The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FREEPORT - Veteran educator Donald McCartney has been named VIP Member of Worldwide Who's Who for Excellence in Education Administration and Public Service. This special distinction recognises individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to achieving personal and professional success. Mr McCartney, the vice-principal of Administration, Planning and Curriculum at Sunland Baptist Academy, attributed his success to his strong work ethic, determination, and love for education. He has more than 48 years of valuable experience in education and public service, and has served as vice-principal for the past year at Sunland. Mr McCartney held many public positions in the Public Service. He served as First Assistant Secretary in the Department of Public Service and retired in 2011. He also served as a diplomat at the Bahamas High Commission in Ottawa, Canada, and as a Senior Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Agriculture, Trade, and Industry. He was also deputy chief officer at the Passport Office in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the area of education, Mr McCartney was an adjunct professor of English Language and Communication for the College of the Bahamas. He taught the same courses at Nova Southeastern University (Bahamas Programme). At Grand Bahama Catholic High, he taught language arts, speech, and literature. He also served as Dean of Student Development, and the head of the English Department. Mr McCartney is also an accomplished public speaker, community activist, and youth mentor. In 2003, he was the first public servant to receive the Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship, which allowed him to pursue postgraduate studies at Georgia State University. He and his wife, Betty, were awarded the Kingdom Key Award for their contribution to the development of education in the Bahamas. Mr McCartney is the author of two books: "Bahamian Culture and Factors Which Impact Upon It," published March 2004; and "Variations: A Selection of Thirty Poems," published October 2007. He is currently working on a third book, "Grand Bahama: An Historical Perspective - A Compilation of Essays 1787-2005." Mr McCartney is expected to receive his Doctorate in Management in Organisation Leadership from the University of Phoenix in June-July 2012. He holds a Master of Public Administration, with a minor in Planning and Economic Development from Georgia State University in 2005. He also earned his Master of Science Education in Curriculum Instruction, with Honours, and a certificate in Advance Management, both from the University of Miami. Mr McCartney attended University of South Carolina, receiving his Bachelor's of Arts in Speech Communication and a Cognate in Education in 1976. He completed his certification from the Bahamas Teachers' College in 1966. He is a member of ASCD, the Phi Beta Delta Honour Society for International Scholars and the Phi Alpha National Honour Society for Graduates in Public Administration and Public Affairs. He is the recipient of Cacique Award from the Ministry of Tourism for his contributions in the development of human resources in the Bahamas. He is married to the former Betty Leona Minnis. They are parents of two daughters, Donette and Dawn. He is also father figure and mentor to many young people.