GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten – Recently Grace Hill Bible University, St. Maarten Campus, hosted its tenth commencement ceremony under the theme, “You are Pioneers Called to Serve a Hurting World.” The graduating class comprised Royston Royer, who completed a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and Shirley Elizabeth Brown Gardner who received her Ministerial license.
Although a small commencement class this year, class of 2019 made history as it included the first graduates of the pioneering counselling degree Masters program at the St. Maarten Campus: Rikson Martina, class valedictorian; Nordalee Gregoire-Hewitt and Dorothy Boezerman. This pioneering Master’s counselling degree program was developed by veteran counsellor of 19 years, certified Success Coach, trainer, and member of Bristol Who’s Who, Dr. N. Erna Mae Francis Cotton.
The graduates underwent a rigorous training process of theory with four semesters of practicum and internship to be able to effectively integrate and apply the theory. Using internationally accepted and evidence-based approaches for effective counselling; coursework included:
- The Fundamentals of Biblical Psychology
- Christian Counselling from an African-indigenous Perspective
- Utilizing Energy Psychology in Counselling
- Theories of Counselling
- Effective Counselling Techniques for working with children
- The Fundamentals of Marriage Counselling
- Suicide Assessment, Prevention & Treatment
- Spouse Abuse- A Treatment Program for Couples
The graduates, who worked diligently, completed their practicum and internships at Turning Point, Ujima, I Can Foundation, Mental Health Foundation, Victorious Living Foundation and Safe Haven. They received glowing words of commendation from their counseling supervisors who ensured that they met all requirements to be able to practice as Master’s level counselors.
Counseling degree program chair and developer, Dr. Francis Cotton expressed her pride and elation at the graduating class for enrolling and persevering through their respective programs.
President and founder of Grace Hill Bible University, Dr. Aldansa Ambrose, his wife Dr. Veronica Ambrose and Dean of GHBU, St. Maarten campus were pleased with the performance of the graduates and openly expressed their satisfaction with the students’ growth and performance.
The Keynote speaker, Dr. Erna Mae Francis Cotton, reminded the graduates that they are being called on as pioneers to address the real life challenges that await them in our troubled world.
She stated in her speech:
“Governments, families, organizations, children, young people, businesses, major corporations, communities, the world, are all waiting on your innovations. They are waiting on your wise counsel; your messages; your actions; and more importantly your lifestyle. Your life should be living testimonies of the power of God to transform, enlighten and set the captives free. You have been called by God to serve hurting people; men, women, boys and girls who have lost hope; some have lost a reason to live; some are at the end of their rope and have had the last straw, and they are waiting on your word, thoughtfulness, intervention, and ministry through your messages; your evangelistic missions; your counselling and coaching or through the innovative and creative ideas that God will deposit in your spirit to be able to address the growing societal issues that have left many disillusioned.”
Grace Hill Bible University is currently accepting students for its degree programs. The counselling degree program resumes on September 11th, 2019. Persons interested in enrolling may attend the orientation on Monday September 2nd at the Rupert I. Maynard Community Centre from 6:30-7:30
p.m., call 1-721-524-8731 or e-mail: successcoach@victoriouslivingfoundation.com to learn more.
