Caribbean President of Howard University Visits Jamaica

Jody-Anne Lawrence, Lifestyle Reporter

The Caribbean president of Howard University, Dr Wayne A.I. Frederick, recently visited Jamaica to rebuild the relationship between the outstanding institution and the country.

Frederick told Outlook that his visit was to re-establish the relationship that Jamaica once had with the institution.

"We had very specific intentions when we decided to come to Jamaica. This was to deepen the ties between Jamaica and Howard," he explained.

During his visit, he was able to meet with some Howard alumni. He noted that he was proud but not surprised by the accomplishments of Howard past students, such as Oliver McIntosh, owner of Sportsmax, and dentist Dr Nigel Knight. They were only two of many who have left the university and went on to become front-runners in their field.

This year, 30 Jamaicans have been accepted into Howard University. Dr Frederick notes that when it comes to being a part of the Howard family, though academics are important, they are also looking for rounded individuals - students that are giving back to their community as well as making the grade.

Experience

Frederick knows exactly what Howard is looking for as he was accepted into the institution at the age of 16. Born and raised in Trinidad, he attended St Mary's College before leaving home to study at Howard. Graduating from medical school at the age of 22, he then did his postdoctoral research and surgical oncology fellowship at the University of Texas, MD.

The renowned oncologist still practises while fulfilling the duties of interim president at the university. He describes this position bestowed upon him as a humbling experience by which he is honoured.

Father and husband, the devout family man ensures that they are at the forefront of everything that he does. "One thing that I try to do is prioritise. I put my family first and running a prestigious tertiary institution second. I do my best to set my schedule to reflect this, and do everything I should at the university," he explains.

Seeing the growth of his students are the best part of the job for him. "Seeing a young person come into this institution not knowing much about themselves and trying to find their way through life. Then they come to find a sense of who they are and I am at the forefront seeing this take place," Frederick told Outlook, adding, "I don't see this as a job, but rather a spiritual experience."

Frederick believes that there is nothing like the hopefulness of a youth - something that one should hold dear.

"You must have hope. Hope to be a better person. Always strive for perfection. A lot of people say that you can't defy gravity, but defy people that try to put you down," notes Frederick in his advice to every youth. In his eyes, there is nothing that they cannot accomplish if they set their minds to it, and thus they should go after that dream without losing themselves or their principles.