Dr. Austin Wright appointed principal of Portmore Community College

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Jan 20, 2026 11:27 AM | Education
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Dr Andrea Nickle-Higgins (left), senior vice principal, administration and operations, and Dr Austin Wright, newly appointed principal of Portmore Community College.

Portmore Community College (PCC) has ushered in a new chapter of leadership with the official appointment of Dr. Austin George Alphonso Wright as its principal. The announcement, made Friday, highlights a strategic shift aimed at strengthening the institution’s mission of “educating beyond boundaries.”

Dr. Wright, who holds an impressive array of credentials, brings over 38 years of extensive experience in education, mental health advocacy, and community development to the role. A trained educator, counsellor, and academic researcher, he is widely recognized for his dedication to advancing psychological services and educational excellence in Jamaica.

“As a highly respected educator and leader with decades of experience in secondary and tertiary education, mental health, and community development, Dr. Wright is poised to strengthen PCC’s mission of excellence and opportunity,” the college stated.

In addition to his new appointment, Dr. Wright currently serves as the North Eastern Regional Representative on the Jamaican Psychological Society executive council, where he advocates for improved mental health resources and professional collaboration. In a recent statement of his professional vision, he emphasized his commitment to “ensuring that our society remains responsive to the needs of our members and the communities we serve.”

The transition also marks the conclusion of Dr. Andrea Nickle-Higgins’ tenure as acting principal, a role she held with distinction for the past two years. PCC expressed “deepest gratitude” for her outstanding leadership during the interim period. Dr. Nickle-Higgins has now returned to her permanent position as senior vice principal for administration and operations, where she will continue to contribute to the college’s strategic operations.

Students and staff have greeted the announcement with optimism, anticipating that Dr. Wright’s background in counselling and educational leadership will foster a supportive and progressive campus environment.

PCC, a cornerstone of tertiary education in the Portmore community, continues to emphasize innovation, access, and holistic development under its new principal.

The Portmore Community College (PCC) was established in 1992 in the sunshine municipality of Portmore and operates two campuses - Portmore and Old Harbour - with over 2,400 students.