Recognising Educators and Researchers, Sharing the Future of Trinidad and Tobago

UTT hosted the combined Excellence in Teaching Award (EiTA) and Excellence in Research Award (EiRA) Ceremony on Wednesday 25 February, 2026. The event brought together faculty, university leadership, and award recipients in celebration of excellence in teaching and research.

The ceremony opened with formal greetings from Professor Rean Maharaj, President (Ag.), followed by remarks from Professor Selwyn Cudjoe, O.R.T.T., Executive Chairman of the Board of Governors, who reflected on the importance of recognising the dedication and achievements of UTT's academic community.

The keynote address was delivered by Senator Professor the
Honourable Prakash Persad (Emeritus), Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, who emphasised the critical role that educators and researchers play in shaping national development through knowledge creation, innovation, and student engagement.

During the ceremony, faculty members were recognised for their outstanding contributions to teaching and research across multiple programme areas. The presentation of the Excellence in Teaching Awards at the Programme Level acknowledged faculty whose teaching practices demonstrate innovation, student engagement, and a commitment to academic excellence. As each award was presented, brief biographies of the awardees were read, highlighting their achievements and contributions to their respective disciplines.

The programme then continued with the presentation of the Excellence in Research Awards for Early Career and Instructor-Level Researchers, recognising emerging scholars whose research is contributing to knowledge development and innovation within their fields.

A musical interlude added a memorable moment to the event with a performance of "We Are UTT," the university's song. The piece written by Ms Naomi Phill, a past student of UTT's Bachelor of Fine Arts in the Performing Arts, was performed by Ms Elizabeth Waldron. Following the performance, the ceremony proceeded with the presentation of the Excellence in Teaching Award at the Institutional Level, recognising the educator whose teaching practice represents the highest standard of teaching excellence across the university. This cycle's Institutional Level winner, Ms Monica Boodhan, joins the esteemed ranks of previous recipients Mr Aaron Ameerali (2023) and Ms Nancy herrera (2021).

The event continued with the presentation of the Excellence in Research Awards for Senior Career Researchers, celebrating faculty members whose sustained contributions to research have significantly advanced scholarship and innovation at UTT. The Senior Career Researcher Awards were presented to Dr Reia Guppy and Professor David Alexander.

The ceremony concluded with congratulatory remarks and a vote of thanks delivered by the Assistant Vice President, Research, Impact and Postgraduate Studies, and Assistant Vice President, Undergraduate Studies, bringing the day's celebration of academic excellence to a close.

Senator Professor the Honourable Prakash Persad (Emeritus), Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training (front row, fifth from left), with Dr Colwick Wilson, President, University of The Southern Caribbean (front row, fourth from left), Professor Selwyn R. Cudjoe, O.R.T.T., Executive Chairman, UTT (back row, fourth from right) and Professor Rean Maharaj, President (Ag.), UTT (back row, third form right) with the recipients of UTT's 2025 Excellence in Teaching and Excellence in Research Awards.

Ms Monica Boodhan, Senior Instructor, Foundation Courses, and 2025 Institutional Level Winner of UTT's Excellence in Teaching Award