AME clergywoman appointed to academic post at Caribbean Graduate School of Theology
It was a call she never expected. Dr Denise Braxtonbrown Smith however believes that, her appointment as Interim Academic Dean at the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology (CGST) earlier this year, was divinely ordered by God.
Smith, an educator, counselling psychologist and director of The Counselling Centre at the CGST, admitted that her role is a massive and daunting undertaking but one she is determined to fulfill, in order to collaboratively advance the goals of the institution.
“I have never been so surprised in my academic career (appointment as Academic Dean). It is indeed an honor to ensure that the quality and integrity of all of the academic functions of the institution are met with the highest standards,” Smith shared.
Born and raised in Washington D.C, USA, she explained that the desire to be an educator was never an aspiration for her. Her passion was and still is mental health and wellbeing. There was a slight shift however, after reading several pieces of Literature from one of her mentors, Franz Fanon. She was moved by his confidence and his ability to transform mindsets through education. Additionally, being raised during a time of heightened racism, poverty, political and economic unrest, Smith decided that education and her passion to see individuals emotionally healed, could be avenues through which she could contribute to the solution.
Her teaching journey in Jamaica, began in 2017, when she came to the island on behalf of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church. She served as the pastor for the Wright’s and Selby’s Temple African Methodist Episcopal Churches. She was initially hired by the Jamaica Theological Seminary (JTS) in Kingston. During her tenure, Smith was approached by the CGST to conduct a class on Group Dynamics and Techniques in Psychotherapy. She never looked back.
Smith believes with the help of the Lord, a major accomplishment for her would be that the institution is known not just for academic excellence and rigor, but one that exemplifies care of the whole person.
It is also Smith’s hope that, The Counselling Centre, which is owned by the CGST, will be an instrumental part of alleviating the emotional and mental burden that many Jamaicans encounter on a daily basis.
“I believe The Counselling Center of CGST is in a position to increase community service and outreach by providing a 24-hour Hotline service for those in need. In this so called “new normal” way of living since the pandemic, psychologists, counselors and health care professionals are the first line of defense against mental collapse.”
“Many persons are living day-to-day in a state of panic, anxiety and fear. Others are distressed, depressed and feel powerless in controlling the new lifestyle that has been thrust upon us. We have been trained for such a time as this,” she said.
It is also her desire to, “leave behind strong foundations in organizational structure that operate in a smooth and consistent manner, regardless of whom is at the helm. These structures should be able to be continuously built upon to take the school to an even higher level of competence in quality education.”
Having a passion for holistic development she shared that she is a health fanatic. As such she enjoys playing tennis, running, lifting weights and anything to work up a good sweat.
Smith is clear however, that all her achievements and accolades, would not have been possible without the help of the Holy Spirit. As a result, she is intentional about remaining in the peace of God and living on purpose.
