Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Union Announces Changes in Vermont


Montpelier, VT – On September 18, 2012, Union Institute & University (UI&U) President Roger H. Sublett, Ph.D. announced several changes to the university’s operation at the Montpelier Academic Center. The actions are a result of the changing landscape for higher education and the university’s long-range planning process to better position the university as it nears its 50th anniversary in 2014.

“As we approach our 50th anniversary, and as part of our strategic plan, we are looking very closely to identify programs that strengthen the university, and also scrutinize where we can make improvements, consolidate, and take other measures to increase and stabilize our enrollment, improve our offerings, and be more responsive to the market demand,” the President told staff and faculty at the Montpelier Center. “This is a time for creativity, innovation, and for bold moves across the entire university,” he said.

Responding to an increasing need by students for more flexibility and more affordable options, the university’s low residency B.A. Weekend program will be consolidated into the existing B.A. online option, a program that has seen steady improvement. The Montpelier location currently has about 30 students in the residency program and 80 online students. For students wanting a face-to-face low residency option, the B.A. Weekend program, located out of the university’s Brattleboro Academic Center, will continue to enroll students. Bachelor of Science programs with majors in Business Administration, Business Management, Maternal Child Health: Lactation Consulting, and Leadership will continue to be offered online.

With these moves, at the end of its lease with the Vermont College of Fine Arts in June 2013, UI&U will close its operation in Montpelier and consolidate its Vermont programs in Brattleboro, where it will administer the Doctor of Psychology, the Master of Arts with a concentration in Counseling Psychology, and the B.A. Weekend programs. Management of the B.A. program will move to Cincinnati, the university’s national headquarters, along with the administration of the online Master of Arts program. Faculty will not be affected as they will continue to teach online across the university and can participate in the Brattleboro weekend option. During the next several months and into next year, the university will transition a number of staff positions. It is estimated that approximately 15 staff positions will be impacted and most of these jobs will be moved to Brattleboro or Cincinnati. Three program adviser positions will not be filled.

Union Institute & University is a non-profit, accredited, private university specializing in adult and distance education since 1964. Union strives to engage, enlighten, and empower students in a lifetime of learning and service. The university’s transformational and socially relevant programs promote creative and critical thinking, and connect scholarship with real-world practice. Flexible online classes, brief residencies, classroom experiences, and hybrid models of instruction lead to undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degrees. Union graduates, including 14 college presidents, leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, members of the United States Congress, and the first female prime minister of Jamaica, promote Union’s legacy of utilizing education to transform lives and communities.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Dr. Jennifer Scott Earns Celebration of Teaching Award


Jennifer Scott, Psy.D. recently earned a Celebration of Teaching award from the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities (GCCCU). Dr. Scott, a faculty member of Union’s Doctor of Psychology program, was honored for her exceptional commitment to quality instruction and student development.

At Union, Dr. Scott manages the clinical assessment sequence of courses, teaches professional development and oversees advanced practicum students. She thrives on quality improvement and is always investigating new methods of instruction. By integrating new technology with multimodal techniques, she has enhanced the content and delivery of her courses.

Dr. Jennifer Scott (left) was honored at the 
25th Annual Celebration of Teaching on November 9, 2012 
Dr. Scott is board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and operates a private practice specializing in psychological assessment and consultation services for rural communities in southwest Ohio. She has participated in the research and development of new clinical assessment instruments, including WASI-II and WISC-V for Pearson Education, Inc. Dr. Scott also recently co-authored “Building Quality Relationships in a Technologically Mediated Learning Environment,” in the August 2012 edition of Ohio Psychologist.


Friday, November 2, 2012

December Online Open House


Saturday, December 1, 2012

10 am (EST) or 12 pm (EST)
















Please join us for Union’s first Online Open House to learn about our online master’s degree programs.

The $50 application fee will be waived for attendees of this event.

Live locally, nationally, or anywhere in the world and enjoy the convenience of distance learning by completing graduate coursework online. Online courses, via a collaborative distance learning environment, provide a structured flexibility around career and family obligations. The dynamic Master of Arts Program offers full and part-time options, enabling students to plan academic studies around their personal schedules. M.A. areas of concentration include Creativity Studies, Health & Wellness, History & Culture, Leadership, Public Policy & Social Issues, and Literature & Writing.

For your convenience, you may select between the 10 am or 12 pm sessions on December 1, 2012.

To participate:

RSVP to admissions@myunion.edu or 513-487-1261

1. Visit http://tui.adobeconnect.com/cincinnatiadmissions
2. Enter as a guest
3. Call 1-866-951-1151, Conference Room # 7744476

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Florida - Winter Open House


Saturday, November 17, 2012
10:00am -2:00pm




Please join us for our Miami, FL winter open house to learn about Union Institute & University’s flexible academic programs. University representatives will be available to answer questions and discuss your educational goals. Classes are forming now. Light refreshments will be provided.

Contact Francis at francis.francois@myunion.edu with questions.


Union Institute & University
Miami Academic Center
16853 N.E. 2nd Ave, Suite 102
North Miami Beach, FL 33162-1746

UI&U Open House at Columbus State Community College

Union Institute & University 
Open House
Tuesday, November 20
6:00-7:30PM | Room 108


Hosted at Columbus State Community College











Gahanna Campus 
380 Granville Street | Suite B
Gahanna, OH 43230


Join us for an Open House to learn about Union Institute & University’s bachelor’s programs available in Columbus, including:
 

•   Criminal Justice Management
•   Business Administration and Business Management
•   Early Childhood Studies
•   Leadership
 

University representatives will be available to answer questions about accelerated completion opportunities, financial aid, and the application/admissions process.

Light refreshments provided.


For more information contact: 

Nikki Lewis
614-373-9967
nikki.lewis@myunion.edu

Free Psychology Webinar

“Substance Abuse Counseling”

Thursday, November 15, 2012
12:15pm - 12:45pm EST















Jerry Fishman, Ph.D., associate dean and faculty in Union’s M.A. with a Concentration in Counseling Psychology will host a webinar on 11/15. 

Dr. Fishman’s presentation “Substance Abuse Counseling,” will feature topics related to counseling psychology and the field of mental health.

This webinar is FREE and open to the public. Contact Hanna to register at hanna.thurber@myunion.edu or 802-257-9411.

Cincinnati, OH - Open House


Thursday, November 15, 2012
6:00 - 7:30pm

















Join us for our Cincinnati open house to learn about Union Institute & University’s flexible bachelor’s and master’s programs. Classes are forming now. Light refreshments provided. University representatives will be available to answer questions and discuss your educational goals. We look forward to seeing you!

If you have questions contact Ken at (513) 487-1252 or ken.fritz@myunion.edu


Union Institute & University
440 East McMillan
Cincinnati, OH 45206








Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Sacramento, CA Open House








Friday, November 9, 2012
11:00am - 1:00pm PST

Meet our professors and learn more about Union Institute & University degree programs. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

For more information call (916) 564-3100 x1511


Union Institute & University
Sacramento Academic Center
160 Promenade Circle, Suite 115
Sacramento, CA 95834

Florida Open House for Education Programs







Monday, November 12, 2012
9:00am - 4:00pm
Are you passionate about teaching? Please join us for our Miami, FL open house to learn about Union Institute & University’s flexible Bachelor of Science academic programs in the field of education. University representatives will be available to answer questions and discuss your goals. Classes are forming now. Light refreshments will be provided.

Earn your B.S. degree in:
Exceptional Student Education: grades K–12
Elementary Education: grades K–6
Secondary Education: grades 6–12

Concentrations are available in English, Social Science, Science, Math, and Early Childhood Education. Professional Preparation courses are also offered for teachers.

Miami Academic Center
1st Floor Conf. Room
16853 N.E. 2nd Ave, Suite 102
North Miami Beach, FL 33162-1746

Contact Francis at francis.francois@myunion.edu or 305-653-7141 X 2130 with questions.

Brattleboro, VT - BA Weekend Experience Day


BA Weekend Experience Day
Brattleboro,VT Academic Center
 


SATURDAY| NOVEMBER 10, 2012
8:30am – 12pm


Join our students, faculty and staff at Union's Brattleboro Academic Center during one of our weekend residencies. Learn about our unique program, designed with working adults in mind.
Continental breakfast will be served.  


For more information and to RSVP contact Paul Moberly
802-257-9411 x8900 | paul.moberly@myunion.edu


Union Institute & University
Brattleboro Academic Center
3 University Way Suite 3
Brattleboro VT 05301-3669

Cincinnati, OH - Returning to College Seminar



How Can I Return to College?

A free, public information session

Monday, November 12, 2012
6:30pm - 9:00pm

Are you thinking about returning to college? You can do it and Union can show you how! Learn how to finish your academic degree while balancing your busy lifestyle at this FREE, public seminar.
RSVP by 11/9:
lifelonglearning@myunion.edu or
(513) 487-1168.

Schedule:

6:30 pm – Light dinner & refreshments
7:00 pm - Dayle Deardurff, J.D. Director, Lifelong Learning will present: selecting a major, projected earnings and occupational growth, choosing a local college, and accreditation.

7:45 pm - Eric Mast, MA, Writing Center Coordinator will present: time management, writing skills, studying, and technology.

8:15 pm - Dr. Carolyn Turner, Dean of Bachelor of Science programs in Cincinnati will present: financing, costs, scholarships, financial aid, transferring credits, and budgeting.
9:00 pm - Closing remarks
Union Institute & University
440 East McMillan
Cincinnati, Ohio 45206

Friday, October 12, 2012

Union Hosts First Conference Day



The Dream No Longer Deferred: The Transformative Power of Education

Keynote Speaker: Peter Block

A Conference Day Featuring Union Institute & University Faculty

Union Institute & University’s inaugural Conference Day was held October 12, 2012 at the university’s Cincinnati Academic Center. Author, consultant and Cincinnati resident Peter Block delivered the keynote address, The Restoration of Community, to a full audience. Other highlights of the day included a compelling discussion of the Role of Leadership and the Community featuring Union Institute & University President Roger Sublett, Ph.D. and Provost Richard Hansen, Ph.D. The afternoon was filled with break-out sessions covering a wide range of topics that reflected the diverse specialties of Union’s faculty.  Subjects included police and school partnerships, wikis, maternal child health, cultural self-awareness, social justice and student debt demonstrations. 

For more information: Conference Day 2012 




Undergraduate Information Session – Brattleboro Center


 


BA Weekend INFORMATION SESSION 
MONDAY | OCTOBER 29, 2012
5:30 - 7pm
Faculty member Ben Mitchell will hold a discussion on “The Challenges and Benefits of Returning to School as an Adult”
Pizza and beverages will be served.
For more information and to RSVP contact Paul Moberly
802-257-9411 x8900 | paul.moberly@myunion.edu
_____________________________________________________

 

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Free Resume and Interview Readiness Seminar & Open House - Sacramento Center


Whether you want to advance your career, increase your earning potential, re-enter the workplace, or complete a degree, Union Institute & University offers personalized educational solutions that recognize your experience, enhance your potential, and fit your schedule.

JOIN US: Resume and Interview Readiness Seminar
October 19, 2012
6pm-8pm

Free to Attend
160 Promenade Circle #115 | Sacramento, CA 95834
Bring a copy of your resume


OPEN HOUSE

November 9th, 2012
11am-1pm

Free to Attend
160 Promenade Circle #115 | Sacramento, CA 95834
Meet professors face to face & learn more about UI&U’s degree programs. Enjoy free refreshments and snacks!


For more information 916-564-3100 x1511

Thursday, May 24, 2012

New Graduate Certificate in Health Education

Union Institute & University Offers New Graduate Certificate in Health Education

CINCINNATI, OHUnion Institute & University (UI&U), a non-profit, accredited university headquartered in Cincinnati, announced today that it is accepting students for admission into the new graduate Certificate in Health Education program.

UI&U is responding to enormous growth in the health field. In the next ten years, according to the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health educators is expected to grow by 37 percent.
This rate of growth is much faster than the average for all occupations.

UI&U’s new certificate in Health Education offers busy adults the opportunity to improve their career potential by engaging in fully online, innovative, and emerging graduate level courses. Courses are aligned with the National Commission for Health Education Credential’s Seven Areas of Responsibilities for Health Educators and their exam application requirements for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential.

According to Dayle Deardurff, UI&U’s director of Lifelong Learning, the program is geared for a new generation of health professionals, educators, dietitians, and other professionals. “Whether a student wants to enhance their resume, build skills, add value to their service with their employer, or explore a new career path, the Certificate in Health Education lays the foundation for students to serve the community as a
pro-active health educator,” Deardurff states.

The Certificate in Health Education is a 15-hour graduate certificate, offered at a flat discounted rate of $6,750, with an additional 9 hours available as optional courses. Two to four courses, (3 credit hours,
8 weeks), will be offered each session. For students who take one course per session, the certificate can
be completed in 10 months. Applications will be accepted starting on June 1, 2012 and classes begin the week of August 27, 2012.

For more information: lifelonglearning@myunion.edu,  513.487.1168 or 800.618.1946

Friday, March 9, 2012

Brattleboro Academic Center To Host Poetry Reading


Union Institute & University’s Brattleboro Academic Center will host a poetry reading with Chard DeNiord, Julia Crane, and Lesle Lewis on Saturday, March 17, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Brattleboro Academic Center located at 3 University Way. Union alumnus and affiliate professor of Liberal Studies, Ben Mitchell, will host the reading. The event is part of an “Experience Day” where prospective students can sit in on various faculty seminars to observe and experience being a student at Union. Optional information sessions on adult student concerns, financial aid, and the application process will also be offered throughout the afternoon

CHARD DENIORD is the author of four books of poetry, The Double Truth (University of Pittsburgh Press, 2011), Night Mowing (The University of Pittsburgh Press, 2005), Sharp Golden Thorn (Marsh Hawk Press, 2003), and Asleep in the Fire (University of Alabama Press, 1990). His book of essays and interviews with seven senior American poets titled Sad Friends, Drowned Lovers, Stapled Songs, Conversations and Reflections on Twentieth Century American Poets was published in December 2011 by Marick Press. He is the cofounder of the New England College M.F.A. program in Poetry and an associate professor of English at Providence College. He lives in Putney, Vermont.

JULIA CRANE is an affiliate professor of Liberal Studies at Union Institute & University. Crane’s poems have appeared in Anthropaphogy, Blood Lotus, Boulevard, Diner, 5AM, Mad Poets Review, Paper Street, Winterhawk Press, and elsewhere. She holds an M.F.A. in Writing and Literature from the Bennington Writing Seminars. Her first book, Twisted Little Love Stories, is coming out from Finishing Line Press this spring.

LESLE LEWIS’ latest book lie down too, is the winner of the 2010 Beatrice Hawley Award. Her previous collections include Small Boat (winner of the 2002 Iowa Poetry Prize) and Landscapes I & II (winner of the Alice James Books New York/New England Prize). Lewis has also published poems in numerous journals including American Letters and Commentary, Northern New England Review, Green Mountains Review, Barrow Street, Sentence, The Massachusetts Review, The Cincinnati Review, Mississippi Review, Jubilat, and many others.

Lewis is a professor of English at Landmark College where she teaches composition, literature, and creative writing courses.
For more information about the poetry reading or UI&U's B.A. programs, contact the Brattleboro Center at 257-9411 or email brattleborocenter@myunion.edu.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

UI&U Board Elects New Chair and Trustee

CINCINNATI – Union Institute & University (UI&U) today announced that Virginia Ruehlmann Wiltse, Ph.D., was elected chair of its board of trustees at its annual meeting on Friday, January 27, 2012. Trustees also approved Union’s new executive committee which includes Dr. Wiltse as chair; Cincinnati-based Don Feldmann, president and CEO of Rippe & Kingston Capital Advisors, Inc., as vice-president and treasurer; and Union President Roger H. Sublett, Ph.D. as secretary. Bruce Weinstein, Ph.D., author of Ethical Intelligence and host of Ask the Ethics Guy on Bloomberg Businessweek online, was elected to serve as a trustee, joining 13 others.

Wiltse, who succeeds Dr. Betty Overton Adkins, is co-founder and director of the Caring Response Madagascar Foundation (CRMF), the Cincinnati-based non-profit that creates and supports programs in education and healthcare for the poor in Madagascar. Wiltse and her son David Wiltse, launched CRMF in 2001. Among the multiple projects launched since its inception are the WomanWorks Initiative micro-lending project; adult literacy and native language books projects; and a creative arts initiative to teach sanitation and hygiene practices to the urban and rural poor. In November 2011, CRMF partnered with U.S. and Malagasy organizations for their largest project to date that provided specialized training, equipment and supplies to Malagasy physicians and midwives to prevent postpartum hemorrhage and handle pre-term and low-birth weight babies.

As the former development director for Seton High School, Wiltse played a pivotal role in a $13.5 million expansion and renovation project that features state-of-the-art science and technology facilities, an enhanced fine arts program, and a 1,000-seat gymnasium. She also previously served as foundations committee chairperson for the Seton capital campaign.

Wiltse has more than 20 years’ experience as a freelance writer, presenter, and multi-media producer. She began her earlier career in broadcast news working for WLWT, AM/FM, Cincinnati WTIC-TV, AM/FM, in Hartford, Connecticut WFSB-TV, Hartford, Connecticut.

Wiltse served for nine years as a trustee of the Sisters of Charity Ministry Foundation and was a member of the fundraising steering committee for the order’s Bayley Place Wellness Center for mature adults. Her numerous honors over the years include the Mother Seton Award for service to the Sisters of Charity and the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for service to Seton High School. In 1984 the Cincinnati Enquirer honored Wiltse as a Woman of the Year for her achievements and community service.

Wiltse earned her Ph.D. from Union in 2000. In addition to her doctorate, she holds an M.A. and a B.A, both in history, from the University of Cincinnati.

Bruce Weinstein, Ph.D.

Union’s newest trustee is nationally recognized ethics consultant and author Bruce Weinstein, Ph.D. Weinstein currently hosts the series Ask the Ethics Guy on Bloomberg Businessweek online, where he also writes an ethics column. His clients include the National Football League, the National Guard (South Carolina Division), the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the National Business Aviation Association, Help Desk International, Vistakon/Johnson & Johnson, Pri-Med Continuing Medical Education, the Eastern Michigan University College of Business, and more than 300 other schools, businesses, and non-profit organizations.

Weinstein has appeared on NBC’s “The Today Show,” ABC’s “Good Morning America,” CNN’s, “Anderson Cooper 360,” CNBC’s “Power Lunch,” MSNBC’s “Live,” and many other national television programs.

Weinstein’s most recent book, Ethical Intelligence: Five Principles for Untangling Your Toughest Problems at Work and Beyond (New World Library, 2011), was recently listed as a top five business book on WashingtonPost.com and a top ten business book in WirtschaftsBlatt, Austria’s only business daily. Weinstein’s work has been published in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Investor’s Business Daily, and Family Circle. He was profiled in the in-flight magazines of American Airlines, Delta Airlines, USAirways, and United Airlines. His previous book, Is It Still Cheating If I Don’t Get Caught? (Macmillan/Roaring Brook Press, 2009), shows tweens and teens how to solve many of the ethical dilemmas they face at school and with family and friends.

Weinstein received a B.A. in philosophy from Swarthmore College, a Ph.D. in philosophy and bioethics from Georgetown University, a certificate in film production from New York University, and is the recipient of a national fellowship from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. He maintains the website, TheEthicsGuy.com.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Lower Tuition Announced for M.Ed. Program

CINCINNATI – As part of its ongoing mission to offer socially relevant and transformational degree opportunities and make them more accessible, and in effort to reach more teachers seeking higher education, Union Institute & University (UI&U) today announced a substantial reduction in its tuition for the Master of Education program, a one-year, accredited, online degree program.

Effective for the April 30, 2012 start date, students enrolled in the M.Ed. online program will pay $399 per credit hour, a reduction of $158 from the original cost of $557 per credit hour. This 28 percent reduction allows M.Ed. students to save more than $5,600 in tuition costs throughout their time in the program.

“Union certainly understands the value of education and how great teachers can impact future generations,” said UI&U President Dr. Roger H. Sublett. “This lowered rate helps us to promote our goal to reach and support great teachers and school districts across the country with a more affordable M.Ed. program, and also to offer a program that encourages and prepares them to become great teachers and great leaders.”

Union’s M.Ed. curriculum embeds National Board core propositions, and has an in-depth focus on social responsibility and leadership. Its online delivery allows students to pursue their graduate degree while maintaining professional and personal responsibilities and follows a 16-week trimester calendar, divided into two eight-week sessions. Students may be eligible for transfer credits and, once graduated, are prepared to participate in the certification process offered through the National Board.

The university is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2012 trimester that begins April 30. For more information about UI&U’s M.Ed. online program contact Josefina Rosario, M.Ed. admissions counselor at 888-828-8575, ext. 2172, or josefina.rosario@myunion.edu.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Got Pie? Brattleboro Center Hosts Pie Palooza Feb. 23

BRATTLEBORO – Union & University’s (UI&U) Brattleboro Center will host their second annual pie making contest, Pie Palooza, from 5:30-7 p.m., February 23, at the River Garden in downtown Brattleboro. The event will feature free pie tastings and hot drinks, live acoustic music by local songwriter and singer Ernesto Sanchez, and games for the kiddies - compliments of the university and Vermont Country Deli.

Pies entered in the contest can be dropped off at the River Garden between 3 and 4:30 p.m. on the 23rd, or pick-up can be arranged by calling UI&U before 5 p.m. on the 22nd. Please arrive at 5:30 p.m. for tastings and introduction of our special judges, Carmen Derby from United Way, Tim Johnson from WTSA Radio and Greg Lesch from the Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce.

The top pie winner, announced at 6p.m., will receive a $50 gift certificate to a Brattleboro business of their choice and the prestigious ‘Pie Palooza’ trophy. Additional prizes for the 2nd and 3rd place runner-ups will also be presented. The night will continue on with more tastings, music, and children’s games including musical chairs, twister, and a bean bag toss. Join us for this family-friendly event during winter carnival week – you won’t be disappointed! The event is free, but all donations will go to United Way.

For more information contact the Brattleboro Center at brattleborocenter@myunion.edu, or at 802-257-9411.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Alumna Re-Elected Prime Minister of Jamaica

CINCINNATI, OH –Union Institute & University alumna Portia Simpson Miller and leader of Jamaica’s People’s National Party (PNP) was re-elected prime minister after the PNP earned the majority vote in the country’s general elections December 29. Simpson Miller, the first female to lead Jamaica, earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Union’s Florida Academic Center in 1997 and expressed her gratitude for her alma mater in her January 5 inaugural address.

“As the newly elected prime minister, the Honorable Portia Simpson Miller brings a wealth of knowledge about public service, commitment to others, and intellect to the office that bodes well for Jamaica in future days. Union is proud to have the Prime Minister as a graduate, and we wish her and her administration well as she continues her impressive leadership journey.” said Union Institute & University President Dr. Roger H. Sublett. “She is one of the most dynamic political leaders I have met in many years; in watching her interact with the people of Jamaica, her love of Jamaica and its people is obvious to all.”




Three representatives from Union, including dean emeritus Dr. Marie Bogat, academic advisor Angela Byles, and former dean Dr. Michael Tredinnick, were invited to attend and represent Union at the prime minister’s inauguration. During the ceremony, Prime Minister Simpson Miller asked each of them to stand up to be acknowledged, and expressed her deep appreciation to her alma mater. “It was such a proud moment for Union,” said Byles. “Although she acknowledged several world dignitaries, Union was the only educational institution mentioned. It was a wonderful moment for Union to be recognized worldwide.” Later, at a reception, Byles was able to present Prime Minister Simpson Miller with a proclamation issued by President Sublett.

Affectionately known throughout Jamaica as “Sista P,” Simpson Miller has consistently advocated for the country’s struggling poor. In her victory speech Thursday night, she vowed to "unearth the greatness that lives in every single Jamaican," despite the country's huge debt burden - the catalyst for the early election that resulted in the ousting of Prime Minister Andrew Holness and the ruling Jamaican Labor Party. According to Jamaican news station TVJ, the PNP won 41 seats in the Jamaican parliament and the labor party earned just 22 seats. The Miami Herald called the election a “landslide victory” for Simpson Miller and the People’s National Party.

The 66-year-old Simpson Miller was first elected Jamaican prime minister in 2006. During her year-and-a-half long tenure, she forged a reputation as a leader who championed for the needs of the underserved. Now back in office, she has promised to create jobs and help lift Jamaica out of its current financial crisis. “We are going to form a partnership with you, the Jamaican people. A partnership with the private sector, a partnership with the media, and a partnership with civil society,” she said in her victory speech Thursday.

In 2001, Union awarded Simpson Miller with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters at the Florida Academic Center’s commencement ceremonies, where she served as commencement speaker. Prior to serving as president of the PNP, she held numerous roles for the Jamaican government including minister of local government and sport, minister of labor, and minister of tourism and sports. She served as vice president of the PNP from 1978 to 2006.