Celebrating The Great Professor Hazel Simmons-McDonald: A Tribute from UWI

The University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine Campus, has commemorated the late Emerita Professor Hazel Simmons-McDonald as an innovative scholar whose contributions have profoundly influenced Caribbean education and linguistic discourse. In a heartfelt statement following her passing in Barbados at the age of 78, the Campus highlighted Simmons-McDonald’s unwavering commitment to education, particularly her focus on English and Creole language instruction.“Professor Simmons-McDonald’s scholarship enriched our understanding and pedagogy of English and Creole within Caribbean contexts, advocating for inclusive and culturally responsive language education,” the statement articulated. She was recognized as a pioneer in open and distance learning, serving as the inaugural principal of The UWI Open Campus, significantly enhancing the university’s outreach and accessibility.UWI noted her exceptional leadership redefined access to higher education, establishing a more equitable university framework for underserved populations. Through her influential works, including Exploring the Boundaries of Caribbean Creole Languages, she prompted a re-evaluation of traditional educational paradigms. The St Augustine Campus honors her legacy, extending condolences to her family, colleagues, and students throughout the region.