It is with profound pride and admiration that I write to celebrate a remarkable achievement within
our ranks. Dr. Allison McKinley, Programme Coordinator at the School of Continuing Studies,
has been conferred the Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership by Delaware State
University. This milestone is a testament to her intellectual rigor, unwavering dedication, and
significant contribution to educational scholarship.

Dr. McKinley’s dissertation provides a sophisticated analysis of socio-economic barriers to
tertiary education, resonating deeply with The Mico University College’s mission to promote
equitable access to education. Her work is titled, ‘An Exploration of the Challenges of Jamaican
Students from the Lower Socio-Economic Status in Accessing Higher Education: A Qualitative
Social Constructivist Case Study’.

Dr. McKinley’s success exemplifies the pinnacle of academic excellence and serves as an
inspiring beacon for our students, faculty, and staff. Her research holds the promise of informing
transformative practices in higher education and enriching our institutional legacy. Let us
collectively celebrate her perseverance and leadership, and look forward to the enduring impact
of her scholarship.

Please extend your heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Allison McKinley on this most distinguished
milestone.

Dr. Asburn Pinnock
President, The Mico University College