As Head of School, it is my immense pleasure to welcome you to the UWI School of Nursing, Mona [UWISON].

Proudly rooted at Mona and the Western Jamaica Campus, UWISON has a strong regional presence and a growing global impact. You are now part of a noble profession that meets individuals, families, and communities at their most vulnerable moments. This reality presents both our greatest challenge and our greatest privilege.

For over 60 years, nursing at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, has transformed nursing education across the Caribbean. Through pioneering scholarship, innovative teaching, and compassionate practice, we have strengthened resilient health systems by preparing generations of nurse leaders who serve the region and the world. Today, UWISON stands as the largest school of nursing in the English-speaking Caribbean.

We take great pride in the legacy entrusted to us by our pioneers. Our commitment is to build on this legacy by strengthening our programme offerings in alignment with evolving health needs and contemporary pedagogical practice. Therefore, we are advancing competency-based education, strengthening simulation-based and virtual learning modalities, and micro-credentialling courses, designed to enhance lifelong learning and professional agility.

Student success remains central to our mission. We have strengthened our support systems through the appointment of a Student Success Coordinator and a Male Mentor Coordinator to ensure inclusivity and holistic development. We are equally committed to staff wellbeing, fostering a supportive environment that promotes scholarship, innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.

Our alumni serve as ambassadors of excellence locally, regionally, and globally, and we value their ongoing engagement and partnership. Through strong collaboration with local, regional, and international stakeholders, UWISON will continue to advance nursing education, strengthen health systems, and contribute meaningfully to national and regional development.

Our students learn from the very best- dedicated educators, researchers, and clinicians, supported by a cadre of talented administrative, technical and service staff, who collectively exemplify excellence, integrity, leadership, and service.

Welcome to UWISON. I wish you every success during your time here and trust that your journey here will be both enriching and transformative.

- Cynthia Pitter PhD (Gender & Development Studies) MScN, RM, RN