Dr. Dorothy Wills Green embodies an extraordinary journey from the Caribbean island of Dominica to becoming a transformative figure in Canadian education and social justice. Born in 1933 to Andrew Green, a Harvard-educated civil engineer who worked on the Panama Canal, and Edith Lucas Green of Trinidad, Dorothy’s early life in Dominica’s Morne Daniel estate instilled values of community service and empathy that would define her lifetime of achievement.
Her educational journey began at Convent High School in Dominica before progressing to Mount Saint Vincent University in Canada, where she graduated with honors in 1956. Dr. Wills Green’s academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Education from Pacific Western University, complemented by multiple master’s degrees in Social Work and Education, including participation in Howard University’s Educators to Africa program.
As Dean of the Faculty of Applied Technologies at Vanier College in Montreal, Dr. Wills Green managed a diverse academic community while expanding technology programs and strengthening industry partnerships. Her leadership created unprecedented opportunities for students and established new benchmarks in educational excellence.
Beyond academia, Dr. Wills Green emerged as a formidable force in cultural preservation and civil rights advocacy. She participated in FESTAC in Nigeria, met Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, and became an active member of the Montreal branch of the Universal Negro Improvement Association. Her activism included supporting Rosie Douglas and other West Indian students arrested during the historic Sir George Williams University anti-racism uprising of February 1969.
As a founding member of the National Black Coalition of Canada and leader within the Dominica Academy of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Wills Green initiated transformative projects including “Backpacks for Schools” and secured computers and educational materials for Dominican schools. Her philanthropic vision extended to improving conditions for laborers and advocating for marginalized communities.
Married to bacteriologist and former professor Roland Wills, with whom she has two children, Dr. Wills Green’s family connections span Nigeria and Guyana, reflecting her Pan-Africanist commitments. Her numerous accolades include honorary doctorates from Concordia University, Dalhousie University, and Mount St. Vincent University, plus the Order of Canada in 1989.
Despite her privileged background, Dr. Wills Green dedicated her life to social reform, educational equity, and supporting African liberation causes alongside collaborators like Marlene Green. Her legacy stands as a powerful testament to the impact of combining academic excellence with unwavering commitment to social justice, inspiring generations to embrace service leadership and community empowerment.