REFLECTIONS
Carolyn Marie Smith, Associate Vice President
Dr. Newton Upanton Cleghorne knew and fulfilled his calling. Paraphrasing the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “his purpose in life was not for his own happiness. It was to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that he had lived and lived well.”
Meetings were enriched by his knowledge and guidance in parliamentary procedures; he could be relied on to ensure that every procedural “t” was crossed and every “i” dotted. He had a vision that every student should become adept at these principles. Consequently, he started a feature, “The Parliamentarian” in the weekly magazine, The Weekender. His conciliatory approach enabled him to readily identify and defuse potentially contentious/divisive situations, mollify stress, and mend many relationships.
As a leader he empowered and enabled his team, allowing latitude to think and act. He trusted the judgement of the leaders who supported the mission of the division.
I will miss his characteristic booming, well-modulated yet cheerful voice. I will miss his characteristic greeting, “top of the morning, AVP Smith”, along with his signature response when greeted with a ``how are you”.
“I am better than (I was) yesterday”. He was simply an icon.
Dr. Merylyn Campbell Flinch, Director of Chaplaincy Services
As Vice President of the Division of Student Services, Dr. Newton Cleghorne was a steady compass. I was always inspired by his personal strength, patience, care and compassion, and his faithfulness to duty.
He gently and bravely shouldered his responsibilities with integrity, without fear of the outcome. He always led by example, and, without a doubt, he remained true to his calling as a servant of God and a loyal friend to His people.
We will continue to uphold the high standards that Dr. Cleghorne has created and will continue to walk in the faithful path in which he walked.
Lilith Scarlett, Dean of Women
Dr. Newton Cleghorne was a true servant of God and a friend to man. He showed interest in the lives of his colleagues and his team members. Dr Cleghorne was interested in the comfort and welfare of the students, especially those who live on campus.
At times, he went beyond the call of duty even using his personal resources to see to their wellbeing.
A student recently remarked that Dr. Cleghorne changed her life by positively speaking to her during a scholarship interview, telling her never to give up on her dreams and always to put the Lord first. It wasn’t only one student’s life on which he made a positive impact but many others. During chapels and assemblies, Dr. Cleghorne was always the life of the ‘sessions’.
One student sadly recounted that Dr Cleghorne and his wife visited her only two weeks before his demise and yet another student continues her studies at NCU today, because of his intervention in her life.