More About NCU

HOW WE WERE BORN

Northern Caribbean University (NCU) has a strong, yet humble, history that goes back at least 83 years. The original purpose was to offer quality Christ-centered education to students and to train them to be workers for the Adventist church in the Caribbean.

It started as West Indian Training School, an institution offering secondary and vocational education between 1907 and 1913 on a property in Riversdale, St. Catherine. The Riverdale property proved hazardous to the health of teachers and students, so the school was closed. On January 6, 1919, the school was reopened on a rented property in Caledonia, Mandeville. The school started out with three secondary level students, and in August 1919, the school was relocated on its present sight, Coolsworthy. The three students matriculated in January 1919 were the institution’s first graduates from 12^th grade, in 1923. In 1926, the school was upgraded to the 14^th grade and included subjects like ministry, teaching, nursing, secretarial science and Bible work. It was in 1936 that the school achieved junior college status, and so was renamed West Indian Training College, training persons from the West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (Jamaica, Bahamas, Turks & Caicos and the Cayman Islands).

WEST INDIES COLLEGE

The institution achieved senior college status and became West Indies College (WIC) in 1959. The first Bachelor’s degree programme, offered by the college, was. The Bachelor’s degree programme in Education started in 1963. By the 1970s, the Bachelor’s degree programmes for Business Administration and Nursing were added. In the summer of 1974, Andrews University in the United States, started offering the Masters degree in Theology and Education on the campus. In the 1980s, the Bachelor’s degree programmes in Music, History and English were offered. By the 1990s, the Bachelor’s degree programmes for Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Medical Technology and Information Science came on the way, with a diploma in Pre-Engineering.

As a private Adventist university, the only one of its kind in Jamaica, West Indies College carried out the traditions of the former West Indies Training College without apology. As Adventism grew, so did the demand for tertiary education, especially in Western and Central Jamaica. With total student populations remaining at below 2000, the largest departments on campus were Education, Business and Theology.

Prior to 1999, WIC sent out over 1600 graduates into the world of work. Many alumni of the former WITC and WIC have moved on to become distinguished alumni, and great supporters of the institution. Such distinguished alumni include Hiram S. Walters, Solomon Harriot, Bassett Brown, Lennox Westney, Byron Robinson, Karlene Sinclair-Foote, Hilbert Giscombe and numerous others. The institution today continues to attract many of its capable alumni to its work force as well as persons who previously worked in non-Adventist organizations.

THE ROAD TO UNIVERSITY STATUS

The third milestone of the institution occurred in June 24, 1999, Charter Day, when the esteemed name of Northern Caribbean University was conferred on the institution. Jamaica, up to 1999, had two universities, and several colleges, most of which were community colleges and teachers’ colleges. WIC was the only liberal arts college in Jamaica and it began offering Bachelor degrees long before University of the West Indies (UWI) and University of Technology (Tech).

Three things worked against WIC: (a) the perception that an Adventist Christian school can only prepare persons for church work and pastoral ministry; (b) its programmes, though, accredited and accepted overseas by the Board of Regents of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the United States Office of Education, and the Canada Student Loan and Alberta Student Assistant Programmes; most programmes were not accredited by the UCJ (with the exceptions of the Biology, Business Administration, Nursing and Education programmes). The liberal arts system of WIC did not mesh into the British system of UWI and UTech (c) the perception that the highest quality education is only attainable at institutions called “university”. Over the years the institution began to recruit a larger percentage of non-Adventist students and also began going through the procedures for UCJ accreditation. Since 1999, over 1,000 graduates have left the institution.

CHARTER DAY CELEBRATIONS

It was on June 24, 1999 that the former West Indies College (WIC) became the newly chartered Northern Caribbean University (NCU). In a grand ceremony it conferred on SuperClubs CEO, Mr. John Issa its Honorary Doctor of Laws degree. The Governor General, the Hon. Sir Howard Cooke, proclaimed the charter. The guest speaker was prime minister, the Rt. Hon. P.J. Patterson. The town of Mandeville was excited about its newly achieved university status and Charter Day was a great day filled with pageantry.

NCU greeted all persons over the weekend of June 23-24, 2001 with the same colourful display of flags from various nations that lined the sidewalk leading to the centre of campus.

“The right to celebrate has been earned, for you have come a long way…In a quiet but meaningful way, the citizens of Manchester, and the people of Mandeville and its environs join you in celebration of your second anniversary.” were among the comments of the Custos Rotulorum of Manchester, Dr. Gilbert Allen on this year’s Charter Day celebrations; which were less grand in nature but just as profound. The institution evaluated itself in light of its mission statement, its social responsibility to the community and the nation, and its spiritual impact on students, citizens of Mandeville, and on the nation in general.

The celebrations commenced with a thanksgiving divine service on Saturday June 23, 2001. Guest speaker for the service was former registrar of NCU and doctoral candidate at Bowling Green University, Ms. V. Melody Bennett. Speaking under the topic, “No Neutral Ground”, she reflected on the institution’s journey from West Indian Training College to Northern Caribbean University, and asked the question as to whether God means the same to the development of the institution as He did before.

Dr. Bennett made the point clear that the progress of the university cannot only be measured by the academic achievement of faculty and students, the career achievements of graduates, and the new alliances that the university has managed to establish since its charter, but more so, the institution’s ability to still help persons to develop a moral and spiritual character that remains consistent in the light of change within the job market, once they graduate from the institution.

The Charter celebration function of Sunday June 24, 2001 was a delightful occasion that incorporated cultural presentations from NCU and the Cari-folk Singers with the address of former member of the United Nations Council, and current Chairman of the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ), Dr. Dennis Irvine. Like Dr. Bennett, he focused on the transition of NCU from a college to a university, and spoke in general about the role of the university in the community and worldwide.

“The university should use its doors to meet important social needs…Yet the dilemma which universities face in the world is underscored by the observation that the universities have not discharged their intellectual and moral responsibility…the function of the university is not simply to respond to social needs but to transform them. Not simply to give the public what it wants but to be the one to ensure that the public wants the right things…Universities offer the most fertile ground for contributions of lasting importance.” were among the many points that Dr. Irvine made on the current roles played by universities worldwide.

Dr.Irvine congratulated NCU on living up to its mission statement, which takes a wholistic approach in developing social skills, work ethics and an attitude of service to the nation in students; while Dr. Bennett made emphasis on the niche NCU should hold on to as it strives to offer Christ-centred quality education.

In 2002, the Deputy Mayor of Mandeville, Councillor Brenda Ramsay declared June 17 – 24 “Northern Caribbean University Week.” This week of events marked the third year of NCU’s rise to university status. The week saw a range of activities, which were fully supported by the business community in Mandeville, and included events such as seminars, panel forums, community displays, and worship services. The speaker for the Charter Day celebration was Dr. Leslie Pollard, Vice President for Diversity at Loma Linda University.

MARKETING THE NEW NCU

NCU began to re-position itself by appealing to parents, guardians and high school graduates who are searching for an educational institution that offers a unique educational experience that promises to educate and refine individuals, making them suitable citizens for society and for heaven.

Under the umbrella department of Enrollment Services in 1999, the marketing function of the university was developed and re-positioned to market the new NCU. The university formulated new strategies for promoting itself, which were implemented on occasions such as church conventions, church programmes across the country, career and business expositions at high schools and organizations, high school graduations, and the annual College Day, hosted by the university in which high school seniors and their teachers are invited to spend a day on the campus and learn more about the university. On February 7, 2002, the university saw approximately 2,500 high school seniors from across Jamaica visiting the campus.

In May, 2002, the department of Public Relations was merged with Marketing to give new thrust to the public relations and marketing activities of the institution.

SPIRITUAL ETHOS

The University Church sees itself as critical to the survival of the institution’s spirituality. Its organizational culture and natural environments are unique and appealing. The levels of discipline, refinement, security and ethno-cultural exchange at the university are far higher than those at other tertiary institutions. It is located in Central Jamaica in Mandeville, a town that stretches across a plateau, which boasts of having more schools that most towns in Jamaica.

Northern Caribbean University will forever hold on to the following: (a) The belief that there is a God, who is the only God and Creator (b) The belief that there is a great controversy between good and evil, and good will triumph (c) The belief that the Bible is God’s inspired Word and is a manual for human living (d) The belief that the 10 Commandments are still binding (e) The belief that Jesus Christ is the Messiah of the Bible and is the only means through which persons can received salvation (f) The belief that Jesus Christ shall return and the world as we know it will end.

With these core beliefs integrated into the administration of the university, the University Church has as its objective the preparing of students, faculty, staff and other publics of the university for the second advent of Christ. Through spiritual care, the university church will work along with Campus Ministries to achieve the mission of the university, an excerpt being, “…quality Christ-centered education achieved through academic excellence, social interaction, physical and spiritual development and a strong work ethic, thereby fitting each person for committed professional service…” Hence it seeks to enhance and present worship not as merely a culture of belief and entertainment, but rather as a solemn lifestyle of creativity, learning and a constant renewal of a personal relationship with God.

However, whereas the University Church caters to its congregation’s needs and the needs of prospective church members, the role of Campus Ministries is to cater to the ongoing spiritual needs of students, faculty and staff. It is believed that through structured programmes and more recruitment in community-outreach, there will be a spiritual renewal among students and university workers, that will result in greater spirituality on campus, better Christian living, and a greater spiritual impact of the university on the town of Mandeville, and ultimately Jamaica as a whole. It is the hope of campus ministries to strengthen the fundamental beliefs of its Christian values on campus; create a desire in persons for Christian witnessing, and enhance spiritual growth within individuals. These goals are targeted through musical praise, worship services outside of church worship, testimonies, special features, preaching, home visitations, drama, retreats, conventions, mentoring, and picnics.

Northern Caribbean University holds dear its spiritual culture and the institution’s administration is determined to have the university remain as the top Christian tertiary institution in Jamaica.

CHANGES TO ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The transition from WIC to NCU required that the institution not only change its approach to providing education but also change its organizational structure to meet up to the challenges that university status would bring to life. So along with improvements to infrastructure came the development of new departments, the restructuring and renaming of existing departments, modified job descriptions and new jobs.

COLLEGES OF THE UNIVERSITY

Apart from the administrative structure, the academic structure of the university went through several transitions. Academic departments had name changes and internal restructuring. The university was divided into 4 colleges that reported to Academic Administration. These colleges and their departments are: College of Arts and Sciences (English, Modern Languages and Communication, Mathematics and Engineering, Biology, Chemistry and Medical Technology, Nursing, Music, History, Geography and Social Sciences, Nutrition, Tourism and Hospitality Management), College of Business and Information Science (Business and Office Systems Administration, and Information Science), College of Education and Religion (Education, Religion and Behavioural Sciences), and College of Continuing and Professional Education and Human Services (Continuing Education and Pre-College). In recent times, the university has introduced a School of Graduate Studies which coordinates the graduate programmes. These programmes include, a PhD in Education, Master of Business Administration, Masters in Pastoral Theology, Master of Arts in Education, Master of Science in Biology, and Master of Science in Counselling Psychology.

UNIVERSITY INFRASTRUCTURE

Not much infrastructural change went on for the university until the 1990s, and the history of those changes is too extensive to record. However, some of the changes that have taken place are as follows:

The Sports Complex was built
The university had as a goal to build a church complex in 1990, and had hoped to dedicate such a building in 1995 but despite strong fundraising efforts, that goal has not been achieved.
A new library building went up in 1991 where the old printery used to be. In 1998, it was renovated to include a baggage window, a new lobby, and the old Heritage Museum Room was converted into the Graduate Study Classroom.
The institution’s farm was divested to Westico Foods, an industry of the university, in 1995 but by 1997 the farm was closed down and Westico Foods experience a change in management.
From 1995 to 1996, improvements were done to the Sorenson Hall cafeteria building.
The electrical supply of the campus upgraded in 1996, and so too were bathrooms on the campus.
In 1998, the Brown-Westney Science Complex was opened to accommodate the Department of Biology, Chemistry & Medical Technology.
The old Westcafe building was demolished and replaced by the Tai Centre across the main road from the campus.
The Music Department was expanded and renovated.
The Wood Products department was relocated.
A new female dormitory, Leila Reid Hall, was built.
Robinson Hall was built to accommodate offices and classrooms.
The Solomon Harriot lecture hall was built and is a good venue for projector presentations.
The Business Office was remodeled.
The old structure of the History, Health Services and former Home Economics Departments’ building was demolished and the remodeled, refurbished and renovated.
The residence halls experienced refurbishing and remodeling also.
A generator is in place for the university.
The University is fenced and its main gate totally remodeled with pedestrian walkways and traffic lights.
The computer labs have been upgraded with more computers
Phase 1 of construction of a multipurpose Gymnatorium is complete and is used currently for general assemblies and graduation. The facility is suitable for professional sporting events.
A reservoir tank has been built and donated to the school by the government of Jamaica.
Acquisition of the 5-acre Rowan’s Lodge property
Construction of a 220-vehicle parking lot

As the university grows, so does its needs. Donations for the Endowment Fund of the university, which was established during the 75^th anniversary celebrations of NCU in 1995, are welcomed as 60% of the fund is allocated for capital development, 40% for scholarships, and 10% for the administration of the fund.

The current projects and needs of the university remain as follows:

Library Acquisitions Drive
Construction of a College of Education building (US$3 million)
Construction of a Retreat and Conference Centre (US$2 million)
· Completion of gymnasium/auditorium (gymnatorium) (US$2.5 million)
Completion of 2 million gallon reservoir
Construction of new administrative building (US$3million)
Construction of NCU church and seminary (US $3.5 million)
Retaining walls
Student Housing (Housing capacity for students of the university only stands at 700. Plans on the way for NCU to expand the current student housing capacity)
Multimedia lecture halls
Laboratory equipment
Electrical and computer upgrade

ACHIEVEMENTS OF UNIVERSITY

The university has had many achievements since 1999. Its many achievements include the following:

Conferring degrees on 150 graduates in its first year as a university.
Hosting two successful NCU Career Fairs sponsored by the Department of Career Development & Placement, with over 20 companies registering to participate in each
Hosting on campus several symposiums, conferences, seminars and public forums for Central Jamaica. For example:

(a) The inaugural Adventist Health Professionals Convention, April 12-15, 2001.

(b) “The Artistic Landscape of Life” Solo Art Exhibition of renowned fine artist Mr. Gerald J. Wray, of Darliston, Westmoreland, featuring works ranging in the price bracket of $7,000.00 - $53,000.00.

(c) “War on America: The New War” panel discussion on Thursday October 11, 2001 with Judy Schoenbein – Areas Chairman of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Mr. Mustafa Mohammed – President of the Islamic Council of Jamaica, Dr. Martin Hanna – Chairman of the Religion Department of NCU, Mr. Boswell Ivey – Lecturer in Marketing and Economics at NCU, Minister of State Michael Peart of the PNP, and Mr. Audley Shaw – Shadow Minister of Finance for the JLP as panelists.

(d) “Foreign Trade – Meeting the Challenges…Grasping the Response” public seminar held on Thursday, April 11, 2002 and conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

(e) The National Commission on Science and Technology, through the National Biosafety Committee, held one of several public education programmes in Biosafety, on Thursday, April 25, 2002

New alliances with overseas universities, for example:

(a) Loma Linda University in offering the Masters of Science degree in Biology

(b) College of Bahamas

(c) Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in terms of student exchange and a proposal to make banana paper on the NCU campus

(d) University of Wisconsin in Education

Publications and participation in research projects, for example:

(a) The launching of the NCU Pastor, Dr. Denton Rhone’s books Churching the Rich and Courting the High Road

(b) The launching of the NCU President, Dr. Herbert Thompson’s books Rural Gumption and Jamaica: Rebuilding the Walls

(c) The launch of the Child Abuse Training Documents (derived from a Pilot Child Abuse Training Programme for Health Practitioners in the parish of Manchester) on Thursday January 17, 2002 by Mrs. Sharon Jones, Parish Manager of the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA), and Dr. Orlene Brown of the Counseling and Psychology Department of NCU

(d) The defense of Mrs. Patrice Williams, a science lecturer of NCU, of her Masters thesis on the use of the effect of sorrel and garlic on cancer cells. She is the first candidate to receive a Masters degree in Molecular Biology from Northern Caribbean University (NCU).

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