THE STORY OF CASE

CASE has a remarkable history and plays a very integral role in national development. It is an institution which proudly embodies, cherishes and perpetuates the rich historical legacy of all its illustrious predecessor institutions: Government Farm School (GFS), Jamaica School of Agriculture (JSA), College of Agriculture (COA) and Passley Gardens Teachers’ College (PGTC).

Government Farm School: 1910-1942

CASE has its roots in the Government Farm School in Kingston, which was started at the Hope Estate, the site which currently houses the University of Technology (UTECH). At its inception, the school aimed to train approximately 12 young men enrolled at the time in the “art and science of agriculture”. In its first decade, the school produced the illustrious son of Portland and world renown geneticist, Dr. T.P. Lecky. Among his many contributions to Jamaica’s agricultural development, Dr. Lecky developed the Jamaica Hope and Jamaica Black breeds of cattle.

Jamaica School of Agriculture: 1942-1981

In 1942, the Government Farm school was renamed the Jamaica School of Agriculture (JSA) and in 1957 relocated to Twickenham Park, Spanish Town. In 1968, over a half century after its initial opening, the school accepted its first cohort of female students. Today, a substantial amount of CASE’S population is female. In 1981, a bill to repeal the JSA Act was presented to Parliament which saw the closure of the Jamaica School of Agriculture and preparation for the birth of a new institution began.

College of Agriculture: 1981-1995

The College of Agriculture (COA), located at Passley Gardens Portland, was established as the replacement institution for the JSA. The College of Agriculture Scheme Order of 1981 gave birth to the new institution, which was mandated to execute teaching, research and extension programmes in agriculture

Passley Gardens Teachers’ College: 1981-1995

The Passley Gardens Teachers’ College (PGTC) was established in 1981 to offer Teacher Training to individuals in Portland and its environs. The college initially offered the Diploma in Primary Education and late in 1994, the Diploma in Secondary Education with special emphasis on Science, Mathematics and Computer Studies. The College subsequently went on to deliver the Post Certificate Program to teachers who desired to upgrade their qualifications to the Diploma in Education. The Early Childhood Education Programme was offered at the college as well.

The Birth of CASE: 1995-Present

In 1995, based on a recommendation of the Sherlock Report, the COA and PGTC merged to form the College of Agriculture Science and Education (CASE). Unlike its predecessor institutions which focused primarily on agriculture, CASE is a multidisciplinary institution offering professional training at the Diploma, Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree levels, in Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Environmental Management, Business Management, Hospitality and Tourism Management and Teacher Education. The College continues to improve its academic offerings to satisfy industry needs.

The Vision of CASE

CASE is the premier University in the Caribbean leading the transformation of Agriculture, Education, Hospitality and other sectors, through holistically developed global leaders, and innovative applied research.

The Mission of CASE

We strive relentlessly to positively impact Agriculture in Jamaica and the Region’s Education and Hospitality sectors by creating learning opportunities for students and by providing research-driven policy advice and value-added solutions to Government, Industry and Communities.