IN a quiet chapel filled with grief, gratitude, and stories of a life poured into others, The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona, on Monday honoured the late Dr Tomlin Paul not only with tributes but by announcing the establishment of an annual scholarship award in his name, ensuring that the man who championed student success will continue shaping lives long after his passing.

The announcement, made during his funeral at the University Chapel, underscored what many speakers described as a life defined not simply by titles or achievements, but by an unwavering commitment to people — particularly students.

Professor Joseph Plummer, dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at The UWI Mona, said the scholarship will be awarded to students within the faculty who exemplify the same values Dr Paul embodied — service, humility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Dr Paul, who served as deputy principal of The UWI, Mona up to the time of his death, was remembered as a physician, educator, and global academic whose influence stretched far beyond Jamaica. Born and raised in Trinidad, he rose from humble beginnings as the youngest of nine siblings to become a respected figure in medical education and public health.

Over the course of his career he held a range of senior academic and leadership positions, including senior lecturer in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at UWI Mona, programme director for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree programme, deputy dean for curriculum and student affairs, and later dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at The UWI Mona between 2017 and 2021.

He also served internationally as dean of the Global University of Medicine and Public Health in Turks and Caicos; and as dean of research, innovation, and quality at University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda, before returning to Jamaica to take up the role of deputy principal at The UWI Mona.

Yet, even as speakers reflected on his global achievements, it was his personal touch that dominated the tributes.

UWI Mona Guild President Roshaun Wynter described a leader who made students feel seen and represented, even in spaces where they were not physically present.

“Dr Paul’s work and contributions reflected an understanding of student realities. And so many times we’re invited in boardrooms and… what I can say for myself, and even colleagues who would have served in the Guild Council, is that we’re always confident that even if our strongest voice is not present, then Dr Paul would be that voice,” Wynter said.

He pointed to several initiatives —including improvements to student welfare systems, advocacy for students with disabilities, and the digitisation of scholarship applications — as tangible evidence of Dr Paul’s student-centred approach.

Professor Densil Williams, pro-vice chancellor and principal of The UWI Mona, recalled how quickly Dr Paul embraced the opportunity to return to the campus in a leadership role in 2023, driven by a shared vision of student success.

“It was Tomlin’s desire to ensure that all students who entered our beloved UWI were able to succeed at whatever they wanted to do. He was painstakingly thorough, and he built out the student success portfolio at Mona with alacrity. His vision was to ensure that we not only delivered world-class teaching and learning experience to our students, but to also ensure the future competitiveness of the UWI brand in the higher education marketplace,” Williams said.

Despite Dr Paul’s professional stature, colleagues repeatedly described him as deeply grounded, approachable, and a quietly impactful individual who combined intellectual strength with genuine humility.

That duality was perhaps most vividly captured in the reflections of the eulogy delivered by his four sons and remembrance done by his stepson, who all painted a portrait of a father whose lessons extended far beyond the classroom.

His son, Joshua Paul, spoke of a man who balanced discipline with creativity, encouraging his children to think freely and pursue their passions.

“When I chose film-making as a career he never resisted it. Instead, he leaned in. We went to the movies every week, not just to watch recreationally but he’d engage me. We would critique the films together, talk about them not just as viewers, but as film-makers, and at the time I didn’t fully understand, but now I do. That was his way of bonding with me. That was his way of supporting me and my dreams. He didn’t have to do that, but he did. He supported every piece of work I created. He gave me confidence, he gave me belief in myself,” he said.

Another son, Jared Paul, remembered a father whose strength was often expressed through simple acts of joy and reassurance.

“That smile wasn’t there because life was easy, it was there because he was strong, even stronger than me. So every time I laugh, every time I try to lift someone else up, every time I choose to keep going when things feel hard, that’s dad. That’s his influence. That’s his legacy living in us,” he said.

His other sons, Andrew and Tabeal Paul, also reflected on a man whose lessons were rooted in quiet sacrifice and deep faith.

Andrew Paul reflected on a father who consistently placed the needs of others above his own, describing how his life was defined by a steady, selfless commitment to serving people in both his professional and personal spheres.

Tabeal Paul, meanwhile, spoke about the way his father endured hardship with grace, explaining that even in moments of difficulty he became more compassionate and grounded, viewing life’s challenges not as setbacks but as experiences that strengthened and shaped his character.

For stepson Nathaneel Gooden, the essence of Dr Paul’s life could be distilled into a single word — goodness.

“As I reviewed and witnessed the condolences my family received, I noticed a common theme: He was such a good man, and though simple, I think there are no better words to describe him. He was extremely kind, considerate, and humble, never caring about station or identity. He welcomed everyone with open arms… Whether a guy at a building or a close family member, he always sought to make you feel understood and like you mattered. Always exhibiting kindness in those dire scenarios, and that kindness was a strength — a strength I admired him for,” Gooden said.

The late Dr Tomlin Paul’s widow, Debra Paul (centre) wipes the tears from her eyes as she is consoled by her son Nathaneel Gooden (left) and her brother-in-law Vernon Paul during the funeral on Monday at The UWI, Mona Chapel, in St Andrew.

Principal and Pro-vice-chancellor at The University of the West Indies, Mona Sampus Professor Densil Williams offers words of comfort to Debra Paul, the widow of the late Dr Tomlin Paul, after his funeral at the University Chapel, The UWI, Mona, on Monday.

Omris Pierre (fourth left), sister of the late Dr Tomlin Paul, stands with his sons (from left) Andrew Paul, Nathaneel Gooden (stepson), Tabeal, Jared and Joshua Paul, after the funeral at the University Chapel, Mona, on Monday.

Dr Tomlin Paul’s siblings (from left) Vernon Paul, Omris Pierre, and Jennis Paul listen as their brother Justin Paul gives the remembrance at the late educator’s funeral on Monday.

Family members of the late deputy principal of The University of the West Indies, Mona Dr Tomlin Paul gather outside the University Chapel after his funeral on Monday.