Carroll Professor Receives Order of Distinction Award in The Bahamas
Dr. Pamula Emily Mills, Assistant Professor of Social Sciences at Carroll Community College, was recently awarded the Order of Distinction (Companion), one of the highest national honors granted by the Government of The Bahamas in recognition of outstanding service to the nation.
The recognition celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and progress of the nation. It was formally presented to Dr. Mills during an Investiture Ceremony in The Bahamas on October 13, 2025, attended by dignitaries, community leaders, and guests from across the region.
“Winning the Order of Distinction, Champion award from the Bahamian government is a humbling gesture,” said Dr. Mills. “It is a phenomenal experience to know that the government and the people of my country have validated my years of committed work as being an integral part of national development.”
Honoring a Life of Service and Impact
Recipients of the Order of Distinction are recognized for their leadership and service. Dr. Mills’s selection reflects her unwavering dedication to education, her visionary leadership, and her profound impact on both academic and civic communities.
“Students consistently benefit from her caring, enthusiastic presence and her engaging, student-centered instruction,” said Susan Sies, Chair of the Division of Social Sciences, Business, and Education at Carroll. “I could never tire of witnessing the warm, genuine welcome she extends to her students at the start of every class, an invitation that sets the tone for meaningful learning and connection.”
At Carroll, Dr. Mills is widely respected for her academic rigor, mentorship, and commitment to student success. Her interdisciplinary approach to teaching—spanning the social sciences, business, and education—has inspired both students and colleagues.
“Dr. Mills exemplifies excellence in the classroom,” added Sies. “She enhances her teaching not only by her deep content knowledge but also by her professional experience as a clinical therapist.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Compassion
A native of Bimini, Dr. Mills has devoted more than 30 years to psychology and education, serving in both government and non-government roles to provide therapy, psychological testing, program development, and leadership in human services.
From 2000 to 2017, she served as Supervisor of Special Services with the Ministry of Education in the Northern Bahamas, overseeing school psychological services, guidance and counseling, school attendance, special education, and employee assistance. During her tenure, she expanded access to these vital areas, bringing guidance counseling to schools in Abaco and Bimini for the first time.
Dr. Mills also founded P.A.R.T. (Professional Association and Restoration Team), Bimini’s crisis response team, which offered counseling and psychological first aid during Hurricanes Frances, Jeanne, Wilma, and Dorian. Even while residing in the United States, she returned home during Hurricane Dorian to train 40 individuals in psychological first aid and serve on the front lines of care.
Her service continued through the COVID pandemic. From her home in Maryland, she volunteered with the Bahamian government to organize virtual programs—including devotions, exercise routines, workshops, and family activities—for residents of Bimini during a two-week lockdown.
Students consistently benefit from her caring, enthusiastic presence and her engaging, student-centered instruction. I could never tire of witnessing the warm, genuine welcome she extends to her students at the start of every class, an invitation that sets the tone for meaningful learning and connection.
Empowering Others Through Education
Dr. Mills has a long history of creating opportunities for others to grow. From her early work as the first guidance counselor for Stapledon School in Nassau, where she developed a career program that led to employment for students with disabilities, to her years of public speaking, radio programming, and authorship, Dr. Mills has continually used education to uplift others.
She hosted the radio program Helping, Healing and Restoration on ZNS Northern Bahamas, wrote the AskDoctorPam advice column for The Freeport News, and continues to publish the AskDoctorPam series of self-help books, including her latest release, AskDoctorPam About Empowerment in 2025.
At Carroll and beyond, Dr. Mills embodies compassion, excellence, and lifelong learning. Colleagues and students alike congratulate Dr. Mills receiving the Order of Distinction as a fitting tribute to a career defined by service and purpose.
“I am motivated to continue my services nationally and globally, empowering others as God enables me,” said Dr. Mills.
Featured Photo: Dr. Mills accepting her award from The Honorable Cynthia Pratt, Governor General of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.