In a recent interview on Beyond the Headlines on the Grenada Broadcasting Network (GBN), Dr. Marios Loukas, president of St. George’s University and dean of the School of Medicine emphasized the transformative role of tertiary education in Grenada’s growth and development.
Speaking with host Colin Dowe, Dr. Loukas reflected on SGU’s nearly five-decade journey and its continued commitment to national and regional development.
Watch full interview on Beyond the Headlines
A 20-year commitment to Grenada
Appointed president in July 2025, Dr. Loukas shared that while he is six months into his presidency, he has been part of the SGU community in Grenada since 2005.
“I’ve been part of SGU in Grenada since 2005, and over the years I’ve come to consider myself Grenadian,” Dr. Loukas said. “For two decades, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the University’s continuous growth and evolution—and preserving that culture of progress will be essential as we move forward.”
His long-standing tenure, he explained, provides a strong foundation as the University prepares to mark a significant milestone.
Celebrating 50 years of growth
Dr. Loukas traced SGU’s origins to 1976, when founding chancellor, Dr. Charles Modica signed the agreement with the Government of Grenada to establish the University. The first class of medical students followed soon after in January of 1977, marking the beginning of what has become a comprehensive institution.
Over the decades, SGU expanded to include the School of Veterinary Medicine, School of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Graduate Studies, offering programs in nursing, business, as well as an accredited public health program.
With its 50th anniversary spanning 2026 and 2027, SGU’s two-year celebration marking five decades of impact is already underway. Beginning with the launch of its 50th Anniversary Scholarship, SGU is currently offering $50,000 USD in tuition support for applicants who submit a complete 4-year MD or MDReady application between now and December 31, 2026.
“Starting as a medical school and growing into multiple schools and programs has been a very exciting trajectory for the University,” Dr. Loukas said. “Celebrating 50 years—over two years—is something very special for any institution.”
The milestone, he noted, reflects both sustained growth and strong partnership with Grenada.
Education as a strategic pillar
Throughout the discussion, Dr. Loukas emphasized that tertiary education must be viewed as a central component of national development, not only as an academic pursuit, but as a driver of opportunity, workforce readiness, and long-term economic strength and resilience.
“We quite often talk about education in broad terms, but when you look at the outcomes—training doctors, veterinarians, nurses, and public health professionals—you see how directly it contributes to society,” he said. “That is the real impact of tertiary education.”
He also spoke about SGU’s forward-looking vision, noting that the University continues to explore new programs and strategic initiatives that will strengthen its academic portfolio while remaining aligned with Grenada’s needs and national priorities. As an example, he referenced the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TAMCC to develop joint degrees and collaborative academic programs.
As part of SGU’s strategic plan, “We have plans to establish additional schools, including a School of Software Engineering and Computer Sciences and a School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, along with continued institutional expansion,” Dr. Loukas said in his closing remarks. “SGU is very proud to be located in Grenada. Our partnership with the government and the people of Grenada has been essential to our success, and we look forward to continuing to grow together.”
