New Caribbean Graduate School of Theology president banks on experience, vision

Being a newcomer in any environment  can have interesting challenges, however her appointment to the job has demonstrated an appreciation for her past experiences and skills, with a collective vision towards the continued leadership of the institution.

Kerr, a counselling psychologist, educator and life coach, was born in the parish of Westmoreland. She attended Mannings High School, and it was on this journey that many of the values she learnt then, continues to resonate with her.

“It was almost like a village helping to raise a child. It was an interesting transition from the rural community that I grew up in, to the hustle and bustle of the town, while I attended Mannings.

During high school, I found myself in a setting where I had to learn to adapt quickly, and this character trait has proven to be useful to me over the years,” Kerr said in an interview with Old Harbour News following her ascension to the presidential throne. 

While at Mannings, Kerr studied the sciences, because she wanted to pursue a career in psychology. However, all thoughts of studying psychology were erased when she began her sixth form studies and chose business subjects.

“I applied to the University of the West to the Faculty of Social Sciences to pursue a major in Accounting. However, I was placed in Faculty of Arts on a part-time basis doing a History major. As a result I started working full time at the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Library, and here my interest resurfaced in Library Science,” she said.

“At the end of my first semester, I applied for a transfer to study Library Science. Having developed a love for economics from sixth form, I pursued a minor in the course,” Kerr added.

The option of studying psychology again presented itself while working as a Librarian.  She realized that there were less than adequate counselling services offered to the members of her church and the wider community.

“I served my denomination and would often speak to audiences about various subjects. I even tutored psychology at my alma mater. I soon recognized however my need to be equipped with the skills needed to effectively impart knowledge,” Kerr said.

“While working as a Librarian within the city that became my home, I encountered a myriad of difficult life experiences. Unable to find someone in whom I could confide, I pursued a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. I wanted to be available for persons who needed someone confidential to talk to.

Kerr served for over 20 years to the library and information profession. Over this time, she worked in varying leadership positions in the Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA), in which she held positions including chair of the special libraries section, chair of the education and training working party, second vice president, first vice president and president of the association for two years.

Following her advanced tertiary studies, she decided to embark on a path that would allow her to use the knowledge, skills and experiences she had gleaned over the years to serve Jamaicans and persons in other countries across the world.

On this journey she also decided that she wanted to contribute to the improvement of the country’s educational system.

“As I pursued the Doctorate in Education, I soon discovered that while I wanted to learn how to develop curriculum, plan lessons and teach effectively, I really preferred planning and staging adult education programmes and establishing systems to properly administer educational facilities,” said Kerr, who is a graduate of the Nova Southeastern University with a Doctor of Education.

Kerr, with a passion for helping individuals excel to their fullest potential, was the school’s campus registrar, prior to her appointment. In that position, she was aware of the challenges faced by the students and the administration and plans were already being developed to address them.

“Prior to COVID-19, we started strategizing to find ways in which we could help the students that were having difficulty paying their tuition. We sought help from various financial institutions, and the Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB) Limited gave the students reasonable loans and repayment options that was welcomed,” Kerr said.

“We also found other innovative ways for students to stay enrolled, including our earn and learn programme that helps them to remain in their programmes and this became a win-win situation for everyone.”

With an active number of 80 students, Kerr indicated that there are plans to also improve the enrolment figures. With 95 percent of the student population being Jamaicans, the school’s administration is looking to improve its online programme offerings to attract other Caribbean students and others across the globe.

“We should see an increase in the numbers by September. All the courses will be available online between now and August,” she stated. “Students as far away as Nigeria and Ghana have been accepted at the institution for the upcoming academic year, and this is a definitely a plus for us.”

The institution is also interested in partnering with other Caribbean and overseas based institutions to forge and build alliances that will be beneficial to the students and the school.

In her new role at the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology she is also involved in a number of activities that demand of her undivided attention. Currently, she is an advocate with the National Parent Teachers Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ), with responsibility for the finance and training portfolios for region six.

Kerr is also president of the Home School Association at The Cedar Grove Academy, in which she represents parental involvement in the management of the school. She also organizes fundraisers, welfare activities, support school enhancement programmes and collaborate in the development of the school's curriculum.

Through her association with Family Life Ministries, she also provides psychological care and counselling services to the members and community at the New Testament Church of God and stages workshops. 

With such a very active personal and professional life, Kerr has been able to maintain a comfortable balance.

“Everything in your life can seem overwhelming but you have to manage your time effectively. It is important to prioritize your various activities, and knowing what is important and making the time to get it done,” she said.