In a landmark academic achievement, Dr. Jewel B Thomas of Antigua and Barbuda has successfully obtained her PhD in Public Health from East Tennessee State University’s College of Public Health. The graduation ceremony, held on December 13, 2025, marked the culmination of years of dedicated study and research, positioning Dr. Thomas among the elite group of Antiguans who have earned doctoral qualifications at this prestigious American institution.
Dr. Thomas characterized her accomplishment as both a personal triumph and a national victory for Antigua and Barbuda, emphasizing the considerable perseverance and commitment required to navigate the rigorous doctoral program. She specifically highlighted the instrumental role played by her family support system, with particular gratitude extended to her mother Allison and aunt for their steadfast encouragement throughout her academic journey.
Beyond familial support, Dr. Thomas acknowledged the substantial contributions of university faculty, colleagues, and mentors whose academic guidance proved invaluable to her success. Her achievement has resonated throughout the Caribbean nation, where educational officials and community leaders are celebrating her as a role model for aspiring scholars and a testament to the potential of Antiguan academic excellence on the international stage.
The attainment of this advanced degree not only enhances the Caribbean region’s representation in global public health discourse but also provides inspiration for students pursuing higher education in specialized fields. Educational advocates in Antigua and Barbuda have pointed to Dr. Thomas’s success as demonstrating the tangible outcomes possible through sustained determination and robust support networks.