Mico University College Archives - The Mico Online https://themicoonline.com/tag/mico-university-college/ Showcasing Excellence, Honouring Legacy Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:04:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://i0.wp.com/themicoonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/WhatsApp-Image-2025-06-19-at-3.45.28-PM.jpeg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Mico University College Archives - The Mico Online https://themicoonline.com/tag/mico-university-college/ 32 32 246092112 Rebuilding Jamaica Through Education: Why Teacher Preparation Must Lead National Recovery https://themicoonline.com/rebuilding-jamaica-through-education-why-teacher-preparation-must-lead-national-recovery/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rebuilding-jamaica-through-education-why-teacher-preparation-must-lead-national-recovery https://themicoonline.com/rebuilding-jamaica-through-education-why-teacher-preparation-must-lead-national-recovery/#respond Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:03:58 +0000 https://themicoonline.com/?p=657 Dr. Asburn Pinnock outlines why teacher preparation and higher education must play a central role in Jamaica’s national recovery and long-term development.

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By Dr. Asburn Pinnock
President, The Mico University College
Kingston, February 27, 2026

National Recovery and the Role of Education

A nation is most tested in moments of disruption, not in times of stability. Across Jamaica, the effects of Hurricane Melissa and recent economic pressures have likely forced difficult national choices. The Government’s 2026/27 budget reflects this – prioritising reconstruction, strengthening public systems, and introducing new revenue measures to finance recovery. For many citizens and businesses, these tax adjustments will represent struggle, real sacrifice or even hardship, and only long-term investments in education and the development of the labourforce can produce the revenue tomorrow that we are struggling to find today.

Education is the sector that creates the most positive impact on citizens’ lives. Teacher education in particular has a great multiplier effect, both pre-service and in-service teachers are valuable and necessary to improving Jamaica’s production capacity. Even in times of austerity, policy makers should continue to prioritize investments even in the professional development of current teachers. Spending more to educate and train the people will signal a genuine commitment to rebuilding stronger and more resilient national foundations, building the workforce and not just infrastructure.

While roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure can be restored easily through financial investment and effective management, the rebuilding of a nation ultimately depends on its people. Human capital is developed through education, and it remains the most enduring foundation of national progress.


Teacher Education at the Centre of National Development

Recovery must therefore go beyond replacing what was lost; it must strengthen the systems that sustain growth. Teacher education lies at the centre of that effort. For generations, educators have shaped the nation’s capacity to adapt, innovate, and thrive – often quietly, yet always with profound impact.

I am reminded of young teachers who travel miles each day to serve rural communities, including districts across Westmoreland and other western parishes still recovering from hurricane damage. With limited resources but unwavering dedication, they transform classrooms into spaces of hope and possibility for affected students. Their work affirms a simple truth: resilient societies are built by resilient educators.


The Mico’s Historic Role in Nation Building

For nearly two centuries, The Mico has stood at the forefront of preparing teachers of integrity and purpose. Its origins reflect a similar moment of national transformation. Following emancipation, funding to prepare educators to teach newly freed Jamaicans came through beneficent gifts from the Lady Mico Trust and abolitionist advocates, at a time when public financing for education was not yet a state priority. From its inception, the institution was grounded in a belief that education empowers people and advances nation-building.

Today, Jamaica again stands at a pivotal moment. Our economy was damaged by a natural disaster, and recovery spending exceeds J$60 billion for reconstruction, with additional costly resilience measures. This underscores the scale of the national challenge, and policy makers have promised a sustainable development plan for recovery. However sustainable development is more about people than physical infrastructure. Sustainability will depend on a skilled, adaptable, and forward-thinking population. If the nation is to withstand future economic, environmental, or social shocks, the preparation of educators must therefore be a national priority.


Impact of Mico Graduates and the Wider Education Sector

The transformative power of education is evident in the work of some of The Mico’s graduates, from Governor Generals Sir Howard Cook and Sir Clifford Campbell, to the many who lead schools in underserved communities, introduce innovative teaching practices, and mentor generations of students who themselves become agents of national development. These individual contributions collectively shape the country’s progress and empowers families and communities. This year The Mico recognized the Hon Steadman Fuller and Dr. Claudette Morris with honorary degrees for exactly this type of nation building. They join other educators who have shaped industries outside of education, like Dr. Glen Christian in the health sector and Dr. Sylvester Tulloch in the housing and construction sector.

So in response to evolving national needs, the mission of institutions like The Mico remains clear: to prepare graduates who transform education, advance research, and contribute meaningfully to development. In other examples, like at At Sam Sharpe teachers college, they have been expanding the undergraduate programme and last year the historic Moneague Teachers’ College was accredited by the University Council of Jamaica, after expanding their own programmes to meet the needs of the community, even offering hospitality and tourism management.


Strategic Focus and Institutional Development

The desire to drive first work academic excellence, operational standards, and student success, is a vision that guides the strategic focus of institutions like ours. The Mico continues to expand research capacity, strengthen technological innovation in teaching and learning, broaden global engagement, and support student success and community development. These are priorities that align with Jamaica’s wider development agenda.


Mico Week 2026 and National Resilience

It is in fact within this context that The Mico University College will observe Mico Week 2026 (from March 23 to 27), reflecting on how higher education supports national resilience. The week will open with a General Assembly that underscores leadership and institutional responsibility. A Research Spotlight will highlight the importance of evidence-based solutions and knowledge production in shaping national policy and competitiveness. Even the annual Sports Day celebrations will focus on holistic development this year, and will recognise that resilience, teamwork, and wellbeing are essential to both personal and national progress.

Mico Week will also recognise intellectual leadership through Student Awards and the Glen Owen Lecture, that both reaffirm the university college’s commitment to academic excellence and critical inquiry. The week will culminate with Founders’ Day, a Thanksgiving Service, and an Alumni Luncheon – all reminders that education is sustained through partnership, legacy, and shared responsibility.


Partnerships, Innovation, and Global Engagement

It is important to note that this spirit of collaboration extends beyond these observances. Later this May, the institution will host its Innovation With and For a Purpose Summit, engaging global partners such as University of Miami and Amazon Web Services, alongside public and private sector leaders advancing research and knowledge-driven growth.

Together, these initiatives illustrate the ecosystem required for national advancement – leadership, research, innovation, human development, and partnerships, all working in concert.


Fiscal Responsibility and the Role of Higher Education

The Government’s fiscal programme calls for efficiency, innovation, and long-term growth within constrained resources. The introduction of new taxes – despite earlier commitments to avoid them – must reflect the magnitude of the recovery challenge. Such measures demand accountability not only from citizens, but from national institutions entrusted with public confidence. Partnerships must be forged to help ensure that higher education institutions are expanding access through technology-enabled learning, strengthening research output, and equipping graduates with the skills required for a rapidly changing economy.

At The Mico University College, we had already embraced these responsibilities by expanding online delivery, enhancing quality assurance systems, and developing programmes responsive to national and global needs.


Teacher Education as Essential National Infrastructure

These are real investments in our student teachers, and strategic investment in teacher education will have the greatest multiplier effect, producing measurable returns. Well-prepared educators improve learning outcomes, strengthen workforce readiness, promote social mobility, and foster civic responsibility. These outcomes contribute directly to economic growth, social cohesion, and national resilience. Teacher education, therefore, is not merely a sectoral concern; it is essential national infrastructure. Teachers impact almost every individual.


A Call to Action for National Recovery

As Jamaica continues its recovery journey, the question is not whether we can afford to invest in education, but whether we can afford not to. A nation’s capacity to adapt and prosper depends fundamentally on the quality of its educators and the strength of its institutions.

For Miconians, Mico Week is both a celebration and call to action. It affirms our historic responsibility while pointing toward our future – an agile institution, responsive to national needs, technologically driven, and committed to research, innovation, and community development.

The rebuilding of Jamaica will take many forms. Yet lasting recovery will depend on the knowledge, values, and capabilities of our people. By strengthening teacher education we can impact every student in Jamaica, we will be investing in the nation’s most enduring resource – and securing the successful future that we have a duty to build together, with Thy might.

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Staff Cricket Competition and Sports Day to Energize Mico Week 2026 at The Mico https://themicoonline.com/staff-cricket-competition-and-sports-day-to-energize-mico-week-2026-at-the-mico/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=staff-cricket-competition-and-sports-day-to-energize-mico-week-2026-at-the-mico Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:46:05 +0000 https://themicoonline.com/?p=651 The Mico University College prepares for Mico Week 2026 with Sports Day, Staff Cricket Competition, and a week of activities celebrating 190 years of educational excellence.

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Honorary Graduand Dr. Claudette M. Morris: A Legacy of Leadership, Service, and Educational Excellence https://themicoonline.com/honorary-graduand-dr-claudette-m-morris-a-legacy-of-leadership-service-and-educational-excellence/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=honorary-graduand-dr-claudette-m-morris-a-legacy-of-leadership-service-and-educational-excellence Wed, 14 Jan 2026 17:05:47 +0000 https://themicoonline.com/?p=601 The Mico University College honours alumna Dr. Claudette M. Morris for her distinguished contributions to education, leadership, and community development.

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The Mico University College is honoured to recognise Dr. Claudette M. Morris for her distinguished and sustained service to education, public administration, technology, and community development in Jamaica and the United States. A proud alumna of The Mico, Dr. Morris exemplifies the institution’s long-standing tradition of leadership rooted in service, excellence, and social responsibility.

Over a professional career spanning more than three decades, Dr. Morris has made meaningful contributions across education, public-sector governance, infrastructure development, and diaspora engagement. Her work reflects a consistent commitment to innovation, institutional strengthening, and human capacity building, all in service of national and community development.

From Classroom to Leadership

Dr. Morris’s professional journey began in the classrooms of Jamaica, where she served as a primary school teacher. During this period, she earned recognition for fostering positive learning environments, implementing differentiated instructional strategies, and strengthening partnerships between schools and families. These formative experiences established a strong educational foundation and instilled in her a lifelong commitment to mentorship, training, and institutional development.

Building on this foundation, Dr. Morris transitioned into leadership roles within strategic services and information technology. By combining professional experience with advanced graduate training, she designed and implemented data-driven solutions that enhanced capital management, governance frameworks, and operational efficiency within large public-sector agencies. Her work has had a lasting impact on infrastructure and housing systems in the United States, demonstrating the critical role of technology-informed public service in advancing national development goals.

Commitment to Servant Leadership and Community Development

A deep commitment to servant leadership remains central to Dr. Morris’s professional ethos. She has gained extensive experience in the management and oversight of government and international funding through sustained engagement with organisations such as the Inter-American Development Bank, the Canadian International Development Agency, the Caribbean Development Bank, and several United States federal agencies. Through this work, she has supported community organisations and leaders in securing resources that improve quality of life and promote sustainable development.

Her professional achievements are complemented by a strong record of philanthropy and community service. Dr. Morris has supported scholarships and contributed to the renovation of educational facilities, expanding access and opportunity for students and educators alike. Her commitment to service also led her to membership in Rotary International, reflecting her dedication to the principle of Service Above Self and her advocacy for human rights.

Leadership within the Diaspora and Service to The Mico

Dr. Morris has demonstrated sustained leadership within the Jamaican diaspora, helping to organise summits and international symposiums focused on educational awareness and advancement for the benefit of schools and communities both locally and internationally. Her commitment to The Mico University College has been unwavering. She has served as President of the New York Alumni Chapter and currently holds the role of Diaspora Ambassador to the University College’s Alumni Association.

Honorary Recognition

In recognition of her exemplary service, Dr. Morris has received several honours, including the New York Authority Women in Government Award. This year, in acknowledgment of her distinguished contributions to education, leadership, and community development, The Mico University College will confer upon Claudette M. Morris the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education in Leadership (EdD).

Join the Legacy | Mico 190
Celebrating 190 years of excellence, leadership, and service to Jamaica and beyond.

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Strategic Expansion of Marketing & Business Development at The Mico https://themicoonline.com/strategic-expansion-of-marketing-business-development-at-the-mico/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=strategic-expansion-of-marketing-business-development-at-the-mico Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:43:40 +0000 https://themicoonline.com/?p=593 President Dr. Asburn Pinnock outlines the strategic expansion of The Mico University College’s Marketing & Business Development Department to drive growth, visibility, and sustainability.

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The recent expansion of The Mico University College’s Marketing & Business Development Department represents a deliberate and timely strategic shift in how the institution positions itself, communicates its value, and secures the resources required for long-term sustainability. This growth is not incidental; it is a focused response to the demands of an increasingly competitive and dynamic higher-education environment, and a clear signal of the University College’s commitment to achieving its strategic goals.

In today’s higher-education landscape, effective branding, targeted recruitment, strategic partnerships, and disciplined communication are no longer peripheral activities. They are central to institutional success. The decision to strengthen the Marketing & Business Development Department reflects a clear understanding that these functions must operate not merely as support services, but as drivers of visibility, relevance, and growth across the institution.

The expansion builds on the solid foundation laid by the department’s continuing members, whose institutional knowledge has been critical in grounding this transition. Their contributions have supported access, development, recruitment, and investment initiatives that have advanced The Mico University College’s mission. Importantly, this team has welcomed the addition of new professionals whose expertise strengthens the department’s capacity to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges.

The Expanded Team

The newly expanded department brings together a diverse range of skills essential to advancing the University College’s strategic objectives. The team includes:

  • Ms. Erica Bent, Marketing and Business Development Manager
  • Ms. Shyan Mitchell, Recruitment Officer
  • Ms. Malaika Sterling, Marketing Officer
  • Mrs. Yvonne Young-Wallace, Projects Officer – Scholarships & Alumni Affairs
  • Ms. Rachel Forrest, Projects Officer – Business Development and Marketing
  • Mr. Deon Orrett Montague, Communication and Public Relations Officer
  • Mr. Andrew Edwards, Media and Technology Specialist
  • Mr. Edward Massias, Graphics Editor

Collectively, this team integrates strategy, recruitment, project development, communications, digital engagement, and creative production — capabilities that are increasingly essential to institutional advancement in the modern university context.

A Clear Institutional Mandate

The department has been charged with a clear and purposeful mandate: to elevate The Mico’s brand, secure new and diversified income streams, and focus the attention of the wider community on the institution’s strategic aims. This charge underscores both the seriousness of the task before the team and the expectations attached to this expanded structure.

Through this investment, The Mico University College is strengthening its institutional capacity and coherence. The expanded department is expected to work collaboratively across the College to enhance public presence, deepen stakeholder engagement, and contribute meaningfully to long-term sustainability and strategic growth.

As this work unfolds, members of the Mico community are encouraged to engage with the department, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that support both the institution’s historic mission and its future direction.

Join the Legacy | Mico 190
Celebrating 190 years of excellence, leadership, and service to Jamaica and beyond.

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The Mico University College to Confer Honorary Doctorate on The Honourable Steadman Fuller, CD, JP https://themicoonline.com/the-mico-university-college-to-confer-honorary-doctorate-on-the-honourable-steadman-fuller-cd-jp/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-mico-university-college-to-confer-honorary-doctorate-on-the-honourable-steadman-fuller-cd-jp Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:18:44 +0000 https://themicoonline.com/?p=588 The Mico University College will confer an Honorary Doctor of Education in Leadership on The Honourable Steadman Fuller, CD, JP, Custos Rotulorum of Kingston, recognizing his lifelong service to education, youth development, and national leadership.

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Celebrating a life of service, leadership, and national impact

Kingston, Jamaica — The Mico University College is honoured to recognize The Honourable Steadman Fuller, CD, JP, Custos Rotulorum of Kingston, for his distinguished service to education, youth development, entrepreneurship, and public life.

A proud alumnus of The Mico Teachers’ College, Mr. Fuller exemplifies the institution’s enduring tradition of leadership grounded in service. Appointed Custos Rotulorum of Kingston in 2010, he has served with distinction as Chief Magistrate of the parish, advancing justice, civic responsibility, and community development. His exemplary public record has also included several appointments as Acting Governor-General of Jamaica, reflecting the high level of national trust placed in his judgement, integrity, and leadership.

“Lasting national transformation begins with the intentional moral and civic formation of the next generation.”

— The Honourable Steadman Fuller, CD, JP

Commitment to Youth Development

Central to Mr. Fuller’s public service is a sustained commitment to youth development, most notably through mentorship programmes with inner-city youth. Through these initiatives, he provides guidance in discipline, character formation, civic responsibility, and life skills—responding directly to the social challenges confronting young men across urban communities. This work reflects his conviction that lasting national transformation begins with the intentional moral and civic formation of the next generation.

That commitment to youth and education is further reflected in his longstanding service on several school boards, where he has contributed to governance, policy oversight, and institutional development. In these roles, Mr. Fuller has consistently advocated for strong leadership, accountability, and equitable access to quality education, reinforcing the essential link between effective governance and student success.

Leadership in the Education and Book Industry

Mr. Fuller’s public life is complemented by a distinguished career in Jamaica’s book and education sector. He began his professional journey in 1968, including during his years as a student at The Mico. Now Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kingston Bookshop Limited, he has guided the organization’s growth into Jamaica’s largest book selling enterprise, with multiple retail locations and a regional agency network representing leading international publishers.

His professional contributions have remained closely aligned with national educational priorities. Mr. Fuller has worked closely with the Ministry of Education on major initiatives, including the coordination of secondary school textbook distribution under the national book rental system. Through scholarships, bursaries, internships, and institutional support, he has consistently expanded access to education, including sustained engagement with The Mico University College.

Awards and Honours

A founding member and past president of the Book Industry Association of Jamaica (BIAJ), Mr. Fuller has received several national and professional honours. These include The Mico University College Alumni Association’s Gold Medal Award and the BIAJ Trail Blazer Award. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Huddersfield in the United Kingdom.

Honorary Degree

In recognition of a life of service reflecting the values of leadership, mentorship, and national development, The Mico University College will confer upon The Honourable Steadman Fuller, CD, JP, the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education in Leadership (EdD).


Join the Legacy | Mico 190
Celebrating 190 years of excellence, leadership, and service to Jamaica and beyond.

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The Mico Signs Historic MOU with Jamaica Lacrosse Association to Expand Lacrosse Training https://themicoonline.com/the-mico-signs-historic-mou-with-jamaica-lacrosse-association-to-expand-lacrosse-training/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-mico-signs-historic-mou-with-jamaica-lacrosse-association-to-expand-lacrosse-training Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:28:19 +0000 https://themicoonline.com/?p=562 The Mico University College and the Jamaica Lacrosse Association (JLA) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a strategic partnership to advance lacrosse training in Jamaica and strengthen…

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The Mico University College and the Jamaica Lacrosse Association (JLA) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a strategic partnership to advance lacrosse training in Jamaica and strengthen physical education across the nation’s schools.

The signing ceremony, held yesterday at The Mico’s Marescaux Road campus, brought together representatives from The Mico, the JLA, World Lacrosse, and the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA). The partnership outlines a unified vision to train teachers as certified lacrosse coaches and officials, increase access to the sport in primary and secondary schools, and support long-term athlete development.


A Breakthrough for School Sports

JLA President Mr. Calbert Hutchinson described the agreement as a transformative move for physical education and the national sporting landscape.

“We’re preparing physical education teachers with the prerequisites to coach, officiate, and multiply the sport across hundreds of schools that are eager to get started. This is a historic moment for education and sport.”
Calbert Hutchinson, President, JLA


Global Recognition for Jamaica’s Grassroots Leadership

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Bob DeMarco, President of World Lacrosse, commended Jamaica’s growing global influence in lacrosse development.

“This memorandum is historic. Jamaica is a model for the world in building lacrosse from the grassroots up.”
Bob DeMarco, President, World Lacrosse


A Partnership Rooted in National Development

President of the Jamaica Olympic Association, Mr. Christopher Samuda, reinforced the national significance of the partnership and encouraged both organisations to anchor the initiative in Jamaica’s broader development goals.

“Let this partnership be built on a construction site of sport, education, and human capital.”
Christopher Samuda, President, JOA


What the MOU Includes

The agreement outlines a multi-tiered development plan, including:

  • Teacher training and certification in lacrosse coaching and officiating
  • Expansion of school-based programmes across primary and secondary levels
  • Support for athlete pathways, from grassroots to national representation
  • Collaboration among all partner bodies to strengthen Jamaica’s lacrosse ecosystem
  • Long-term sport development initiatives aligned with education and national priorities

The ceremony concluded with presentations from partner organisations, updates on development strategies, and reaffirmed commitments to scale the sport across Jamaica.

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WATCH LIVE: The Mico to Host Carol Service & Gift Drive 2025 https://themicoonline.com/watch-live-the-mico-to-host-carol-service-gift-drive-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=watch-live-the-mico-to-host-carol-service-gift-drive-2025 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:34:02 +0000 https://themicoonline.com/?p=557 Join us live today at 5 p.m. for The Mico University College’s Carol Service & Gift Drive. Stream the celebration on Zoom as we uplift children in Western Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa. Enjoy inspiring performances and take part in an evening of music, worship, and generous community spirit.

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Streaming Today at 5:00 p.m. from The Great Lawn

The Mico University College invites the entire Mico family—students, alumni, faculty, staff, partners, and friends – to join us online for the live broadcast of our Carol Service & Gift Drive, streaming today at 5:00 p.m. from The Great Lawn.

This beloved annual celebration brings together worship, music, and the spirit of giving as we support children in Western Jamaica who continue to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Melissa.

Whether you are on campus or watching from across the world, we invite you to be part of this uplifting evening of unity, generosity, and Christmas joy.


🔴 Click Here to Join the Livestream

➡ https://www.youtube.com/live/9X-GJtwIzx8?si=PS-TwSuHc3VXVN5X


A Night of Music, Faith & Giving

Tonight’s programme features inspiring musical ministry from:

  • The Mico University College Choir
  • Nexus Choir
  • Immaculate Conception Choir
  • The Mico Steel Pan Society

Viewers are encouraged to participate in the spirit of giving by donating or contributing a toy for children affected in Western Jamaica.


A Message from President Dr. Asburn Pinnock

In his Christmas message, President Pinnock reflects on The Mico’s enduring heritage and mission of service, reminding us that the Carol Service “is an opportunity to affirm that The Mico is not merely an institution of learning, but a beacon of service.”

He calls on the Miconian community to walk with a tablet, laptop, or a toy as “a symbol of hope and kindness” for children who have faced months of disruption following Hurricane Melissa.


Event Details

📅 Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
🕔 Time: 5:00 p.m.
📍 Venue: The Great Lawn (Streaming Online via Zoom)
🔗 Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/9X-GJtwIzx8?si=PS-TwSuHc3VXVN5X
🌐 Website: www.themico.edu.jm

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Mico Reflects on Breast Cancer Awareness https://themicoonline.com/mico-reflects-on-breast-cancer-awareness/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mico-reflects-on-breast-cancer-awareness Fri, 10 Oct 2025 16:39:56 +0000 https://themicoonline.com/?p=509 The Mico University College honours Breast Cancer Awareness Month through activism and scholarship. From a symbolic balloon release to faculty research contributions - like Fabian Miller’s co-authored study on quality of life for breast cancer patients - The Mico advances national awareness, fosters community solidarity, and contributes to global health knowledge.

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Honouring Resilience. Advancing Knowledge. Inspiring Action.

In October, The Mico University College usually joins the global community to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The month is dedicated to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and promoting life-saving education. This year’s activities will once again bring the Mico family together in a powerful show of solidarity and scholarship.

To bring awareness to Breast Cancer students, faculty, and staff gather on the campus lawns, dressed in vibrant shades of pink for the annual Pink Day and Balloon Release Ceremony, becoming a cherished tradition led by the The Mico Students’ Guild

Participants release dozens of pink balloons into the sky, with hands raised and hearts united. Each balloon represents courage, remembrance, and hope for a future free from breast cancer. The event is both a moment of reflection and a call to action for continued advocacy, early detection, and community support.

Today, President of The Mico University College, Dr. Asburn Pinnock, reflected on the importance of the observance, saying:

 “Our pink balloon release is a testament to our collective compassion and our responsibility as educators and nation builders. So it is more than symbolic”. 

He notes that the fight against breast cancer requires awareness, education, and research, and says that,

“At The Mico, we are proud that our academic community is contributing to this critical national and global discourse. Through both activism and scholarship, we stand with survivors and their families, and recommit ourselves to advancing knowledge that can save lives.”

Research Excellence: Mico’s Academic Contribution to the Global Dialogue

Beyond campus activities, Mico’s commitment to breast cancer awareness is also anchored in rigorous scholarship.

At The Mico, Fabian G. Miller is the Head of the Physical Department and a lecturer in the Faculty of Education

One of The Mico’s own, Mr. Fabian G. Miller, is among the co-authors of a seminal research chapter called, “Quality of Life and Well-Being of Breast Cancer Patients” .

The study presents a comprehensive review of the physical, psychological, and social impacts of breast cancer, focusing on how these dimensions shape the lived experiences of patients and survivors. The research highlights critical insights that inform patient care and health education. It draws on global literature and validated quality-of-life instruments, and presented key findings emphasizing:

  • Social support networks – including partners, family, friends, and community organizations. These play a decisive role in improving patients’ physical health, emotional well-being, and overall survival outcomes. Social isolation, by contrast, is linked to significantly higher mortality rates.
  • Physical activity and structured rehabilitation interventions – such as tai chi, yoga, Pilates, and combined aerobic-resistance training. These have measurable benefits in reducing treatment side effects, enhancing vitality, and improving long-term health outcomes for breast cancer patients.
  • Psychoeducational and psychosocial interventions – including cognitive behavioural therapy. These have been shown to reduce depression, anxiety, and pain intensity, improving patients’ capacity to adjust emotionally and socially to post-treatment life.
  • The study also underscores the need for integrated care models – combining medical treatment with emotional, social, and lifestyle support. These ensure that survivors enjoy the highest possible quality of life during and after treatment.

This work is particularly significant for the Caribbean context. While much of the existing literature originates from North America and Europe, Mr. Miller’s contribution helps bridge global research with local realities. He is helping to open space for further studies on breast cancer survivorship and community-based interventions in Jamaica and the wider region.


Awareness Through Action

The annual balloon release at Mico is both a communal gesture of solidarity and a public health reminder: early detection through regular screenings, combined with sustained emotional and community support, remains the most effective defense against breast cancer.

Through research, education, and activism, The Mico continues to embody its motto, “Do it with thy Might.” The University celebrates those who are courageously fighting the disease, honours those who have passed, and stands firmly with survivors and their families.

#MicoCares #BreastCancerAwareness #JoinTheLegacy #PinkDay #ResearchForImpact #MicoGuild #BalloonRelease

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Mrs. Shawna Kay Williams-Pinnock Appointed Acting Dean of College https://themicoonline.com/mrs-shawna-kay-williams-pinnock-appointed-acting-dean-of-college/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mrs-shawna-kay-williams-pinnock-appointed-acting-dean-of-college Tue, 16 Sep 2025 18:41:35 +0000 https://themicoonline.com/?p=484 The Mico announced the appointment of Shawna Kay Williams-Pinnock, Ed.S. as Acting Dean of College. Mrs. Williams-Pinnock is a Miconian who has served The Mico with distinction for the past six years as a lecturer in the Department of Language, Literacy, and Literature, and more recently as Faculty Research Coordinator.

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The Mico University College has proudly announced the appointment of Mrs. Shawna Kay Williams-Pinnock, Ed.S. as Acting Dean of College.

Mrs. Williams-Pinnock is a Miconian who has served The Mico with distinction for the past six years as a lecturer in the Department of Language, Literacy, and Literature, and more recently as Faculty Research Coordinator. Her leadership, academic expertise, and passion for student development have made her an invaluable member of the Mico community.

Williams-Pinnock holds an Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University, a Master of Education in Language Education from the University of the West Indies, and a Bachelor of Education in Language and Literacy from The Mico University College — all earned with high distinction.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Williams-Pinnock has contributed to national and international education initiatives, trained teachers through the Ministry of Education’s literacy programmes, and mentored student leaders at The Mico. Her scholarship has been published locally and internationally, reinforcing her commitment to advancing inclusive education and literacy.

The University is confident that Mrs. Williams-Pinnock will bring vision, innovation, and dedication to her new role as Acting Dean of College, as she continues to help shape the future of education at The Mico.

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The latest issue of ARETÉ, the OQA Newsletter https://themicoonline.com/the-latest-issue-of-arete-the-oqa-newsletter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-latest-issue-of-arete-the-oqa-newsletter Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:06:15 +0000 https://themicoonline.com/?p=426 This issue of ARETÉ highlights recent achievements from ITER. Dr. Lawrence Grant and Mr. Fabian Miller received Best Oral Presenter awards at the 4th International Conference on Green Sustainable Technology and Management (ICGSTM 2025), while Mrs. Shellon Samuels-White and Mr. Miller celebrated the publication of their work in Akkon Schriftenreihe,

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The purpose of ARETE (Advancing our Reputation of Excellence in Training and Education) to shine a light on The Mico’s quality assurance systems, ensuring that our Mico community is both informed and engaged with the policies and practices that safeguard excellence.

In this edition, we continue our exploration of the distinct yet complementary roles of Institutional Research (IR) and Academic Research (AR). By deepening our understanding of these areas, we strengthen the foundation on which informed decision-making and academic growth are built.

This issue is made possible through the ongoing collaboration of Mrs. McFarquhar and Ms. Amori, whose contributions help bring clarity and relevance to these important conversations.

Research Highlights: ITER Scholars Earn International Recognition

The Institute for Technological and Educational Research (ITER) has opened the new academic year on a high note, with members of its research community being recognized for outstanding contributions on the global stage.

At the 4th International Conference on Green Sustainable Technology and Management (ICGSTM 2025), held on July 16, 2025, two Miconians distinguished themselves among an international field of presenters. Dr. Lawrence Grant and Mr. Fabian Miller were each awarded Best Oral Presenter in their respective tracks — Education & Liberal Arts (Dr. Grant) and Health & Life Science (Mr. Miller). Their achievements underscore the quality and competitiveness of Mico research in diverse disciplines.

Further extending the impact of our research, Mrs. Shellon Samuels-White and Mr. Miller celebrated the publication of their work in Volume 7 of Akkon Schriftenreihe, “Future Minds in Global Health – The International Young Researchers’ Symposium on Global Health 2024.” This significant volume was launched at the World Health Summit in Berlin, further highlighting the international reach and influence of scholarship emerging from The Mico.

These successes serve not only as personal milestones for the individuals recognized but also as collective achievements for the institution. They reflect the dedication of our researchers and the commitment of ITER to advancing scholarship that resonates globally.

As the Office of Quality Assurance continues to emphasize, every research effort — whether large or small — contributes to institutional growth and effectiveness. ITER’s recent achievements remind us that sustained curiosity, rigorous inquiry, and collaborative effort position The Mico University College as a leader in knowledge creation and dissemination.

As always, we value your thoughts. We invite your feedback and input at oqa@themico.edu.jm.

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