Caymanian academic is dean of college in US

| 27/07/2011

(CNS): A former student of the Cayman Islands High School, Katrina Carter-Tellison PhD, was recently named Dean of Lynn's College of Liberal Education in Boca Raton, Florida, after serving as chair of the college's core curriculum, The Dialogues of  Learning, and also serving as Associate Professor of Sociology. As faculty chair of the core curriculum, her work focused on course development, assessment and faculty development throughout every stage of the implementation process for the new curriculum. As Dean, the highest position at Lynn's College, she is responsible for the administrative supervision of over 50 faculty and staff, and schedules more than 400 courses per academic year. However, she returns to the Cayman Islands frequently.

Dr Carter Tellison attended the Cayman Islands Middle and High School, where she graduated with O-Levels in 1987 and A-Levels in 1989. After graduating, she was awarded the Bankers Association Scholarship and then attended the University of Miami, where she earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology. While finishing her Masters degree in Social Work, she was awarded a full scholarship to attend the University of Miami for a PhD.

After getting her PhD from the University of Miami, she joined Lynn's College of Arts and Sciences as an Assistant Professor of Sociology in 2004 and was promoted to Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice in 2006. In 2008, she was promoted to be Associate Professor of Sociology as well as Chair of the new core curriculum of Lynn's College. Also during 2008, she was named “Faculty Member of the Year”.

In February 2011, the publication Inside Higher Ed published the article “Ramping Up Rigor”, which portrayed the core curriculum of Lynn's College as a shining example of how college and universities can increase the rigour of their academic offerings and improve the comprehensive education of their students. In 2010, the core curriculum also received praise from the Association of American Colleges and Universities, who described it as “inspirational”.

“Dr Carter-Tellison brings an intimate knowledge of our core curriculum and teaching philosophies to her new role as Dean of the College of Liberal Education,” said Lynn's College President Kevin M. Ross. “As one of the key people responsible for implementing our new core that puts liberal education at its center, I can’t think of a better choice and more capable, deserving person for this role.”

“Dr Carter-Tellison has been instrumental in the implementation of our new core curriculum,” said Academic Affairs Vice President Dr Patterson, “Her colleagues praise her as a thoughtful, dedicated and passionate educator who is deeply devoted to both student learning and excellence in every phase of academic life.  I have no doubt the Dr. Carter-Tellison will excel as dean of the College of Liberal Education, and I am delighted to welcome her as the newest member of our academic leadership team.”

“The most important part of leadership is service. I hope to lead with respect, compassion, and equity,” Dr Carter-Tellison said. “As an educator, it has always been my goal to inspire students to have a thirst for knowledge and the world around them. As the Dean of College of Liberal Education I will work hard to be a resource and advocate for faculty and students while continuing my work in the Dialogues of Learning. I will continue the tradition of building and delivering a strong liberal arts education in my new role.”

Dr Carter-Tellison has given over twenty professional presentations at institutions as the American Association of Colleges and Universities, the American Sociological Association and the Haitian Studies Association, as well as publishing several articles and co-editing six books.

With Dr Carter-Tellison now in her new role as Dean, the highest position at Lynn's College, she is responsible for the administrative supervision of over 50 faculty and staff, and schedules more than 400 courses per academic year.

Although Dr Carter-Tellison does not work in the Cayman Islands, she returns home frequently for holidays, including Christmas and summer holidays with her husband and twin boys.

 

15-year-old Joshua Dilbert is a CNS summer intern 

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  1. Anonymous says:

    I wonder how  many graduates of the CIHS has achieved such academic excellence?  Given,the recently discussed poor academic results at CIHS, it may be an inspiration to the current CIHS students to have their photos and accomplishments on display around the school.

  2. Anonymous says:

    We are proud of you Katrina! I am certain your achievement will be an encouragement to many other Caymanians for many years to come. Go Cayman! Go Canes!

  3. Anonymous says:

    Well done Katrina, Nannie and Dwight am sure are very proud of their little girl.  Continue to make us all proud.

  4. Anonymous says:

    What a shame all the best Caymanians leave to work elsewhere……

    • Anonymous says:

      Some of the best, not all.

    • Anonymous says:

      Haven't Caymanians historically left the island? Just because she is there now, doesn't mean she won't return. Exploring and experiencing the world is a key element of education. If she eventually takes over one of the colleges here, we will all benefit. 

       

  5. Anonymous says:

    Katrina – Well done! You are truly an inspiration.

    Joshua – Keep up the good work.  This is a wonderful article.

     

  6. Gene Hydes says:

    Congrats Katrina. We are all proud of you and wish you only the best for many many years to come. You have made Cayman and Caymanians proud.

    With our love- Gene, Esme, Hannah and Farrah

  7. Anonymous says:

    Congrats, Katrina you make us so very proud, good news coming out of the First Capital again.

  8. Johnny Cake wid a cup of coffey says:

    Katrina, I remmeber you in school in 6th form when I was there.  Congratulations fellow caymanian.

    May you continue to press and may we create opportunities at home that allows you to contribute at home.

    Well done……

     

    makes this sanka brew just simply beautiful.

    • Stiffed-Necked Fool says:

      How in the hell can this exciting story get EVEN 1 (ONE) thumbs down!

      Trust me, some people are real sick in this world!

      Anyway, REAL Caymanians are proud of Katrina and its only those who are jealous of her success as a Caymanian that will thumbs down this story.

      Get real people and give it a break, to Blouse & Skirt!

      • Anonymous says:

        The thumbs down are not necessarily from Caymanians. Not everyone among us are persons of good will.

      • Anonymous says:

        My impression has been that some folks just do the thumbs down thing almost for style, just to be contrary, almost. This example further reinforces that impression. I've noted that other media allow only for thumbs up (or "Approve"), and possibly a "humour" vote (the latter a welcome nod towards the human condition!). I've been meaning to suggest this to CNS for a while., and perhaps one day I'll get round to doing it. The former US Secretary of State under Nixon, Henry Kissinger, reportedly once explained his reluctance to praise his staff with "Absence of criticism is praise". Conversely, wouldn't an absence of praise (thumbs up) tell us something? Just a suggestion. (And please, restrain yourselves, sjcypno thumbs down – let's try this out on the basis I've suggested above. Thank you.)

  9. Philo says:

    What a refreshing  and inspiring article!  Just goes to show you can be pretty and smart too.

    A bit of advice. If per chance while you are here some politician should approach you with 

    a MOU, just tell them to get lost.

  10. Ubelievedat says:

    Awesome for Katrina!!  Congrats again!!  We're pround of you!!!

    But how sad for Cayman when one of our very best is giving her very best to another counrty and Cayman has nothing to offer her.

    What is this saying for the 5th wealthiest financial center of the world??………..sounds like we're yet to catch up to countries we call 3rd world.

    Its a crying shame she's not able to be working in Cayman but WHERE? is the question.

    She has definitely moved far ahead of her own country's developments.

  11. Anonymous says:

    As a young Caymanian woman, I find this article truly inspiring.  I do not know this young lady personally but I would like to express my heartfelt 'Congratulations'.

    Perhaps the news media can do a report on young Caymanians who are excelling both here on island and overseas once in awhile to keep the younger ones inspired with all the negative influences and news of the day.

    Also, she should have been a key note speaker for one of the many graduation ceremonies that have recently concluded earlier this summer. 

    Well done and God Bless You and your family on your path!

     

    • Anonymous says:

      She was a key note speaker last year at the Graduation ceremony at UCCI.

  12. Anonymous says:

    Katrina – Congratulations you have done us proud.  You have excelled in reaching your dreams, and goals in another country which you were deprived of in your country – Good news of your achievements and keep up the good works. God Bless you and your family.

  13. Anon says:

    Congrats to Katrina, and also to Joshua.  He is well on his way.  Kudos to CNS for giving him this opportunity.

  14. john the baptist says:

    All thumbs up for me.  We are proud of you girl. This announcement was like a breath of fresh air. Congratulations Dr. Katrina.  it is a thrill to see our young people do well and we must collectively support and encourage them to reach for the stars.  If they are in a bad situations we can encouage them to turn around that by keeping focused and study consistently.  I also have a niece who attended George Town Primary School and John Gray High School who is a Scientist and we will introduce her when she returns home.   Our schools do produce highly intelligent Caymanians who can hold their place in society.   Well done Katrina!

  15. Anonymous says:

    McKeeva please step down and let this young lady take over as Premier.  She has mass qualifications and expertise in "something" and you have none of the above in anything…….actually forget it……..on second thought she would be taking a step down!  Keep climbing where you are Katrina!  You have much to be proud of and we are proudof your accomplishments!!!! 

  16. Anonymous says:

    CNS this is a lovely human interest story. Given the crime reports and  negative financial reports  we, as a society, desperately need more 'good news' stories.

    • Chris says:

      Congratulations to you Katrina. I'm proud of you & very happy for you, & I know AC, Ms.Edna, Dwight, your twin sons (& the twins lol), Jennifer & all your family & friends are very proud of your hard work & success.

    • Anonymous says:

      To Katrina and to Joshua.  Congratulations to Katrina and her family. You make us proud. Congratulations to  the writer of the article Joshua and his family – here is another fine young Caymanian we can admire. Keep aiming for the top Joshua.

  17. Anonymous says:

    …and I thought she was teaching at UCCI! Well done, Katrina!

  18. Caymanian Boat Captain says:

    How refreshing it is to read "something positive" for a change.

  19. Anonymous says:

    Great news!!!

  20. Anonymous says:

    I taught this excellent young lady in the public school system here. People forget students like her when they are bashing our system. The other significant point to note is she is one of very many Caymanians making their successful way in foreign parts. I wonder if she has come up against the xenophobia (apparently not) that exists here about "furriners" doing well in Cayman.

    • Anonymous says:

      I agreed with youup until your last sentence. To suggest that racism or xenophobia exists only in Cayman is ridiculous. As a teacher you should know better. In her chosen field of sociology Katrina will be well aware of discrimination and racism issues in the U.S. You should note the subject of her publications and presentations in her CV.   

  21. David says:

    Congratulations Katrina on being named Dean of Lynn's College, you deserve it and you make us all proud. Make sure you and AC take care of your precious TWINS.

  22. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations,

  23. Anonymous says:

    we are proud of you Katrina.

    Hope you become a role model for many a youngster in Cayman

  24. Anonymous says:

    You might want to mention where Lynn is.

  25. Anonymous says:

    Congrats Dr Carter-Tellison!

    There are SOO many outstanding Caymanians living and serving overseas who should be role models  — from a Brac lady scientist at NASA to the distinguished lady featured in this article.

    It's just too bad we don't hear of them enough, so our boys and girls can have a few more positive role models.

    Lennon Christian

     

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Yeah, if only someone would research and write articles on these positive role models.

       

      • Anonymous says:

        Great – would you and others supply the names and the phone/email contact information for these outstanding Caymanians who are living overseas — and give a line or two of information on who they are?

        Email the info to: Caymanstars@hotmail.com

         

         

        • Anonymous says:

          How about Dr. Neely Panton, Clinical Professor, Head- Division of General Surgery, The University of British Columbia, Head- Division of General Surgery, Vancouver General Hospital, who has pioneered techniques in laparascopic surgery and served as President of the Surgical society of British Colombia.
           

  26. Lisa says:

    Wow!  Katrina we are so proud of your many accomplishments. 

    This is truly an example of being dedicated and reaching for the stars!

    What an honor!

     

     

  27. Anonymous says:

    This is excellent news!! Congrats to her as it is obvious her hard work has paid off.

  28. Anonymous says:

    Well done Katrina!…

  29. Anonymous says:

    Where?

  30. BORN FREE says:

    Congratulations to Katrina, we are proud of you. I know that Edna, Dwight, husband "AC" & the rest of your family are very proud of you.
     

  31. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations Katrina!

  32. Anonymous says:

    Congrats Katrina!!!

  33. Cinative says:

    Well done my good lady…..

    You are truly an inspiration to young women!

     

  34. Cinative says:

    Well done my good lady…..

    You are truly an inspiration to young women!

     

  35. Swine says:

    Congratulations Mrs. Carter-Tellison!

  36. Anonymous says:

    Wow!  What an achievement.  Today I feel real proud to hear such a positive story about a fellow Caymanian.  Well done Dr. Katrina, it is well deserving.

  37. Anonymous says:

    Good work, Joshua. We need to hear more stories like this.