Announcing the 2024 ACPA Membership Scholarship Recipients from CGDSD. Each year the CGDSD provides two (2) one-year, ACPA membership scholarships to individuals working in the field of student affairs/services outside of the United States. This is a great opportunity to get involved with ACPA, contribute to our Commission’s work and benefit from our network. Several of our past scholarship recipients have also decided to join the commission after their scholarship ended, and still contribute to our mission today.

Soogandaye Sarika Moonian-Mc Coon

Soogandaye Sarika Moonian-Mc Coon is an accomplished professional with a strong background in education administration and student services, boasting exceptional managerial experience. Throughout her career that began 24years ago, she has held various leadership roles that have significantly contributed to the success and growth of educational institutions. Mrs Moonian-Mc Coon’s expertise lies in strategic planning, operational execution, quality assurance, curriculum development, and student support.

Since 2015, she has been serving as the Manager of Student Services at UWI School of Business & Applied Studies (UWI-ROYTEC), playing a pivotal role in shaping the student experience. Notably, they have successfully implemented strategic plans, adeptly managed departmental budgets, and made noteworthy contributions to institutional accreditation efforts. Their leadership has been instrumental in overseeing student orientation programs and actively participating in Board-appointed committees to develop and implement effective policies and procedures. They have also been dedicated to monitoring student retention and enhancing Student Life, fostering a positive and conducive learning environment.

Prior to this position, the individual served as an Academic Administrator, Learning Assurance Officer, Administrative Assistant at tertiary level institutions, both private and public. Early in her career, she gained valuable hands-on experience in the field of education while serving as a Teacher and Assistant Operations Manager at a private A’level College.

In terms of education, Mrs Moonian-Mc Coon holds a Master of Business Administration (IMBA) with a specialization in Innovation & Entrepreneurship from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School in Trinidad. Additionally, she possesses a B.Sc. in Management with Law from the University of London’s External Programme.

Beyond her educational and professional qualifications, she is an exceptional communicator with strong presentation skills. Notably, her leadership experience includes serving as the President of several NGO’s within Trinidad, most recently at the Caribbean Tertiary Level Personnel; Trinidad and Tobago Chapter, she is a Rotarian and currently serves as the VP club administration for Rotary Club of Diego Martin. Moreover, she has actively held key positions in community organizations, reflecting their unwavering commitment to community service and development.

Her skill set is diverse and includes proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (including MS Teams, Zoom, and Canvas), certifications in Peach-Tree Accounting, knowledge of marketing fundamentals for cultural practitioners, an understanding of protocol essentials, proficiency in Business Spanish, dabbling in arts, crafts, baking and singing.

Keresha Larmond

Keresha Larmond, a Student Services and Development Manager at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus (Jamaica), is a dedicated leader steering the Commuting Students Community. Armed with a Master’s in Higher Education, her expertise lies in shaping student learning and development through innovative non-formal curriculum-based programs.

Her professional trajectory is marked by notable achievements, including the strategic restructuring of programs and the initiation of groundbreaking initiatives, earning her the prestigious Pioneer Award at the University of the West Indies, Mona -Western Jamaica Campus. Keresha’s engagement transcends her department; she actively participates in workshops, conferences and contributes to professional associations such as the Caribbean Tertiary Level Personnel Association (CTLPA), where she is currently President.

Beyond the university realm, Keresha extends her influence to public life, assuming leadership roles within associations and actively participating in committees dedicated to primary and secondary level educational institutions. Her commitment to fostering student development and contributing to the broader educational landscape underscores her impactful presence within Caribbean Higher Education.