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The Center for the Study of Spirituality and Professionalism (CSAP) represents one of the initiatives for greatness instituted by UVI President Dr. David Hall and will serve as a catalyst and a source of support for research in this field as it applies to the professions, particularly, law, business, health, education and counseling psychology.
"Through this new Center we will offer courses, speakers, symposia and continuing education seminars for the leadership community and others. It will be a leading center and storehouse of knowledge and resources for the study of spirituality and professionalism in the Virgin Islands and around the world," said Dr. Hall in announcing the milestone in the University's development.
The launch will be open to students, faculty and staff of the University, and to members of the larger Virgin Islands community, without charge. Portions of the conference will be aired live on Radio One, AM 1000, and on Reef Broadcasting, AM 1620. The symposium will also be streamed live via WTJX Public Television in its entirety.
Anchoring the symposium will be Gwen Sherwood, Ph.D., whose keynote presentation will address issues of spirituality in the workplace and professions, and its role in the process of treatment and healing. Sherwood is a professor and associate dean for Academic Affairs at the University of North Carolina, School of Nursing, at Chapel Hill.
Gosnell L. Yorke, dean of Graduate Studies and professor of Religion at the Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Jamaica, will lead a discussion on "Race and Gender in Interpretations of the Bible" as a part of a panel dealing with spirituality and social issues. Yorke is also an adjunct professor at the University of South Africa and has been involved with research on possible linguistic linkages between the Bible and Rastafarianism.
Other panelists will address spirituality from both lay and religious perspectives and will discuss its importance in professional growth and development. An interactive workshop on the spirituality of music will feature members of the University's faculty, staff and student body. The last workshop of the day, which will center on workplace issues, will begin at 5:30 p.m. to accommodate persons who may only be available at the end of the workday.
Persons interested in attending the symposium may register online at the University's website at www.uvi.edu, at this direct link or by calling Tregenza. A. Roach in the Office of the President at (340) 693-1240. Additional information also may be obtained by calling the University's Public Relations Office at (340) 693-1056.