Photo: Dr. Cleghorne speaking at the 2019 United Student Movement’s (USM) Inauguration Ceremony

Photo Credit: Jaleel James

By: Rasheen Nangle

Vice President (VP) of Student Services at Northern Caribbean University (NCU), Dr. Newton Cleghorne died early this morning.

His passing has been confirmed by Associate VP of Student Services, Carolyn Smith who said she was too distraught to give a statement.

Reports are that he was hospitalized after falling ill with the COVID-19 virus.

The death of the eminent 67-year-old Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) preacher has jolted the NCU family. Students and workers at NCU have been reacting to the news.

President of the United Student Movement (USM), Neil Brivette says Cleghorne is irreplaceable and will be fondly remembered. 

“Our hearts are in pain from this sad news. Dr. Cleghorne was more than just the VP of Student Services- he was a friend to the students. We saw him, we felt his presence, and we experienced his love for youth. He was a part of the USM family, and he will be greatly missed- for no one can replace him,” he said.

Dr. Cleghorne was appointed Vice President for Student Services on September 1, 2016 after serving as Dean for the School of Religion and Theology for 10 years.  

He also served as Site Coordinator for the Inter-American Adventist Theological Seminary (IATS) at NCU.  

Prior to joining NCU, Dr. Cleghorne served as youth ministries director for the Northeastern Conference of SDAs and Church Pastor in the United States of America and Jamaica. 

He leaves behind his wife, Dr. Wayne Ireland Cleghorne and other family and friends.