTL invited the Seventh-day Adventist elementary schools to Trinidad for a full immersion experience.

The camp had three primary goals:

  1. To immerse native French speakers in an English-rich environment.
  2. To introduce USC’s various ESL offerings and undergraduate programs.
  3. To provide cultural exposure and tourism experiences in Trinidad.

English Immersion Strategies & Learning Initiatives
To achieve the first objective, ICCTL created an environment saturated with English language activities. Each day started with the Lord’s Prayer in English, followed by YouTube sing-alongs of familiar Bible choruses. Closed-captioning and action verb demonstrations enhanced word identification and comprehension.

Innovative strategies, such as placing appealing posters in play areas, encouraged children to read while playing. The application of the VARK learning model (Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic) ensured comprehensive engagement. This included singing along to YouTube videos to learn grammar, active modeling of concepts in the classroom, and writing activities using USC-provided textbooks.

Adults in the group also participated in active learning. In one notable session, Mrs. Bengochea led participants in a creative exercise where they designed and described their own costumes, applying new vocabulary about clothing. All participants received academic information packages, including details on USC’s ESL programs and a French/English ESL video for further dissemination.

The camp also featured field trips guided by native English speakers, allowing participants to explore Trinidad’s Eastern, Southern, and Western regions. Highlights included the Caroni Bird Sanctuary and the La Brea Pitch Lake, both of which were described as “awesome” by the visitors.

Commitment to Excellence
USC’s core pillars, Spiritual Ethos and Academic Excellence, were integral to the camp’s structure. Daily devotional programs supported the spiritual development of participants. Separate classes for adults and children, facilitated by USC faculty and regular ESL tutors respectively, underscored the commitment to academic excellence through varied pedagogical approaches catering to all learning styles.

The camp also aimed to bolster ICCTL’s strategic goals, including increased marketing of its regular ESL programs. Participants returned to French Guiana with ESL advertisements for widespread dissemination. The short language courses offered by ICCTL have proven to be lucrative, contributing to the center’s financial sustainability.

The two-week camp not only enhanced the English proficiency of its participants but also fostered cultural exchange and strengthened educational ties between Trinidad and French Guiana. The positive feedback and successful outcomes of the program highlight USC’s dedication to providing impactful language education and immersive cultural experiences.

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USC Hosts First Annual World Day for Safety at the Workplace

By Mr. Hayden McKenna, University Writer/Editor & Ms. Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) marked its first observance of World Day for Safety at the Workplace on April 29, 2024, following the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) global initiative established in 2003. This day, traditionally observed on April 28, emphasizes the prevention of workplace accidents and diseases and leverages the ILO’s strengths in tripartism and social dialogue.

USC’s Occupational Health and Safety Unit, in collaboration with the Department of Security Services, organized this inaugural event, which is set to become an annual fixture. This observance aligns USC with national and regional efforts to ensure health, safety, and security on campus and during off-campus activities such as Blitz, Olympiad, and concert tours.

In a conversation with Mrs. Jillene John-Harris, Assistant Director of Human Resources responsible for Labour Relations and Benefits, and overseer of the Occupational Safety and Health Unit, she confirmed this was USC’s first celebration of World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The idea originated from a departmental meeting where Mrs. Ellin Sorzano-John highlighted the ILO’s observance on April 28, 2024, sparking the initiative for USC’s event.

While the main events, including a campus march, opening ceremony, and a building evacuation challenge, were held on the Main Campus, efforts were made to involve the Extension Campuses and Satellite Sites. Directors of these sites participated in a special training session facilitated by Health and Safety Practitioner Mr. Ronald Hunte and USC’s Director of Security, Mr. Stevenson Byng. Although a debating competition on Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) issues was planned for students across all USC sites, it was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Mrs. John-Harris outlined the primary goal of the Health and Safety Unit: to foster a culture of health, safety, and security at USC and to convey that these elements start with individual responsibility. “Health, safety, and security is everybody’s business,” she emphasized.

Key highlights of the day included:

  • The enthusiastic participation of children from the Maracas Seventh-day Adventist Primary School (MSDA) and CUC Secondary School in the campus march and opening ceremony.
  • An insightful address by Mr. Franz Brisbane, Chief Inspector of the Occupational Safety and Health Authority and Agency of Trinidad and Tobago, who served as the featured speaker.
  • A competitive and educational placard competition.
  • Valuable information shared during the training sessions.

Representatives from Caribbean Health Foods Limited, an on-campus entity, also took part in the formal opening ceremony.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Mrs. John-Harris noted, “In my view, the day was successful. It met our main objective of promoting the culture of health, safety, and security on the campus.” Looking ahead, she expressed plans for future observances to include a wider range of stakeholders and more hands-on activities, aiming to deepen the integration of health and safety culture across all USC sites in the Caribbean.

As USC moves forward, the commitment to promoting a safe and healthy work environment remains a top priority, ensuring the well-being of all members of the university community.

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T&TEC Hosts Commissioning Ceremony for New Field Lights at USC

By Kadan Esson, Corporate Communications Assistant

On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) celebrated a significant enhancement in its infrastructure with the installation of new field lights. The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) hosted a ceremonious event to mark this milestone under the Public Lighting Programme, reflecting USC’s unwavering commitment to fostering exceptional facilities for its students and the broader Maracas Valley community.

The newly installed lights are more than a mere upgrade. They stand as a testament to USC’s dedication to enhancing the overall experience for its community, promising improved visibility and safety that will elevate the university’s athletic programs and make evening activities more enjoyable and accessible.

Mr. Curvis Francois, General Manager of T&TEC, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Marvin Gonzales, Minister of Public Utilities, for his pivotal role in securing the essential funding for this project. Mr. Francois also acknowledged The Honourable Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Member of Parliament for St. Ann’s East, for her steadfast determination and effort. Special thanks were extended to Dr. Colwick Wilson, President of USC, Mr. Leroy Pierre, Coordinator of the Sports and Physical Education Department, and Dr. Kern Tobias, Chairman of USC’s Board of Trustees, for their vital assistance and collaboration on this initiative.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Colwick Wilson, Dr. Kern Tobias expressed sincere appreciation, noting that the new lights would provide enjoyment for both current and future members of the Maracas Valley Community for many years to come.

Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly highlighted the symbolic significance of the ceremony, stating it represented “bringing light to a darkened time in the Maracas Valley.” She praised USC for being a beacon of hope and assured Mr. Francois that the lights would be responsibly utilized by the university.

Addressing the audience, the Honourable Marvin Gonzales shared his concerns about the lack of community activities nationwide. He commended the ceremony for sending a powerful message to USC and the Maracas Valley, emphasizing that “light will always come to dispel darkness,” symbolizing hope and divine presence. Minister Gonzales urged the community to value and maintain the new lights, encouraged by Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly’s commitment to USC’s responsible use. He also called on USC to continue investing in the holistic development of its students, emphasizing their social, spiritual, and academic well-being.

This event underscored the strength of collaboration and community support. USC extends heartfelt thanks to T&TEC and the Sports and Physical Education Department (SPED) for their dedication and contribution to this project. The university looks forward to many more successful partnerships, continuing to illuminate the path for its students and community members.

Concluding the auspicious event, the Maracas Community Combined and USC’s President’s XI faced off in an exhilarating cricket match, with the Maracas Community emerging as the champions. This thrilling conclusion served as a fitting celebration of the new lights and the community spirit they symbolize.

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USC Expands State-of-the-Art Healthcare Education Facilities with AdventHealth Partnership

By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

In a significant step towards bolstering healthcare education in Trinidad, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) has announced a major expansion and modernization of its Nursing & Allied Health Department. Located on the ground floor of the USC Auditorium, these new facilities will now feature cutting-edge resources essential for training future healthcare professionals. This development comes as the university’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program continues to grow, establishing itself as a flagship offering with application numbers consistently surpassing current capacity.

A key driver behind this expansion is a strategic collaboration with AdventHealth in Orlando, Florida. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to enhancing healthcare education, providing USC with vital medical equipment and supplies that will significantly enhance the learning experience for nursing students.

The generous donation from AdventHealth includes a wide array of advanced medical training tools and supplies. Among the key items are rolling medical storage carts, Heart Start AED Trainers, Laerdal AED Trainers, and a range of CPR manikins tailored for both adult and pediatric resuscitation. Additionally, sophisticated simulators such as the Megacode Kid and birthing simulators will offer students realistic, hands-on training scenarios.

Further contributions include a variety of essential medical supplies, from N95 masks and sterile gauze pads to surgical gloves and IV administration sets. This comprehensive collection of resources ensures that USC’s facilities will be equipped to offer a robust, practical education that meets contemporary healthcare standards.

USC’s initiative to upgrade its facilities is a testament to its commitment to providing high-quality education that keeps pace with the evolving landscape of healthcare. The enhanced Nursing & Allied Health Facilities will not only cater to the growing number of applicants but also elevate the educational standards, aligning them with international best practices.

As the university prepares to implement these advancements, the anticipation among faculty and students is palpable. The new resources will enable more interactive and practical learning experiences, equipping USC graduates with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their future careers.

This partnership with AdventHealth exemplifies the impact of collaborative efforts in the educational sector, fostering growth and innovation. As USC moves forward with these improvements, it continues to set a benchmark for healthcare education in the region, ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare industry.

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Health Heroes: Volunteers Bring Vital Medical Services to Trinidad & Tobago

By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

The TrinBago Progressive Association of the USA, Inc. (TPA) and Action Performance Commitment Services Inc. (APC) recently concluded their 11th Medical Mission and Outreach in Trinidad & Tobago. From May 13 to May 27, a dedicated team of volunteers conducted a series of free health clinics across the islands, providing a wide range of essential health services to the local communities.

The two-week mission aimed to address various health needs by offering dental cleanings, teeth extractions, fillings, root canals, blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, lung capacity tests, BMI readings, nutritional counseling, naturopathic counseling, and psychological counseling. These comprehensive services were made available at no cost, ensuring that even the underserved populations had access to quality healthcare.

One of the highlights of the mission was the free health clinic held at the University of the Southern Caribbean on May 16-17 and May 21-22. These events were a collaborative effort with local partners, including the University of the Southern Caribbean, the South Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and the Community Hospital of Seventh-day Adventists. The clinics saw a substantial turnout, reflecting the community’s need and appreciation for the services provided.

The volunteer team comprised a diverse group of healthcare professionals and support staff including Dentists and Dental Assistants, Podiatrists, Naturopaths, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Registered Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers, and Administrative Personnel.

The mission’s impact extended beyond immediate medical treatments. Through nutritional and naturopathic counseling, the team aimed to empower individuals with the knowledge to maintain healthier lifestyles. Psychological counseling provided much-needed support for mental health concerns, a crucial aspect often overlooked in medical missions.

“Health is holistic,” emphasized Dr. Janice McLean, a naturopathic doctor on the mission. “Our approach is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms, and that includes mental and emotional well-being.”

The TPA and APC’s commitment to improving healthcare in Trinidad & Tobago is evident in their sustained efforts over the years. This 11th mission underscores their dedication to fostering healthier communities through collaboration, compassion, and comprehensive care.

As the volunteers return to their respective homes, the lasting impact of their work remains in the hearts and lives of those they served. The mission has not only provided immediate relief but has also sown the seeds for long-term health improvements in the communities of Trinidad & Tobago.

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Dr. Stephen Carryl Delivers the Keynote at the USCLA

By Hayden McKenna

On Friday May 03, 2024, the fourth session of the USC Leadership Academy (USCLA) was convened at the Social Sciences Auditorium on the USC Main Campus. The USCLA is arguably the flagship initiative of the actionable agenda of SP 100 (USC’s current Strategic Plan) in the area of faculty and staff development. The optimistic rationale that underpins the USCLA initiative is that the quality of the University’s survival and improvement as a thriving, relevant mission-fulfilling Adventist institution of higher learning into the foreseeable future has a direct relationship with the quality of the leadership talent it develops. 

The keynote presentation was delivered by Dr. Stephen Carryl, Chief Executive Officer of The Community Hospital (TCH). Based in Cocorite Port of Spain, TCH is the oldest surviving private healthcare institution in Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Carryl is a faithful friend and a loyal alumnus of our University. He also shares a decades-long mutually supportive friendship with USC’s President Dr. Colwick Wilson, that germinated in Cedar Hall. They both entered Caribbean Union College (now the University of the Southern Caribbean) in 1979 as Theology Majors and lodged together, at the famous Cedar Hall.  

Dr. Carryl switched his academic focus to Biology and enrolled in Oakwood College (now Oakwood University) in 1981. After completing his baccalaureate degree at Oakwood, Dr. Carryl went on to Loma Linda University School of Medicine, where he earned an MD. His education and career journey also includes a Master of Health Administration (MHA) from the University of Southern California and a highly competitive surgical internship and residency at the Brookdale University Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Carryl is a board-certified surgeon with expertise in Laparoscopic Surgery, Bariatric Surgery and Robotic Surgery. He rose to the position of Chairman of Surgery, Chief of Perioperative Services and Director of Bariatric Surgery at the prestigious Harlem Hospital Center, before making the sacrificial decision in 2022, to bring his talents to Western Main Road, Cocorite, taking on the position as CEO of TCH. 

As first-fruits of the visionary leadership of the Cedar Hall comrades – Carryl and Wilson – in September last year, TCH in partnership with USC, formally opened the TCH-USC Urgent Care Clinic. Beyond the obvious passing of the executive management of USC’s health service to TCH, this strategic partnership has added value to the Maracas Valley, St. Joseph community and has opened the door to mutually beneficial operational synergies for the two Adventist institutions.

Dr. Carryl’s keynote at the USCLA was as insightful as it was inspiring. Drawing heavily on leadership lessons we can learn from competitive sports, he sharply contrasted behaviours and habits of low morale teams with those of high morale teams. He argued that the morale of a team is the collective responsibility of the group. Members take responsibility for it and do not solely heap the responsibility on the leader. 

Using the case of American Olympic gymnast Kerri Strugg and her courageous feat of vaulting on an injured left ankle in support of her team’s successful bid at winning gold in the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta, Dr. Carryl made the point that the tolerance of pain seems to improve when you are winning. By contrast when you are losing and morale is low, everything hurts. Teams with a winning mentality are more adept at persevering and succeeding through hardship.

Dr. Carryl also used the case of the Dream Team, the USA Men’s Basketball Team that represented their country in the 1992 Summer Games in Barcelona. Although being the birthplace of basketball and having the most prestigious league in the world, at the previous Olympics in 1988, the USA could only muster bronze behind the gold of its geopolitical rival the Soviet Union and the silver of Yugoslavia. Although the US had not fielded its best possible team (professional basketball players were not selected for national duty) the agony of not winning gold felt like the Soviets had literally beaten the US at their own game! For the 1992 Olympics, the US broke with its self-imposed handicap and selected professional players to its Olympic Team. The twelve member “Dream Team” as it came to be famously known comprised of a constellation of NBA stars and one college player from Duke University. This team won gold, not dropping a single game on its way to the top of the podium. Dr. Carryl shared that the element of patriotism, playing for one’s country, for something bigger than themselves, bigger than the Larry O’brien Trophy and a championship ring, the privilege of being standard-bearers for the star-spangled banner mattered greatly to these professional athletes, many of whom were accustomed to winning. The point is that who and what you are playing for matters. Mobilizing organizational patriotism and inspiring our teams to play for the big and noble cause is critical leadership activity.

Dr. Carryl also argued that well led teams and organization ensure that there is purposive alignment of priorities and activities with vision and mission. On this matter he cautioned that organizations must avoid what he called “the trap of multiple destinations”.

Dr. Carryl selected three of John Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership for brief discussion. The law of the lid places a realistic limit on a person’s leadership ability based on factors such as people skills, competence at planning, vision, passion for success and past results. Leaders are not able to lead teams higher than their lid.

The law of influence contends that leadership does not come with job titles or de-jure appointments. It comes rather by a person’s ability to influence others. Leaders are persons who others follow. 

The law of addition says that leaders add value through serving others. Leadership does not exist where there is no value added or no legacy created and left. 

Dr. Carryl’s presentation challenged participants to reflection, deep introspection and inspired action.

At this meeting of the USCLA, Mr. Clive Clark, Transport Commissioner of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, was present to receive the Excellence in Industry Award. Commissioner Clark, a distinguished alumnus of USC, is nationally credited for his transformative leadership at the Licensing Division of the Ministry of Works and Transportation. He has played a pivotal role in the implementation of ICT tools at the Division, resulting in the marked improvement of its operational efficiency and customer service outcomes. In his acceptance address, he expressed his gratitude to USC for giving him his foundation. He also shared his observation that USC graduates employed at the Division, stand out for their superior work ethic and the contributions they make.

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