Above, Derron Ambrose, left, Naji Shadeed and Dr. Doris C. Battiste. Below, Adrienne Anthony, left, and Alyssa Ryan. 
Four UVI student peer educators and Dr. Doris C. Battiste, associate campus administrator for Student Affairs on the St. Thomas campus, joined students and representatives from other minority institutions at a Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS Prevention Training session in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., held July 7 to 9. The students were Adrienne Anthony, a graduate student from the St. Croix campus, and Derron Ambrose, Naji Shadeed and Alyssa Ryan from the St. Thomas campus. During two and one-half days of training, the students studied evidence-based intervention models, prevention strategies that work, the role of peer leaders, and how to network with students from other HBCUs, institutions that serve Hispanics, and tribal colleges.In addition, UVI’s students displayed a sample of the “Promoting Prevention in Paradise” campaign which they completed on UVI’s campuses during the past year. Dr. Battiste said the presentation was well received by other students and college representatives. She also said the institute served as a source for lots of new ideas that the students are eager to try at home. All the UVI student participants are Certified Student Peer Educators and have been in the program for a year or more.
This summer marks the fifth year that UVI student peer educators have participated in the Minority Education Institution Initiative Summer Training Institute. The training is supported by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) and McFarland and Associates. For more information, contact Dr. Battiste’s office at (340) 693-1120.
