Bio
Dr. Arlette Herry is Interim Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences, Vice President for Multicultural Affairs, and Chair of the Department of Medical Humanities & History of Medicine at St. George’s University. A health psychologist by training, she holds a Ph.D. and MPhil in Health Psychology from Walden University and graduate and undergraduate degrees in psychology from Midwestern State University. Dr. Herry has played a key role in developing innovative academic programs, including the M.Sc. in Clinical Community Psychology, and has led initiatives that promote inclusive education and student success. Her research focuses on health equity, psychosocial determinants of health, and community well-being in Caribbean populations. Beyond academia, she is deeply engaged in community and professional service, collaborating with government agencies and community organizations on initiatives such as Psychological First Aid training, health literacy, and stress management programs. Through her leadership, teaching, and scholarship, Dr. Herry continues to advance inclusive education, public health awareness, and community-centered psychological practice in the Caribbean and beyond.
Professional Philosophy
As a psychologist and academic leader, my professional philosophy is grounded in the belief that education is both a transformative intellectual endeavor and a deeply human process. I approach teaching, leadership, and scholarship through a lens that values evidence-based practice, psychological insight, and a commitment to inclusive learning environments. Drawing on principles from psychological science—such as the importance of belonging, motivation, and self-efficacy—I strive to create spaces where students, faculty, and staff can develop their full potential while engaging critically with real-world issues.
In my role as an educator, I view learning as an active and collaborative process that encourages inquiry, reflection, and the integration of theory in applied settings. As a leader in academia, I am committed to fostering institutional cultures that promote equity, intellectual curiosity, and continuous improvement. Through mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and rigorous scholarship, I aim to advance both the academic mission of the institution and the well-being of the communities we serve.
Research & Interests
- Dr. Herry’s scholarship centers on health equity, community health, and psychosocial determinants of well-being, particularly in Caribbean populations.
- Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals including SAGE Open, Journal of Religion & Health, and the Pan American Journal of Public Health, addressing topics such as vaccine hesitancy, coping during COVID-19, and the lived experiences of marginalized communities.
- Current projects include Perceptions of Primary Health Care in Grenada; co-development of a tool – DREEM20 – to explore faculty’s perceptions of the learning environment, and Weight Bias in Higher Education.
Academic Degrees
- Ph.D., Health Psychology – Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, USA (2020)
- MPhil, Health Psychology – Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, USA (2019)
- M.A., Clinical Psychology – Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, TX, USA (1998)
- B.S., Psychology, Magna Cum Laude – Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, TX, USA (1995)
Administrative Appointments
- Interim Dean, School of Arts & Sciences St. George’s University (Feb 2026–Present)
- Vice President for Multicultural Affairs St. George’s University (July 2025–Present)
- Assistant Dean of Multicultural Affairs, School of Medicine St. George’s University (July 2021–June 2025)
- Ombudsperson St. George’s University (Aug 2020–June 2025)
- Director, Master of Arts in Clinical Community Psychology St. George’s University (2018–Present)
- Academic Advisor, AADS Dean of Basic Sciences Office (2018–2025)
- Co-Director, Master of Science in Clinical Community Psychology St. George’s University (2016–2018)
- Coordinator, Combined Degree Program (Premedical Program) St. George’s University (2006–2018)
Course Teachings
- School of Medicine Lectures in Behavioral Sciences (e.g. Cognitive-Behavioral & other psychotherapies; Human Development; and Psychiatric Interviewing
- Graduate courses - Health Psychology; Psychopathology; Psychology of Caribbean Culture, Communities, & Identities
- Undergraduate courses - Health Psychology, Health Education, Motivation & Emotion, Physiological Psychology, Sensation & Perception
Institutional Services & Committees
- Chair, Multicultural Advisory Council (2020- present)
- Member, President's Council (2025- present)
- Member, Provost's Council (2026- present)
- Institutional Quality Assurance Committee (2026- present)
Memberships in Associations / Societies
- American Psychological Association (1998–Present)
- Grenadian Psychological Association (2012 - present)
Academic Appointments
- Chair & Assistant Professor Department of Medical Humanities & History of Medicine, St. George’s University (July 2024–Present)
- Deputy Chair & Assistant Professor Department of Medical Humanities & History of Medicine, St. George’s University (Feb 2023–June 2024)
- Assistant Professor Department of Physiology, Neuroscience & Behavioral Sciences, St. George’s University (Jan 2021–Jan 2023)
- Instructor Department of Physiology, Neuroscience & Behavioral Sciences, St. George’s University (Aug 2019–Jan 2021)
- Instructor Dean of Basic Sciences, St. George’s University (Nov 2006–Jan 2021)
Journal Articles
- Herry, A., et al. (2025). “Yes, We Exist!”: Lived Experiences From a Caribbean Transgender & Gender Nonconforming Group. SAGE Open.
- Herry, A., Malcolm, B., & Smith, P. (2025). Did Religion Help Me?: Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Grenada. Journal of Religion & Health.
- Rampersad, K., Salfarlie, R., Herry, A. et al. Trust me, I’m a Doctor: Strategies for Combating Imposter Feelings Among Physicians and Medical Students. (2025). Med.Sci.Educ. 35, 1655–1661. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-025-02283-1
- Herry, A., et al. (2023). Facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 vaccination in Grenada. Pan American Journal of Public Health.
- Herry, A. (2023). Health literacy strategies: A Caribbean Approach. International Journal of Family and Community Medicine
- Herry, A., Wildman, A., & Narine, D. (2020). Predictors of nutritional status within residential care. Caribbean Journal of Psychology.
Reviewer/Editorships
- 2018-present Reviewer, Caribbean Journal of Psychology
- 2023- present Reviewer, Pan American Journal of Public Health
- 2024-present Reviewer, BMJ Public Health
Selected Projects
- P Smith, L Orlando, S Valiveti, C Thadani, & A Herry (Under Review) Patient Experiences with Primary Health Care Services in Grenada: A National Cross-Sectional Study. This study assessed patient experiences with primary health care (PHC) services in Grenada and examine how perceptions vary by gender, education level, and geographic district.
- Charles, M & Herry, A., (Under Review). The Invisible Classroom: Exploring faculty’s perceptions of the learning environment using the DREEM-20. This study introduces and validates the DREEM-20, an abridged version of the DREEM-50, specifically designed for use among faculty.
- Herry, A., & Narine, D. Grant writing for longitudinal project. Exploring loneliness in older adults in Grenada. Older adults in LMICs face unique challenges including limited access to mental health care, social stigma, and economic dependency. Community-based psychosocial interventions have shown efficacy in reducing depression and anxiety, especially those involving social engagement and reminiscence therapy.