St. Kitts and Nevis Students Achieve Dean’s List Recognition at Western Illinois University

On December 24, 2024, Western Illinois University (WIU) announced the Dean’s List for the preceding semester, recognizing twelve exceptional undergraduate students from the St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN) Federation for their outstanding academic performance. These students, representing a growing contingent from the Caribbean region at WIU, achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.6, with several attaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. This achievement underscores the continued academic excellence of Caribbean students at WIU, with nearly 70 students from the sub-region earning a place on the Dean’s List for the Spring 2024 semester. The twelve recognized SKN students include Zania Chumney, Basmattie Beephat, Breandra Liburd, Amira Bertie, Romario Daniel, Malyka Howell, Shanai Liburd, Keandre Matthew, Clerique Ward, Aidan Williams, Hailey Morris, and Dijonne Hanley. The majority of these students are seniors, indicating their nearing completion of their undergraduate studies.

The accomplishment of these twelve students highlights the burgeoning presence and academic success of SKN and other Caribbean students at WIU. University President Kristi Mindrup has acknowledged the Caribbean as a region producing consistently high-achieving students within the undergraduate population. This consistent performance speaks to the quality of education and the dedication of students from the region. The success of these students serves as a testament to their hard work, resilience, and commitment to academic excellence, setting a positive example for aspiring students from the Caribbean. Their achievements contribute to the rich diversity of the WIU student body and enrich the learning environment for all.

The pathway for many SKN students to WIU often begins with online studies, providing flexibility and accessibility before transitioning to on-campus learning in the United States. This blended approach allows students to adapt to the university’s academic rigor and acclimate to a new environment gradually. WIU actively supports students from the Caribbean through merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements in local colleges or the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), significantly reducing the financial burden for high-performing students. This financial assistance plays a crucial role in enabling talented students from the SKN Federation to pursue higher education at WIU.

Further incentivizing academic excellence, WIU offers the prestigious International Presidential Scholarship, a highly competitive award covering full tuition. This scholarship recognizes the top-performing international students, including those from the Caribbean, and provides them with the opportunity to pursue their education without the constraints of tuition fees. The availability of such scholarships demonstrates WIU’s commitment to attracting and supporting talented students from around the globe, fostering a diverse and vibrant learning community. The success of SKN students in securing these scholarships further emphasizes the academic prowess and potential of the region’s student population.

Western Illinois University, a state institution with a history spanning over 125 years, has cultivated a strong reputation for academic excellence. Its commitment to providing quality education, coupled with its supportive environment for international students, makes it an attractive destination for students seeking a rewarding academic experience. The university’s long-standing history and established programs provide a solid foundation for student success. The continued recognition of SKN students on the Dean’s List underscores the university’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive.

The achievement of these twelve SKN students reflects not only their individual dedication but also the supportive ecosystem that has nurtured their academic journey. From the quality of education they received in their home country to the scholarships and opportunities provided by WIU, their success story highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in empowering students to reach their full potential. The recognition they have received serves as an inspiration to aspiring students in the SKN Federation and across the Caribbean, demonstrating the possibilities that can be realized through hard work and dedication to academic pursuits. Their accomplishments contribute to the growing reputation of Caribbean students as high-achievers in international academic settings.