Mandeville, Jamaica…[Nigel Coke/IAD]
Dr. Herbert Thompson, president of Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in Jamaica, was conferred with the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander (CD) by His Excellency, The Governor General, the Most Honorable Professor Kenneth Hall, in a ceremony on March 29, 2006. Professor Hall was acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Most Honorable Percival J. Patterson. Dr. Thompson was honored for his contribution to national development through education, religion and national service. He was one of seventeen individuals conferred with National Honors and awards ranging from Order of Jamaica to Badge of Honor.
Dr. Thompson was also honored for Excellence in Christian Service by NCU for his fifteen years of leadership within the institution at a thanksgiving service held at the school’s gymnatorium on Saturday March 25, 2006.
A biochemist, and researcher in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, Dr. Thompson was the recipient of the Governor General’s Award for Excellence in 1999 for his contributions and knowledge of the Natural and Applied Sciences and as an academician and leader who shared his knowledge through the publication of articles on various subjects.
“It has been a pleasure to serve my country and church,” said Dr. Thompson in his response to the conferral of the National Honor. “My work at the University has provided a springboard and launching pad for thousands of persons over the past 15 years in areas of pastoral ministries, business and commerce, information technology, health care, the social sciences and the arts. These persons have gone on to touch the lives of many with whom they have come in contact and that is what I considered most rewarding.”
“I will continue to do my best as long as I am asked to serve,” he added.
In response to the announcement, chairman of the board of NCU, Pastor Patrick Allen, said, “Dr. Thompson is most deserving of the honor that the nation has bestowed on him. He is one of Jamaica’s hard working sons, who is totally patriotic and committed to the building of this nation. This work is evident in the building of NCU, in his work as a member of the Electoral Advisory Committee (EAC) and on the various boards and committees where his contribution is invaluable. I congratulate him on his achievement.”
Since his appointment as president of the then West Indies College in 1990, the university, which received its charter from the Government of Jamaica in 1999, has seen its enrollment grow from 600 to 5,400 students at its main campus and three satellite facilities. The faculty and staff number about 440, enabling the university to offer 70 undergraduate and eight graduate degree programs, including Ph.D's in Education and Ministry.
Northern Caribbean University is the flagship educational institution of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Caribbean, and is one of the largest Adventist tertiary institutions in the world. It offers graduate and undergraduate degrees to individuals from 36 countries. Its faculty is comprised of 14 nationalities.
