6 Grenadians earn doctoral degrees at Western Illinois University

Six Grenadians earned doctoral degrees at Western Illinois University’s May 2025 Commencement ceremony. They were among 50 Caribbean students earning degrees at all levels at the 125-year-old state institution. 

Dave Ermon Thomas earned a PhD in Environmental Science, specialising in “Large River Ecosystems, and wastewater treatment.” Dr Thomas hails from Grand Bras, St Andrew, and attended St Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School (SAASS) before obtaining a Bachelor of Science from MSU Texas and a Master of Science in Environmental Science at Tarleton State University.

Five other Grenadians earned the EdD degree in Organisational Leadership with various specialities. The programme, one of the first to emphasise social justice as a component, was conceived to reach an international student body and was delivered synchronously with livestream technology.

“Awarding doctorates and hooding 12 Caribbean nationals in one commencement ceremony was a first for WIU,” WIU President Kristi Mindrup said. “WIU is proud of our newest doctoral graduates, and we look forward to hearing updates about their positive contributions and impact on the world.

“I was honoured to serve on the dissertation committees of 2 of our doctoral candidates. The quality of their scholarship and focus on important and relevant issues for organisations and leadership will serve their communities well.”

Former Grenadian Ambassador Kisha Grant previously earned a Bachelor of Arts from MSU Texas and undertook graduate studies at the University of Oregon and Vanderbilt University before completing her doctorate at Western Illinois University. Dr Grant is currently employed at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in St Lucia.

Chandra Henry-Courtney from True Blue, St George, previously completed Bachelors and Masters of Science at MSU Texas and has been a teacher and department head in the Dallas metroplex for almost 15 years. Dr Henry-Courtney, a graduate of Anglican High School, has recognised expertise in the education of gifted and talented students.

Sigmund Courtney from Harford Village, St Andrew, former teacher at St Joseph’s Convent, St George’s, previously earned his Bachelor and Masters degrees at MSU Texas in Chemistry and Biology. He is a graduate of Grenada Boys’ Secondary School (GBSS). Dr Courtney also specialises on the impact of demographics on advanced science placement students.

Renisha James-Thomas from Mt Parnassus, St George’s, previously earned a BA in Political Science and Spanish, and a MED in Special Education Leadership. Dr James-Thomas, a graduate of St Joseph’s Convent, St George’s, is a current educator and administrator in Texas with evolving expertise in the challenges and impact of black teachers on diverse school districts.

Donnell Joel Thomas from Grand Bras, St Andrew, previously earned a BA in Spanish and Psychology and an MA in HRD from MSU Texas. Dr Thomas, a former teacher in Grenada, is fluent in Spanish and has become an expert in the relationship between school discipline and the incarceration rates of young students.

“The quality and background of our doctoral degree recipients would match any elite university,” Tracy Davis, programme coordinator and professor for the organisational leadership track of the EdD programme, said. “Our emphasis on social justice and the intensity and rigor of our programme allows our graduates to present a stellar credential that reflects their abilities as change agents.”

Western Illinois University currently hosts over 100 Caribbean students among its 6,300 population. Over 650 international students from more than 50 countries were enrolled this semester.

“I am proud of the 4-year commitment from these Grenadian and Caribbean students,” Associate Vice President for Global Studies Randy Glean said. “Live-streamed programmes require scheduled class attendance and summons extreme discipline to integrate with professional and family obligations.”

Source: Western Illinois University