UVI Celebrates 2025 Commencement with Historic Firsts and Distinguished Honorees

  

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) celebrated its 61st Commencement ceremonies on May 15, 2025, on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix and May 16, 2025, on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas. Jubilant crowds of family members, alumni, supporters and dignitaries honored an accomplished graduating class of 288 students across UVI’s six schools and colleges and celebrated a series of institutional milestones.


In addition to marking the first commencement exercises presided over by UVI President Dr. Safiya George, who assumed office in August 2024, the ceremonies recognized the accomplishments of a diverse and dynamic graduating class, including historic program milestones, military commissions, and the conferral of prestigious honorary degrees.

Dr. Safiya George

In her passionate welcome address, Dr. George highlighted the strengths of the graduating class saying, “I am confident that the resilient, eminent, revolutionary... limitless, innovative and tenacious Class of 2025 is going to go out in the world and do big bold things and also make small impactful, meaningful moves as well.” She added, “Graduates, you are the next generation of leaders at the nexus between educational preparation and implementation for greater impact and economic development right here at home.”


Chair of the UVI Board of Trustees Henry C. Smock also reflected on the significance of the event and the impressive achievements of the Class of 2025. “The Board of Trustees is keenly aware that many of you were employed full-time, part-time, maintain households, raise children, all while attending UVI. And that’s something many of us on this stage would find extremely difficult to accomplish,” he said. “Your tenacity and commitment have served you well in the attainment of your goals.”


Acting Governor of the Virgin Islands Tregenza Roach, a UVI alumnus and former faculty member, congratulated graduates with an inspirational message paying tribute to the heroes of the Virgin Islands. He shared stories of Virgin Islanders who contributed to the progress of the African Diaspora, reminding graduates that they are stepping into a legacy of greatness. “You stand on the shoulders of these incredible and awesome people and we are excited and hopeful for where you will take us in the future,” he stated.


A highlight of both ceremonies was the keynote address delivered by Hill Harper, award-winning actor, best-selling author, and humanitarian, who was awarded an honorary doctorate during the ceremony. Celebrated for his roles in award-winning television series and his passionate advocacy for youth empowerment, health equity and education, Harper shared a message of purpose, legacy, and collective responsibility. He reminded the Class of 2025 that they are living answers to ancestral prayers and challenged them to lead with energy, courage, and compassion to help move what is stuck in the world, leaving behind their own lasting fingerprints of change.

Hill Harper

“You are magnificent, you are brilliant, and you are unstoppable, so remember you have to believe, and you have to show up with the level of energy that’s required to change something, and that energy has to be enthusiastic, it has to be positive, and finally, you have to forgive. As soon as you forgive, you go back to believing something new,” Harper exhorted.


UVI also conferred Doctor of Humane Letters degrees on Brigadier General Deborah Y. Francis Howell and Brigadier General Sally F. Petty, two Virgin Islanders who broke barriers in military leadership. Both honorees were recognized for their decades of service, leadership, advocacy, and mentorship within the armed forces.


The 2025 ceremonies marked the graduation of UVI’s inaugural cohort of students from the University’s Executive MBA program, a globally focused curriculum designed for experienced professionals. The five-member class, comprised of USVI and regional business leaders, included Kim Jerome, Sana Joseph Smith, Candace Warner Shoy, Kenneth Alleyne, and Edidiong Utibe.


Representing another first for the institution, Edna Alfred and Zavira Wilson became the first two graduates of UVI’s new Associate of Science in Horticulture program, which integrates agricultural science, sustainability, and economic development across the Virgin Islands. 

 


Ten students were awarded the Ph.D. in Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change, representing the highest level of academic achievement at UVI. Among them were Dr. Gary Molloy, Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Labor, and his wife, Dr. Christa-Ann Molloy, a longtime educator — underscoring a shared commitment to public service and academic excellence.


La’Monee Morris, former Miss UVI, and Jhaleek Christian graduated from UVI’s ROTC program and received military commissions. Both were celebrated for their leadership, dedication, and future service to the nation.


Kyra Edwards, 2024 White House HBCU Scholar, delivered the class address on St. Croix, emphasizing growth through adversity and the power of perseverance. She encouraged her classmates to pause and appreciate how far they’ve come: “Here’s to the seeds we planted, to the storms we endured, to the gardens we have grown, to the lessons we have learned, and to the brilliant, blooming futures ahead of us. Let us bask in the pride of our win and savor the fragrance of our victory.”

On St. Thomas, Joleen Buchanan, addressed her peers with reflections on perseverance and self-belief. “We started this journey with uncertainty and somehow we still made it here. Uncertainty will always be there. We don’t run from it,” she said. In the face of uncertainty, she urged graduates to “Take risks, ask questions, make mistakes and still show up.”


The ceremonies also honored the fiftieth anniversary of the Class of 1975, recognized the dedication of UVI faculty and staff, and showcased the musical talents of UVI students who performed throughout the events setting a celebratory tone.


To watch the recorded events, view the booklet and read student success stories, visit www.uvi.edu.


For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.

Pioneers of Progress: UVI Celebrates First Graduates of Executive MBA Program

From left to right: Edidiong Utibe, Candace Warner Shoy, Kenneth Alleyne, Sana Joseph Smith, Kim Jerome 

This May, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will proudly celebrate a milestone in its commitment to excellence in higher education and leadership development: the graduation of the inaugural cohort of students from its Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program. These five trailblazing professionals—four from the U.S. Virgin Islands and one from St. Kitts—are not just earning a degree; they are setting a new standard for executive leadership in the Caribbean and beyond.


Launched in 2023 under the leadership of (then) Dean Dr. Kendra Harris and Dr. Eustace Esdaille, UVI’s EMBA program is a one-year graduate program designed for experienced professionals seeking to elevate their leadership capabilities and expand their strategic business acumen.


Coursework blends traditional business fundamentals with emerging trends in finance, marketing, ethical leadership, supply chain management, and strategic planning. Through case studies and collaborative projects, students explore practical solutions to real-world problems, all while fostering social and environmental responsibility. Led by Dr. Peggy Daniels Lee, an esteemed educator and former professor at Indiana University, the program provides a dynamic learning environment rooted in innovation, collaboration, and practical application.


“It has been a joy working with professionals who bring such rich experience into the classroom,” said Dr. Lee, who serves as UVI’s Interim Director of the EMBA Program and Interim Chair of the Management, Marketing & Construction Management Department. “The students are very committed and incredibly energetic. Sometimes, our classes felt more like conversations than lectures and extended well beyond the end time.”


EMBA graduate Sana Joseph Smith added, "UVI's Executive MBA program allowed me to take conversations and ideas shared in class and effectively use them in my professional life and businesses. The real-world application of what was learned in the courses was the best part of the program for me."


Smith, who serves as a policy advisor to the Governor of the Virgin Islands and is a local business owner, hopes her graduate degree will open doors to teaching at a university level. A champion of financial literacy, home ownership and economic development, Smith is eager to share her knowledge and experience with the next generation.


Each student brought a wealth of real-world experience, contributing to an atmosphere of shared learning and strategic dialogue. The cohort structure fostered a close-knit network of peers who challenged and supported one another throughout the program.


The inaugural graduating class also includes Kenneth Alleyne, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, with expertise in logistics, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship; Kim Jerome, a healthcare administrator and clinical manager, and successful property manager on St. Croix; Candace Warner Shoy, the General Manager of the Marriott St. Kitts Beach Club, and Edidiong Utibe who is involved in her family-owned cultural clothing business.


Whether managing healthcare, managing businesses, advising governments, or leading hospitality teams, these graduates are equipped to shape the future of Caribbean and global enterprise.


With the inaugural class paving the way, UVI is now preparing for its next EMBA cohort, slated to begin in Fall 2025. The program seeks driven professionals with a passion for growth, innovation, and leadership—individuals ready to rise to the challenge of the modern business world.


“This program is about transformation,” said Dr. Lee. “These students came in as accomplished professionals and are leaving as visionary leaders.”


To learn more or apply, visit Graduate Admission Guidelines.

Two UVI Graduates to Receive Military Commissions at 2025 Commencement Ceremony: A Spotlight on La’Monee Morris and Jhaleek Christian

La'Monee Morris

As the University of the Virgin Islands prepares to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025, two exceptional graduates will receive special recognition when they accept military commissions during the Commencement Ceremony: La’Monee Morris of the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas, and Jhaleek Christian of the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix.


These commissions—official appointments as officers in the United States Armed Forces—reflect years of academic achievement, leadership development, and service-oriented discipline. For both graduates, this honor symbolizes not just personal triumphs but also their commitment to protecting and serving their communities and nation.

For La’Monee Morris, this moment crowns an already stellar academic and leadership journey. A graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School, Morris won the title of Miss CAHS and, more recently, was crowned Miss UVI 2024-2025, taking on the role of ambassador and student leader. Inspired by her older brother’s career in the military, Morris joined her high school’s JROTC program, setting her on a path for UVI’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, which prepared students to become officers in the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, Morris graduates magna cum laude earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a military rank of Second Lieutenant.


Deeply passionate about cultural preservation, Morris has been an advocate for promoting Virgin Islands heritage through her Miss UVI platform, “Keeping Virgin Islands Culture Alive Through HBCU Pride.” That platform lives vibrantly through the UVI Cultural Titans, a troupe she founded to introduce students to the cultural tradition of the mocko jumbie, and the UVI Twirlettes, a performance group she leads as captain. “Becoming Miss UVI gave me the opportunity to not only serve as an ambassador of this institution, but also to serve as an advocate and a voice for my fellow students,” Morris said.

 “In life, I plan to be the change wherever I go.”

Her commitment to service extends beyond UVI’s campus walls. By accepting her military commission, Morris is affirming her dedication to leadership on a national scale. It is a powerful testament to the depth of her character—one shaped by academic excellence, cultural advocacy, and now, military service.



Jhaleek Christian, who will earn a Bachelor of Science from the Sheen Campus, will also receive a military commission at commencement. His achievement represents years of perseverance, personal discipline, and the determination to lead with integrity. His presence on the graduation stage as a newly commissioned officer will inspire fellow classmates and future UVI students across both campuses.


The inclusion of military commissioning ceremonies at university commencements underscores the unique role that institutions like UVI play in shaping citizen-leaders. These appointments mark the beginning of a life of service—one that combines the intellectual rigor of higher education with the honor and responsibility of military leadership.

Edna Alfred and Zavira Wilson Break New Ground as UVI’s First Horticulture Graduates

Edna Alfred

Edna Alfred and Zavira Wilson are making history at the University of the Virgin Islands. In May 2025, they will become the first students to graduate from UVI’s Associate of Science in Horticulture program—a milestone that not only honors their individual journeys but also sets the stage for a new generation of farmers in the Virgin Islands.

Their stories begin with deep roots.

For Alfred, agriculture was a way of life from the start. Raised in a family of farmers in St. Lucia, she moved to St. Croix in 2007, bringing with her a quiet determination and a deep love for the land. Before enrolling at UVI, Alfred worked in agriculture for years—first at the Gallows Bay Hardware Garden Shop, then at Island Fresh Aquaponics, where she helped cultivate bok choy, cucumbers, lettuce, and collard greens in six greenhouses. When the farm shut down, she found herself at a crossroads—but instead of stepping away from agriculture, she leaned into it.

Zavira Wilson

Wilson’s connection to agriculture was just as natural. Born on St. Croix and raised both in the Territory and in Oregon, she grew up surrounded by nature and farmers—her parents among them. After finishing high school in Oregon, she returned to St. Croix to pursue horticulture at UVI. Her time in the program with its mix of traditional and adult learners exposed her to a variety of perspectives. “Many of us were learning these things for the first time,” she said. “The adult students brought insights I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”


Alfred’s entry in the program happened more by chance. She initially intended to enroll in UVI’s horticulture certificate program, but a technical error placed her in the new associate degree track. Rather than switch, she stayed—and never looked back. Three years later, she’s graduating with pride as a single mother of two.

“UVI gave me more than I expected,” Alfred said. “It opened my eyes to a much broader world—sustainability, animals, soil health, and science.” 

Mentors like Dr. Arthur Petersen, Jr., Dr. Annette James, and Dr. Carollyn Boykins Winrow played a crucial role in nurturing her passion and building her confidence.


Wilson found her own mentors as well. She credits Dr. Annette James for pushing her to work harder and going above and beyond for her students, and Christine Cruz, special assistant to School of Agriculture Dean Dr. Usman Adamu, for being a strong support system.


Internships were pivotal for both women. For Alfred, a 10-week summer internship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture allowed her to visit farms, share resources, and conduct soil sampling—making a direct connection between classroom learning and real-world impact. Wilson’s defining moment came during a summer internship in Hawaii, where she worked with breadfruit and collaborated with scholars from the University of Hawaii. The experience inspired her to pursue her bachelor’s degree there, focusing on plant science or environmental management.


On St. Croix, Wilson is spending this summer working at East End Marine Park, where she will map trees and identify those of historical and cultural importance. She’s also a passionate climate activist and envisions a future helping people engage with agriculture and wildlife on her home island. While at UVI, she founded the local chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), a student organization that provided both social connection and professional development opportunities.


Meanwhile, Alfred maintains a small garden at home to nourish her family and hopes to find work in sustainable farming. Her long-term goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree and deepen her knowledge even further.

“Agriculture is hard work,” Alfred says. “But if you love it, it’s worth it.”

Together, Alfred and Wilson are not just the first to earn this degree—they are planting the seeds of transformation, proving that with resilience, curiosity, and vision, their futures are ripe for success.

Charting Her Course: How One Student Found Her Voice, Purpose, and Power at UVI

From St. Kitts to Canada and Beyond: UVI Opened the World to Joleen Buchanan

When Joleen Buchanan first arrived at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) in Spring 2022, her heart wasn’t in it. Enrolling at UVI was a financial decision and her parents’ wish to keep her closer to her family in St. Kitts and Jamaica. Joleen had envisioned a very different path for herself: studying abroad and playing college volleyball. In those early days on campus, she kept to herself, quietly focused on a singular goal—figuring out how to transfer out.


But life has a way of shifting perspectives in the most unexpected moments.


A chance encounter in the UVI cafeteria with a fellow student, Sarai Hutchinson—who would later become a UVI graduate student—changed everything. Sarai approached Joleen, undeterred by her reserved demeanor, and shared information about studying abroad as a UVI student. That conversation ignited a spark. “I give kudos to her for coming up to me that day, despite looking unapproachable. She is one of the people who truly influenced my experience at UVI,” Joleen reflected.


From that moment forward, Joleen’s UVI experience began to flourish as she opened herself up to meeting new people and getting involved in the community.


Soon, Joleen applied for and was accepted into a study abroad program at Brock University in Ontario, Canada. “It was an amazing experience, and I met so many international students with whom I stay in touch to this day,” she said. “What made it even more special was that I pursued it out of genuine curiosity—not just a desire to get away.”


Her first college internship with the UVI Caribbean Green Technology Center marked another turning point. She worked on meaningful projects related to hazard resilience and climate change’s impact on coastal communities. “It opened up a whole new world for me and changed my entire perspective of UVI,” she said. “I don’t think I could have had that experience anywhere else.”


Joleen’s academic path took shape through additional transformative experiences: a 10-week summer program at the Washington Center in Washington, D.C., where she delved into GIS mapping; and the HBCU Immersion in Geospatial Intelligence at Harris-Stowe State University in Missouri. These opportunities not only expanded her worldview—they helped her discover her true academic passion.


Majoring in Business Information Systems and Technology with a minor in Data Science, Joleen is preparing to take the next step: graduate school to pursue a Master’s in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She has already received three offers, a testament to her academic growth and perseverance.


Beyond the classroom, Joleen made her mark on campus through clubs and leadership. She was an active member of the Anime Club, Sisters with a Purpose, and the Arts and Gardening clubs. She also stepped into a leadership role as President of the Prism Club, a safe and empowering space for LGBTQ students. These communities gave her the confidence to grow—not just academically, but personally.


Joleen credits her growth in part to the guidance and mentorship of faculty members like Dr. Renel Smith, whose mentorship was invaluable, and Dr. Gregory Guannel, who introduced her to many of the programs that shaped her career outlook. “They both played a big role in helping me see what’s possible,” she shared.


Joleen is also thankful for her friends, in particular, her best friend from high school, Tzipporah Ward, who surprised her by transferring from the St. Croix campus to the St. Thomas campus in the Fall of 2022. “Her presence truly made my time here at UVI more enjoyable,” she said.


Looking ahead, Joleen is keeping her mind open. After graduation, Joleen (who will serve as class speaker at the graduation ceremony) will attend a summer program at the Southeastern Climate Science Adaptation Center at NC State. She’s excited about what graduate school and the future beyond will bring. But one thing is certain: her heart remains tied to the Caribbean. “I will always have a reason to come back,” she said.


What began as a reluctant step turned into a journey of discovery, empowerment, and growth. Joleen’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the path we didn’t choose becomes the one that shapes us the most.