At its graduation ceremony held on June 29, 2019, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), formerly the Caribbean Union College, in Trinidad, conferred the distinction of Honorary Doctorate on a highly respected spiritual leader of the Caribbean – Dr. Jansen Trotman.
Dr. Trotman, who graduated from Caribbean Union College and Andrews University (Michigan, USA), is considered an astute theologian and has served the Seventh-day Adventist Church in various capacities: Pastor and president of the North Caribbean Conference (NCC); president of the Caribbean Union Conference; and, Administrative Field Secretary, Leadership Trainer, and Family Ministries Director of the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (SDA). He has been married to Dr. Gloria Trotman for 47 years – they are Certified Family Life Educators and still enjoy conducting seminars on all aspects of the family. They currently live in Killeen, Texas, near Fort Hood.
In response to his recently bestowed Doctor of Divinity degree, Dr. Trotman said, “It was a very gratifying moment of my life to be given this recognition of my service for God which spans over forty six years and so many have contributed to my success. My own wife, Dr. Gloria Trotman, has been my biggest fan and solid support all the years. Sincerest thanks to the USC Board of Directors and my many well-wishers.”
Dr. Jansen Trotman, who hails from St. Kitts, served as the NCC President from 1994 to 1999, after which he was called to serve as the President of the Caribbean Union. The current NCC President, Pastor Desmond James, remarked, “Congratulations! On behalf of the North Caribbean Conference, we joyously celebrate your achievement. As a son of the soil, we are proud of you. You have been an outstanding example, mentor and coach for many young preachers and leaders. Thank you for your invaluable contribution to NCC and may God bless you richly.”
Over the years, Dr. Trotman has been an inspiration to pastors and members throughout the Inter-American Division. Several SDA leaders shared congratulatory remarks:
Dr. Colrick Wilson, Provost of the Oakwood University, shared, “Congratulations, Dr. Trotman. You are a scholar, a gentleman, a mentor, a preacher, a friend, an administrator, [and] a man of God.”
Dr. Shirley McGarrell, retired Vice President of USC Administration, said, “Highest congratulations Dr. Jansen! Wow! God is good! It was so nice to watch you and Dr. Gloria on the Graduation Live Stream! Dr. Roy joins me in wishing you both God’s continued blessings.”
Dr. Clinton Valley, former USC President, said, “Congratulations, Jansen. This is a well-deserved recognition for your diligent and very professional service over all those years.”
In 1996, Drs. Gloria and Jansen Trotman received the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding work in Family Life Education from Family Life International, Andrews University. A few years later, the Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists extended a similar honor to them. Many regard Dr. Trotman as a great pastor, teacher, mentor and all-round scholar. He has served God, the SDA members and the wider community very well.