The University of the Caribbean (UNICARIBE), led by its Chancellor, Dr. José Alejandro Aybar M., held a heartfelt recognition ceremony in honor of Samuel L. Ferguson, a distinguished leader in higher education in the United States, by naming one of the classrooms in the university’s Graduate Studies Building after him.

During the ceremony, the commemorative plaque for the “Samuel L. Ferguson Classroom” was unveiled alongside a portrait of the honoree and an inscription highlighting his remarkable career and the achievements that inspired this permanent recognition by UNICARIBE’s Board of Directors.

Samuel L. Ferguson devoted more than four decades to advancing higher education and adult education in the United States. For 43 years, he served with the Florida Department of Education, where he was Executive Director of the Commission for Independent Education (CIE). In that role, he led significant regulatory reforms, promoted the modernization of Florida’s private higher education system, and contributed to the development of policies that later served as models for other states across the country.

Widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading authorities on higher education regulation, institutional licensure, and quality assurance, Ferguson played a pivotal role in establishing Florida’s first state financial aid program for students attending private postsecondary institutions. Throughout his career, he testified on numerous occasions before the Florida Legislature and the United States Congress as an expert in higher education policy.

UNICARIBE Chancellor Dr. José Alejandro Aybar M. emphasized that this tribute represents an expression of the university’s gratitude to an individual whose legacy has extended far beyond the borders of the United States and has had a significant impact on the development of higher education in the Dominican Republic.

“Samuel L. Ferguson embodies the values of excellence, quality, and integrity in higher education. His support was instrumental in the internationalization of our university, and his experience continues to inspire the educational transformation initiatives we are advancing from the Dominican Republic,” said Dr. Aybar.

The university also recalled that, in 2014, Ferguson, together with the technical team of the Commission for Independent Education, led the evaluation process that resulted in the approval of the license authorizing UNICARIBE COLLEGE to operate in the United States as a Dominican-founded university established in the State of Florida—one of the most significant milestones in the institution’s internationalization.

During his recent visit to the Dominican Republic, Ferguson participated as a guest of UNICARIBE in the National Consultation for the Reform of Dominican Education, an initiative led by the Ministry of Public Administration (MAP), the Ministry of Education (MINERD), the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCyT), and the National Institute for Technical and Vocational Training (INFOTEP). During the event, he shared international experiences and best practices in higher education regulation, quality assurance, and educational development.

As part of his agenda, Ferguson met with Dr. Rafael Santos Badía, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCyT); Mayra Morla, Director of INFOTEP; Radhamés Mejía, Coordinator of the Technical Team for the Education Reform and a highly respected educator; and Luis Miguel De Camps, Minister of Education (MINERD). During these meetings, they exchanged perspectives on the future of education in the Dominican Republic and the far-reaching educational transformation currently underway in the country.

At the conclusion of these meetings, Ferguson expressed his support for the education reform initiative, stating:

“It is necessary to move forward with the transformation of Dominican education. If improvements need to be made afterward, they can always be made. The government should not hesitate simply because the reforms may not be perfect from the outset. There will always be room for improvement. What we cannot do is leave things as they are.”

His remarks were welcomed by academic and government authorities as a strong endorsement from one of the world’s most experienced voices in higher education regulation and quality assurance.

The commemorative plaque concludes by stating that the designation of the “Samuel L. Ferguson Classroom” serves as a permanent recognition, “as a testament to our respect, admiration, and gratitude for his invaluable legacy in advancing education.”

Among those attending the ceremony were Chris Georgetti, international consultant and higher education advisor to the State of Florida; Shahily Pimentel, Vice President of the Foundation’s Board; Emilio Mínguez, Vice President of the University’s Board; Gary Cabrera, Vice President for Digital Transformation; Altagracia Tavares, Vice President for Interinstitutional Relations; Julián Peña, Vice President for Research; Dean Edith de Moya; as well as university directors, administrative officials, and members of the university community.

Through this recognition, UNICARIBE reaffirms its commitment to honoring individuals whose vision, leadership, and dedication have strengthened higher education, advanced the university’s internationalization, and contributed to the academic development of the Dominican Republic, leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations of students who will learn in the Samuel L. Ferguson Classroom.