The University of the Virgin Islands School of Agriculture is celebrating its first-ever horticulture certificate recipient, Janice Brooks. This milestone reflects the school’s commitment to agricultural education since its establishment in 2020. The school offers a variety of academic programs, including five bachelor’s degrees, four associate degrees, and six certificates across different agricultural fields.
Brooks, a retired registered nurse from St. Thomas, embarked on her educational journey at UVI in 2021. She completed her horticulture certificate in May, driven by a passion for the medicinal properties of local plants, mainly bush tea. “My favorite class was soil sciences taught by Dr. Annette James, UVI School of Agriculture Associate Professor of Soil/Plant Sciences,” she said.
Dean Dr. Usman Adamu expressed his admiration for Brooks’ dedication and success. “Ms. Brooks was an excellent student. The UVI School of Agriculture is very proud to have her as our first student to receive a certificate from our new academic programs. As a non-traditional student who performed very well in her courses, Ms. Brooks was an inspiration to many students, faculty, and staff in the UVI School of Agriculture,” he stated.
The Inspiration Behind Her Interest in Agriculture
Brooks credits her inspiration for pursuing horticulture to her great aunt, Edith H. Williams, a significant figure in the Virgin Islands’ history of agricultural education. Williams was a principal and women’s rights advocate and the founder of the first school lunch program in the territory in 1928. The school educated students and their families about food cultivation and preparation.
In addition to her studies, Brooks has put her knowledge into practice by creating a personal backyard garden. She encourages others, especially high school students and retirees, to explore opportunities in agriculture. “Agriculture is a vast industry that leads to different career paths, not just farming. Learning how to grow our food will be beneficial to our health and our environment. You can begin by planting in your own backyard and sharing your experience with your neighbors and the community,” she emphasized.
The UVI School of Agriculture remains open to inquiries about its diverse academic offerings, inviting anyone interested to contact for more information about their programs.
