The Sandals Corporate University (SCU) has taken a bold and inspiring step in the development of its team members by collaborating with yet another prestigious international institution, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
On Friday, March 7, SCU signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Canada-based university at Sandals Montego Bay. This MOU aims to enhance academic and workforce development in hospitality, tourism, business and management fields through TMU’s Ted Rogers School of Management.
As part of this collaboration, both institutions will facilitate internships and placements at Sandals and Beaches Resorts while developing specialised executive training programmes to further strengthen the skills and expertise of team members.
Senior Corporate Director of the SCU, Dr. Luz Longsworth, highlighted that the MOU is already bearing fruit, with new projects in development.
“These initiatives will include an exciting suite of courses on cutting-edge topics for our leaders and team members in areas such as digital innovation, strategic communication, mindfulness in leadership and big data in strategic decision-making,” Dr. Longsworth stated.
These initiatives are set to launch later this year.
Meanwhile, Provost and Vice President of Toronto Metropolitan University, Dr. Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, said she had the opportunity to witness Sandals’ operations firsthand over the past few days, including the resort brand’s annual Prestige Awards, which honour outstanding team members.
“It was clear the importance Sandals places on community and well-being. I can see that reflected in your team, and you should be really proud,” Iannacito-Provenzano expressed to Sandals Resorts’ Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart. “What I saw is that people truly care for each other. We are proud to collaborate with institutions like Sandals that embody these values.”
This marks the third such MOU for SCU, following similar engagements with the UWI Global Campus and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College. Notable collaborations also include ongoing initiatives with Florida International University and Les Roches School of Global Hospitality.
Delivering the keynote address at the signing, Stewart underscored SCU’s commitment to aligning with internationally recognised universities to enhance hospitality training and create learning pathways for team members.
He expressed pride in the impact of the Sandals Corporate University on its team members not just in Jamaica, but across the Caribbean.
“This is the Caribbean Dream. This company has demonstrated that what originates from the Caribbean can stand proudly on the world stage—provided we give our people the opportunity,” Stewart stated. “Being able to create connections like this with TMU is truly impactful. On behalf of our 18,000-plus team members and the students who will benefit from exchange programmes, I say thank you for the confidence and the opportunity to collaborate with Toronto Metropolitan University.”
Captions:
Caption 1 – Provost and Vice President of the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Dr. Roberto Ianncito-Provenzano, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts Adam Stewart, and Senior Corporate Director of the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) Dr Luz Longsworth sign a memorandum of understanding between SCU and TMU.
Caption 2 – From left: Dean of Ted Rogers School of Management Dr. Cynthia Holmes, Provost and Vice President of the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Dr. Roberto Ianncito-Provenzano, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts Adam Stewart, Senior Corporate Director of the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) Dr Luz Longsworth, and Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang after signing a memorandum of understanding between SCU and TMU recently.
Caption 3 – Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts Adam Stewart (third from left) is captured in the audience at the signing of the MOU between the Sandals Corporate University and Toronto Metropolitan University.
Caption 4 – General Manager of Sandals Montego Bay, Christopher Elliott, an alumnus of Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), receives a piece of memorabilia from the university, presented by Provost and Vice President Dr. Roberto Iannicito-Provenzano (left). Looking on is Dr. Cynthia Holmes, Dean of TMU’s Ted Rogers School of Management (right).About Sandals® Resorts:
Family-owned Sandals® Resorts offers adults-only getaways that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Pioneers of the all-inclusive vacation experience in the region, Sandals has 17 beachfront resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Curaçao, and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, each reflecting the genuine vibe of its island home. From local food favorites and global flavors to butler service and signature suites, including the Caribbean’s first Overwater Villas, Sandals makes it easy for guests to go all in on vacation mode. Beyond the resort gates, immersive destination experiences, like a newly piloted Island Inclusive dining program and MINI Coopers for island exploration, raise the bar on the all-inclusive vacation. Championing the region it calls home, Sandals demonstrates the transformative power of tourism and its impact on lives through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation. For more information, visit www.sandals.com.
