Caribbean territories have been neglected in PhD Education says Associate Provost at the University of the Virgin Islands
Charlestown (June 30, 2016) Premier of Nevis and Minister of Education, Hon. Vance Amory said “The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is seeking to be a pioneer institution in creating this new approach to the development of leaders in the Caribbean and the world.”
This statement was made during a presentation by Associate Provost for Graduation, Global and Academic Affairs at the University of the Virgin Islands, Dr. James S. Maddirala at the Red Cross Headquarters on Chapel Street in Charlestown on June 28, 2016.
In Premier Amory’s opinion, the forging of a partnership with UVI is in keeping with the Administrations’ goal to promote the education of Nationals.
“One of the things that the Governments of St. Kitts and Nevis have prided itself on is to encourage the people of St. Kitts and Nevis to undertake the development of their minds and educational advancement. You have come and indicated that we can partner with you in setting the cost level of the course” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Maddirala said UVI in collaboration with Buffalo State University (BSU) and Fielding Graduate University have designed this new, three year doctoral program, the first of its kind, based on ‘creative leadership for innovation and change’.” He feels that this program is more suitable to Caribbean leadership with an emphasis on creativity.
According to him many Caribbean students, notwithstanding their intelligence, are not afforded the opportunity of college education.
“We travelled to a lot of Caribbean territories and we came to know they have few significant PhD running institutions in these islands and for sure we have been neglected in not only PhD but graduate and undergraduate education” said Dr. Maddirala.
In his view the Doctorial program will not only help adult learners to bring about change in their institutions through creativity and innovation but will also help groups of individuals to work productively together.
Dr. Maddirala indicated that for adult learners to earn the UVI PhD, they must enroll in one of the following three tracks offered by the universities involved. These tracks are comprised of the required courses and are, CLC Track, on Creativity and Leadership for Change offered by BSU, the ODL Track, on Organizational Development and Leadership, offered by Fielding Graduate University and the ELC Track, on Educational/ Academic Leadership for change offered by UVI.
In Dr. Maddirala’s estimation, “none can offer” the quality of PhD program offered by UVI. He sees tuition as being especially affordable to Caribbean students. The necessary requirements for admission being the completed application forms, three letters of recommendations and an official transcript from the university.
Dr. Maddirala also said that the application deadline has been extended from June 30, 2016 to July 15 2016.
Meanwhile, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Mitchell A. Neaves said he is expecting much diversity in this year’s “historic first class” and hopes that Nevisian students will be a part of this group.
Writer: Lorna Smithen- Bussue