Bio
Dr. Asha Lessey-Charles brings almost 20 years of passionate dedication to helping students achieve their academic potential at St. George’s University. As Director of both the Peer Learning and Academic Enhancement Unit and the Academic Enhancement Program, she leads transformative initiatives that make a real difference in students’ lives and academic journeys. Her approach combines warmth with expertise, creating environments where students feel supported as they develop the skills they need to excel. Dr. Lessey-Charles oversees comprehensive programs that have proven successful in boosting student performance and retention, always keeping student needs at the heart of every decision.
Beyond her administrative roles, she serves as a senior instructor in the Master of Education program, where her commitment to medical student mentorship shines through. She guides graduate researchers with the same care and attention she brings to all her work, helping develop the next generation of education leaders. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes practical application and real-world impact, ensuring that students gain skills they can apply immediately in their professional lives. Dr. Lessey-Charles’s research explores vital areas, including educational equity, psychological safety, and peer learning, with the aim of improving student success. As a proud Grenadian educator, she champions culturally responsive approaches that honor Caribbean educational traditions while embracing innovation. Her work in medical school curriculum enhancement focuses on creating inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive.
What sets her apart is her genuine belief that every student has the potential to succeed when given the right support and opportunities. This conviction drives her daily work and inspires the teams she leads. Through her leadership, SGU continues to strengthen its reputation for providing exceptional academic support that helps students navigate their educational journey with confidence. Her contributions extend beyond individual student success to shaping institutional excellence, making SGU a place where academic achievement and personal growth go hand in hand.
Professional Philosophy
Education transforms lives, and that belief drives everything I do at SGU. My approach centers on building vibrant learning communities where students discover their potential through challenge, support, and inspiration. Whether I’m teaching, mentoring, or leading programs, I focus on creating spaces where learners develop critical thinking skills, build resilience, and genuinely feel they belong.
My work in academic enhancement and peer learning connects directly to real-world practice. I’m passionate about helping students and emerging researchers turn their questions into meaningful discoveries. Through my research in student success, peer-assisted learning, and equitable educational practices, I develop evidence-based solutions that strengthen learning outcomes and support each student’s unique journey. My interests span mathematics education, qualitative inquiry, and innovative approaches to medical student mentorship that prepare learners for the complexities of modern healthcare.
As both scholar and practitioner, I create environments where achievement, curiosity, and collaboration naturally flourish. My commitment to reflective practice and student-centered learning shapes how I approach medical school curriculum development and academic support. By fostering inclusive communities and connecting classroom learning to authentic practice, I help students build the foundation they need for lifelong learning and professional excellence.
Research & Interests
- My research focuses on student success, academic enhancement, and equitable educational practices, with an emphasis on improving learning outcomes across diverse contexts. Student success and retention in higher education, Peer-assisted learning and academic support models, Mathematics education and CSEC performance (Caribbean context), and psychological safety and student engagement
- Current Projects: Academic Enhancement Program (AEP) design, implementation, and evaluation Peer learning model development and scaling at SGU
- Research Interests: Early intervention strategies and academic preparedness, mentoring, faculty development, and practitioner research, culturally responsive and inclusive educational practices, and translating research into practice for student success and institutional improvement.
In the Media
- Presenter, CXC Regional Education Conference (2026)
- Presenter, NASPA Annual Conference (2025) https://www.naspa.org/blog/2025-naspa-excellence-award-winners
- Panelist, NASPA Global Student Affairs Hour (2025)
Academic Degrees
- Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Teaching, National University, San Diego, California, USA
- Master of Education - Medical Education, St. George's University, Grenada
- MBA in International Business, St. George's University, Grenada
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Ashworth College, Norcross, Georgia, USA
Administrative Appointments
- Director, Peer Learning and Academic Enhancement
- Director, Academic Enhancement Program
- Orientation Coordinator, Department of Educational Services
Course Teachings
- EDUC837 - Research Seminar, Course Director
- EDUC835 - Research Practicum, Course Director
- ELEC552 - Facilitation in Veterinary Education
- SCSK561 - Facilitation in Medical Education
- EDUC849-Research Capstone in Global Education, Guest Lecturer
- EDUC812 - Educational Leadership, Co-Instructor
- EDUC822 - Student Support Services in Higher Education, Course Lecturer
- BUSI859 - Project Management, Guest Lecturer
- BUSI891-Globalizing Operations, Guest Lecturer
- AEPM999 - SOM Academic Enhancement Program-FLT, Course Director
- AEP999 - SOM Academic Enhancement Program-SLT, Course Director
- AEP999 - SVM Academic Enhancement Program, Course Director
Institutional Services & Committees
- St. George’s University SOM Faculty Senate
- St. George’s University, Students Helping Enrich Little Lives Faculty Advisor
- Ex-officio member, School of Veterinary Medicine Curriculum Committee
- Supplemental Academic Supports Committee, Member
- St. George’s University Scheduling Committee, Member
- St. George’s University Graduate Affairs Committee, Department of Educational Services, Member
International & National Committees
- NASPA International Education Knowledge Community (IEKC) Board (2026-2028)
- Golden Key International Honor Society (National University Chapter President)
- Conference proposal and awards reviewer, 2026 NASPA Excellence Awards
- Reviewer, 2026 NACADA Conference Proposals
- NASPA, Advising Success Network, Resource Reviewer
Memberships in Associations / Societies
- National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
- The National Academic Advising Association (NACADA)
- International Association of Women
- The Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education (POD)
- Omega Nu Lambda National Honor Society (ONL), Phi Chapter
- Golden Key International Honor Society (National University Chapter)
- National Society of Leadership and Success
- Kappy Delta Pi Honor Society (Alpha Delta Epsilon Chapter)
Academic Appointments
- Research Mentor, Master of Education Program
- Senior Instructor, Master of Education
- Co-course Director, SCSK561 - Facilitation in Medical Education
- Co-course Director, ELEC552 - Facilitation in Veterinary Education
Reviewer/Editorships
- Production Lead, Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education
Dissertations
- Phillip, M. (2025, May). Cyclical culminating examinations and student motivation and well-being: A qualitative case study of St. George’s Institute (SGI) (Master’s thesis). St. George’s University.
- Balwah-Ramcharan, M. (2025). Growth and fixed mindsets, attitudes, and academic performance: A correlational study of premedical/preveterinary students in a writing-intensive course (Master’s thesis). St. George’s University.
- Peters, T. (in preparation). A qualitative case study exploring first-year students’ beliefs about mathematics and how these beliefs influence their learning experiences in a Grenadian community college (Master’s thesis). St. George’s University.
- Dowden, L. (in preparation). An exploration of factors shaping undergraduate biology students’ attendance in supplemental learning sessions at St. George’s University: A mixed-methods study (Master’s thesis). St. George’s University.
- Chasteau, C. (in preparation). A mixed-methods exploration of how biochemistry supplemental learning supports the development of self-regulated learning in undergraduate students (Master’s thesis). St. George’s University.
Selected Projects
- Lessey-Charles, A. (2025). Grenadian Secondary School Stakeholders’ Perceptions of the Factors Shaping Performance in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Mathematics: A Qualitative Descriptive Study (Doctoral dissertation, National University).
- Lessey-Charles, A., Sharma, M., & George, L. (2026). It wasn’t just math: Grenadian secondary school graduates’ perspectives on the factors shaping CSEC mathematics performance (Manuscript submitted for publication).
- Lessey-Charles, A., Sharma, M., & George, L. (in preparation). Balancing instruction and barriers: Grenadian mathematics teachers’ strategies and challenges in preparing students for the CSEC examination.
- Lessey-Charles, A., St. Louis, D., De Riggs, C., James-Alleyne, T., Alexander, B., & St. Bernard, D. (in preparation). Navigating the transition: The academic enhancement program for medical student success at St. George’s University (SGU).
- Lessey-Charles, A., De Riggs, C., Alleyne, A., Wildman-Browne, A., & Alexander, B. (in preparation). Transforming resistance into resilience and academic success: Positive reframing in mandatory academic programs.
fun Fact
I am deeply rooted in Grenadian culture and enjoy exploring the outdoors, traveling, and experiencing new adventures. I especially appreciate live band music, which I find both energizing and grounding.