The Helen

The Arrival (1970)

Mrs. Helen R. Stills came to Jamaica in 1970 to teach Mathematics at Knox College High School. Lured by the rich history and adventure of the island, she quickly made Knox her home.

Pioneering Education

Her talent for teaching led to exceptional exam results, prompting the founder of Knox College to give her a new challenge: coordinate and establish the Community College. Under her leadership, the college grew from a single multipurpose building into a thriving institution:

• 1 campus expanded to 3 campuses (Spalding, Mandeville, and Cobbla).
• 50 students grew to hundreds of full-time and part-time learners.
• 1 department transformed into 16 departments, offering diplomas, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees.
• 5 initial staff grew into a team of over 200 academic, administrative, and support staff.

National & Global Impact

Her vision extended far beyond Knox. Seconded to the Ministry of Education as Director of Community College Affairs, she helped establish Portmore Community College and expand options at Moneague and Bethlehem. As a founding principal of the College system within the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica, she forged key international partnerships and later served as President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association.

Her Legacy

Wherever she went, Mrs. Stills put Knox Community College on the map. Her leadership, dignity, and determination shaped tertiary education in Jamaica. Today, her name lives on in the building raised in her honour: “The Helen”, a spot where students and staff can buy KCC shirts, souvenirs, school supplies, and snacks, as well as “The Stills”, our recreational centre featuring a gym and lounge.