“We have an obligation…to lift every opportunity we can,” Dr. Herman J. Felton Jr., President of Wiley University proclaimed as students, educators, and esteemed guests gathered to witness the landmark signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Anguilla Community College (ACC) and Wiley University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Texas.
Held at the Teachers Resource Centre on November 7th, the ceremony marked an inspiring partnership designed to open new doors for Anguillian students, allowing them to complete Bachelor’s degrees at Wiley after earning Associate degrees from the ACC.
Dean of the ACC, Dr. Michelle Queeley reiterated the week’s theme, “Consolidating our Existence, Reigniting the Passion for the ACC,” while underscoring that the ACC had achieved substantial growth over its 15-year journey. “We are today offering more associate degrees, more certificates and diplomas than years gone by,” Dr. Queeley said, celebrating the ACC’s resilience and success.
Dr. Michelle Queeley and Mr. Delon Skellikie
However, she acknowledged that the landscape of higher education is rapidly evolving, with demographic shifts, a rise in digital learning, and demands for a highly skilled workforce. “These realities make a compelling case for us to forge new partnerships,” she emphasised, pointing out that this agreement with Wiley University would create a “structured pathway” for students to pursue higher education without unnecessary repetition or expense. It also aims to cultivate cultural competence, making ACC graduates competitive and culturally aware global citizens.
The Hon. Minister of Education Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers, affirmed the importance of the agreement, stressing that the MOA symbolises more than just an alliance; it represents “a shared commitment to fostering educational opportunities,” enhancing exchanges and building bridges between the institutions. The importance of this collaboration was further emphasised by Mr. Delon Skellikie, Acting Chairperson of the ACC Board of Governors, who stated, “The MOU symbolises more than just a partnership. It represents a shared mission to empower our ACC graduates with the opportunity to pursue higher academic aspirations.” Mr. Skellikie stressed that this partnership is “uniquely student-focused,” aiming to make the transition to Wiley as smooth and supportive as possible. He also spoke about the long-term goals of the agreement, which include open communication and regular evaluations to ensure a continually evolving partnership that will, he believes, yield “tremendous benefits” for both students and the wider Anguillian community.
The emotional high point of the event came as Dr. Felton Jr. shared his powerful personal journey from a challenging childhood in Jacksonville, Florida, to becoming a university president. He spoke openly about the hardships he faced growing up in poverty with a single mother and five siblings, and the struggles he overcame, including undiagnosed dyslexia. “I’m a man who has come up in a day and age where nothing was expected of me,” he said. “And more importantly, I’m a proud son of a woman with a seventh-grade education who could not achieve the things that I did because of her circumstances, and I carry that with me every day, understanding that I have a charge to keep.”
Dr. Felton also touched on his life’s guiding principles, expressing that “we have an obligation, as Black folk, to lift every opportunity we can.” He reminded the audience of a valuable lesson from one of his professors: to obtain the best education and then return to help one’s community.
As the official signing of the MOA took place, Dr. Queeley and Dr. Felton proudly showcased the document, alongside Minister Kentish-Rogers and Mr. Skellikie, as the room erupted in applause. The significance of the moment was profound: this agreement represents a “bridge to opportunity, learning, and success,” as Mr. Skellikie eloquently put it.
Dr. Felton then made a surprising and generous announcement, offering four full scholarships to Wiley University for Anguillian students. Initially tasked with giving out two scholarships, he decided to double the offer on the spot. One of these scholarships was awarded during the ceremony to Mya Lake, a current sixth-form student, who later expressed her gratitude on behalf of the ACC.
In her Vote of Thanks, Ms. Lake warmly thanked Hon. Minister Kentish-Rogers, Mr. Skellikie, Dr. Felton, and Dr. Queeley, as well as Pastor Phillip Gumbs and Mr. Michael ‘Dumpa’ Martin for their respective prayers and musical selections during the ceremony. She concluded with hopeful words, stating, “As we move forward, let us remember that this is only the beginning. The foundation has been laid for a brighter future. And with continued support, the ACC looks forward to seeing this collaboration grow.”
