The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) School of Agriculture (SOA) proudly announces that Janice Brooks has become the first student to receive a certificate in horticulture from its academic program. Launched in 2020, the UVI School of Agriculture offers a diverse range of academic opportunities, including five bachelor’s degrees and four associate degrees, along with six certificates in various agricultural disciplines.
Brooks, a retired registered nurse from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, began her journey in the UVI School of Agriculture in 2021 and successfully earned her horticulture certificate in May 2024. With a keen interest in medicinal plants, she joined the program to deepen her understanding of local Virgin Islands flora, particularly bush tea, which she believes has health benefits. “My favorite class was soil sciences taught by Dr. Annette James, UVI School of Agriculture Associate Professor of Soil/Plant Sciences,” she shared.
Dr. Usman Adamu, dean and director of the UVI School of Agriculture, expressed pride in Brooks' achievement. “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.”
In addition to her academic pursuits, Brooks has enjoyed creating her own backyard garden, inspired by her great aunt, Edith H. Williams, a prominent principal and women’s rights activist on St. Thomas. Ms. Williams was a pioneer in agricultural education, establishing the first school lunch program in the Virgin Islands in 1928, which taught students and their families how to grow and prepare their own food.
Brooks encourages high school students and retirees to consider joining the School of 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 advised.
The UVI School of Agriculture invites anyone interested in its academic programs to reach out for more information. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Usman Adamu at (340) 692-4091 or via email at usman.adamu@uvi.edu, or Cristine Cruz at (340) 692-4257 or via email at cristine.cruz@uvi.edu.
For more information, visit https://soa.uvi.edu.
