From The President's Desk

With snow-covered landscapes juxtaposed against white-sandy beaches, it may seem that Iowa, in the wintery northern United States, and Jamaica, in the tropical Caribbean, are worlds apart. But while hosting representatives from the Jamaican Ministry of Educational, Youth and Industry (MOEYI) and the Joint Committee for Tertiary Education (JCTE) on campus last April, I saw very quickly how closely our visions for serving students in this new era of education aligned. We discussed a variety of topics, including accessibility, curriculum, affordability, learning objectives, quality and preparation, but always at the center of the conversation was how it would impact students’ lives.

This initial conversation in Forest City led to an invitation for me to speak at the JCTE conference and the Western Hospitality Institute’s graduation ceremony. Both of these events were held in Negril, Jamaica this past December. Jamaica is a beautiful country and not a bad place to visit in December. However, Jamaica is also a very poor country. Leaders in that country see education as the path out of poverty, and entities such as the MOEYI and JCTE are passionate about making a difference in students’ lives.

Natalie and I were so impressed with the inspirational people we met. We heard story after story from Jamaicans who used education to pull themselves out of poverty. Some were in the hospital

ity industry in Jamaica. Others were lawyers, business men and women, and doctors. But most used their education to help others by becoming educators themselves. That is why I am so proud about the developing relationship between Waldorf University and the MOEYI and JCTE. Through the partnership with the MOEYI, Waldorf will be able to assist Jamaican students who have received their associate degree to complete their baccalaureate degree on Waldorf’s campus. At the same time, through the partnership with the JCTE, Jamaican teachers will be able to complete their M.Ed. degree with Waldorf’s online programs.

Waldorf has always had a rich tradition of hosting international students. As a community we are enriched with the diversity they bring. So while we may not have sandy beaches, we are ready with open arms for these Jamaican students and furthering our mission of changing lives through education.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert A. Alsop Waldorf University President