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— Newly appointed State-run university president is “here to make the difference”
Newly appointed president of the University of Liberia, Dr. Layli Maparyan, has pledged to lead a transformative process at the State-run that would ensure that the university is made vibrant once more, especially in the areas of academic excellence, as well as ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.
“I am committed to solving the problems at the university,” Dr. Maparyan stated in a media engagement on Thursday, January 9, as she shared her dedication to leading the institution to new heights.
The media engagement was held following a meeting with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the Executive Mansion, where she said that the university’s future and its crucial role in national development was a focus of discussion.
Dr. Maparyan, with over thirty years of experience in academic administration, expressed her resolve to bring her expertise to the University of Liberia. She emphasized her intention to address pressing issues and elevate the university’s status as a beacon of excellence in the country.
“My expectation is I’m going to lead the University of Liberia… and I’m going to give it everything I got and everything I have learned over the last thirty years of my career as an academic administrator,” she said.
President Boakai announced the appointment of Dr. Maparyan on Sunday, January 5. Her appointment, approved by the University’s Board of Trustees, in accordance with the University of Liberia’s Charter, came after a rigorous search process.
In anticipation of assuming her new role, Dr. Maparyan has outlined her commitment to addressing the university’s pressing challenges. She pledges to resolve the pressing issues and elevate the University of Liberia’s status as the nation’s flagship educational institution.
“I will solve the problems that people never thought and make everyone feel that the University of Liberia is a beacon, as the flagship university of the Republic,” she promised.
Dr. Maparyan’s leadership arrives at a crucial moment for the university, which aims to bolster its reputation and enhance the quality of education it offers. Her appointment has garnered significant attention, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting the tangible improvements her extensive experience is expected to bring.
Controversy has emerged since as debates abound following Dr. Layli Maparyan’s appointment. While some have praised the decision, others have condemned the President’s appointment, arguing that a Liberian should have been prioritized for the role.
Notable Liberians, like Dr. Kimmie Weeks, raised concerns about local representation in leadership roles but acknowledged the hope for success under Dr. Maparyan’s leadership.
Weeks expressed the view that leadership roles at esteemed institutions should mirror the talent and intellect of the nation. His perspective is shared by many other Liberians who believe that the university would benefit from a president who is well-versed in its operations.
He pointed out that such appointments reflect the quality of a country’s academics and provide inspiration for students. He reminisced about the sense of pride experienced when Dr. Rocheforte L. Weeks broke the tradition of foreign leadership and became the first Liberian president of the university.
“Such appointments showcase the caliber of a country’s academics and serve as role models for students,” Dr. Weeks said.
Despite the controversy around the appointment, UL Acting President, Al-Hassan Conteh, Ph.D., graciously welcomed Dr. Maparyan’s appointment and conveyed his congratulations in a special message published by the university.
In his message, he urged everyone to join him in warmly welcoming the new President and expressed optimism for a successful and memorable chapter in the university’s history.
The note of hope in his words is evident as he extends his congratulations to Professor Dr. Maparyan, and welcomes her to the Lux-in-Tenebris.
“Please join me in extending a warm welcome to our new President. Together, let us ensure that this new chapter in our university’s history is both successful and memorable. Congratulations, Professor Dr. Maparyan, and welcome to the Lux-in-Tenebris,” Dr. Conteh said.
President Boakai also expressed confidence in her abilities and commitment to service. Dr. Maparyan’s ties to Liberia and accolades in the community further endorsed her nomination.
Dr. Maparyan has a longstanding connection to Liberia, having served as a Fulbright Specialist at the University of Liberia in 2010. She has also been recognized with prestigious awards, such as the Distinguished Citizen Award for Service to the Liberian Community in 2009.
A highly respected academic and accomplished scholar, Dr. Maparyan currently holds the position of Executive Director at the Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW) and is a Professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA. Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University, an M.S. in Psychology from Penn State University, and an undergraduate degree in Philosophy (cum laude) from Spelman College.
Throughout her career, she has held various academic positions, including Associate Professor and Assistant Professor roles at Georgia State University’s Women’s Studies Institute, as well as an Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia’s Department of Psychology and Institute for African American Studies.
Married to a Liberian, Dr. Maparyan is set to be officially inducted into office today, January 10, 2025, marking the commencement of a transformative era for the University of Liberia.
