Kyza A. Callwood, PhD

Kyza A. Callwood, new generation of leadership for change, is a graduate of the University of the Virgin Islands with a Master of Public Administration, Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration (magna cum laude) and Associate of Arts Degree in Business Management. He also holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change with an emphasis in Education/Academic Leadership for Change.  His pursuit of his doctorate stemmed from a strong desire to assist in inspiring, challenging and nurturing the minds of the youth, particularly in his home, the United States Virgin Islands. It is his belief that obtaining this degree would be the perfect tool to propel him forward in his quest to serve as a resource to the community in youth development.  Also, Kyza is Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certified, Lean Culture Certified and is a Certified Ethics Associate.

In 2009, Kyza was selected among his peers on the collegiate level to serve as the Student Representative to the University of the Virgin Islands Board of Trustees.  During his term, he was instrumental in starting the process to revisit the General Education requirements which hindered students from graduating timely.  Also, he took an active leadership role in membership for the approval of a new Master of Arts degree program in Psychology with a concentration in Counseling at the University.  That following year, Kyza A. Callwood was selected as a scholar recipient of the Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall College Scholarship Fund. 

In 2012, Kyza had the distinct opportunity to substitute teach a diverse group of students in 1st grade – Jane E. Tuitt Elementary School, 9th thru 12th in Business Education, and English subject areas at the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, and 7th and 8th in Social Studies at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School. During that time, Kyza developed excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills, enabling him to interact with a wide range of individuals.  Furthermore, his talents allowed him to face new challenges daily, serve as one of the designers and editors for accreditation materials for the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, wherein all pertinent information were presented to the Middle States Accreditation Team which garnered accreditation until 2019, and successfully handled any situation or challenge within the classroom or during recess.

“When I entered the field of education, I realized my dream and was able to share my acquired knowledge with students. I hope to continue to share the lessons that I have learned along the way from my prior job-related experiences, and encourage all students and teachers to always offer their very best”, Kyza said.

Being innovative and creative, Kyza is credited for many major initiatives and active roles in community outreach programs and contributions to volunteer services, such as Golden Key International Honour Society (member/former Induction Chair), University of the Virgin Islands Afternoon on the Green Annual Friendraiser (Co-Chair/Volunteer/Entertainment Chair), University of the Virgin Islands Annual Giving and Alumni Affairs (volunteer), SPARKS Youth Group (Former Dance Choreographer), Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School (Pageant Co-Chair/Master of Ceremonies), Emanuel Benjamin Oliver Elementary School (Pageant Master of Ceremonies), Caribbean Ritual Dancers (Christmas Program Master of Ceremonies) and USVI American Red Cross (Public Affairs/Fundraising). 

Additionally, he is always at the helm of many projects to include being a pageant coach, fashion/parade script composer, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas Leo Club (Past President), USVI American Cancer Society Relay for Life (Past Recognition Lead), We From Upstreet Inc. (Treasurer/Immediate Past President), and currently a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Charlotte Amalie (Treasurer), just to name a few.

Kyza was recently elected to serve on the Virgin Islands Board of Education by the people of the Virgin Islands. He believes that in order to promote active participation and facilitate all styles of learners and abilities, thereby enhancing both the academic and social dexterity of students, the VI Board of Education has to work on cultivating strong working relationships with students, parents and colleagues to sustain a positive and nurturing school community.  Also, he noted that student success is the primary focus of education, and he will become an active proponent for student success with an enthusiastic model approach that will encourage students to rise to the occasion, reach for the star of success and realize their dreams.  Kyza is the current Chairperson of the School Plants and Facilities committee.

Last but certainly not least, Kyza believes strongly in the quote, “The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow, but do good anyway.”