The University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine Campus has described late Emerita Professor Hazel Simmons-McDonald as a visionary scholar whose work helped to shape Caribbean education and linguistic thought.
In a statement issued following her death in Barbados on Sunday, at the age of 78, the Campus paid tribute to Simmons-McDonald’s lifelong dedication to education, particularly in the areas of English and Creole language instruction.
“Professor Simmons-McDonald’s scholarship advanced the understanding and teaching of English and Creole in Caribbean contexts, championing inclusive, culturally grounded approaches to language education,” the statement read. “Her work was instrumental in bridging academic theory and classroom practice, particularly through her development of curricula that responded to the linguistic realities of Caribbean students.”
She was widely regarded as a pioneer in the field of open and distance learning. As the first principal of The UWI Open Campus, Simmons-McDonald played a leading role in expanding the university’s reach and inclusivity.
“A pioneering force in open and distance education, Simmons-McDonald’s leadership helped to reimagine access to higher education across the region,” UWI said. “She laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and flexible university model, extending UWI’s reach to underserved communities.”
Her academic publications, including Exploring the Boundaries of Caribbean Creole Languages and Writing in English, challenged traditional pedagogical frameworks and advocated for the inclusion of Creole in formal educational settings.
The St Augustine Campus said it honours Simmons-McDonald’s life and work and offered condolences to her family, colleagues, and students across the region.
