UTech’s Prof Adella Campbell wins Caribbean Global Awards
Published:Thursday | October 3, 2024 | 12:06 AMAsha Wilks/Gleaner Writer
Professor Adella Campbell, dean of The University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica’s College of Health Sciences, has been named winner of two out of the three 2024 Caribbean Global Awards she was contending for.
Campbell won the category of ‘Global Health Leader’ and tied with Maurina Baron, a United Kingdom (UK) nurse, for the title of ‘Global Nurse of the Year’ at the awards ceremony held last Saturday at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge.
She was named first runner-up in the category ‘Excellence in Research and Academia’.
Within each category, she faced competition from two other professionals.
In an interview with The Gleaner, Campbell said the moment she heard her name called as the winner of both categories was “surreal”.
“I am nonetheless elated because my hard work and dedication is paying dividends,” she said.
She continued: “I didn’t walk alone and, as such, I am humbled and energised by the support that I received from family, friends and colleagues locally, regionally and internationally. Without their support, believe me, these achievements would have been unreachable.”
Campbell thanked the judges and the Caribbean Global Awards committee for acknowledging her contributions to health and nursing in Jamaica and the Caribbean, and for selecting her as one of the top contenders for each category.
“It is evident that the judges were impressed with my work and, of course, to top the 189 high-calibre submissions suggests that I am among the best in the world, and I am humbled,” she told The Gleaner.
Campbell, a member of the Fellowship Tabernacle in Kingston, stated that, as she reflected on this, her latest achievement, she was reminded that “the Lord will honour those who honour him,” and that she would continue to honour him in all aspects of her life.
‘Growth mindset and resilience’
Renowned for her resolve, Campbell, who was raised in James Hill, Clarendon after being born in Grants Bailey, St Ann, having only one subject when she graduated from Edwin Allen High School, has worked hard to ascend the academic ladder.
She stated that the challenges she experienced in her early years were “the ingredients” that developed her mental fortitude and acted as “the driver” of her “growth mindset and resilience”.
“Despite the challenges, I remained focused, using these obstacles as stepping stones to create a successful pathway. This is also testament to the fact that success requires continuous and persistent effort,” Campbell said.
Campbell holds a Bachelor of Laws degree with first-class honours from UTech; a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with first-class honours; a Master of Science in Nursing, with distinction; and a certificate in nursing education with honours from The University of the West Indies, Mona.
She holds a PhD in nursing from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and is a registered nurse and midwife.
In 2023, she was recognised by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport for outstanding contribution to the national advancement of STEM.
“I am committed to excellence ... . I am also committed to being a role model, not only to my students and staff but for everyone who crosses my path,” Campbell said.
She stated that, all in all, the ceremony was an enjoyable occasion as she was surrounded by prominent dignitaries from Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean.
The Caribbean Global Awards was founded by Dr Michaelene Holder-March and seeks to honour the exceptional achievements of individuals from across the world who have impacted change.
As Campbell celebrates her victory, she wishes to implore others who are wallowing in their setbacks to “arise” and turn these setbacks into “comebacks”, further using them as stepping stones to success.
“I want for them to let their work speak for them, regardless of the challenges they face,” she said.