By Lincoln G. Peters
Monrovia, June 30, 2026 – The Board of Directors of the United Methodist University (UMU), in collaboration with the Presidential Search Committee, has unanimously appointed Rev. Dr. David M. Tokpah as the institution’s new president, succeeding Acting President Atty. Mandina Wesseh following her six-month stewardship.
The appointment concludes a six-month recruitment process launched after the death of former President Rev. Dr. Emmanuel F. Bailey. According to the university, the selection process was transparent and merit-based, with the objective of identifying a leader to guide one of Liberia’s leading faith-based institutions.
The Board announced Dr. Tokpah’s appointment on Monday, June 29, during a press conference held in the university’s presidential conference room after adopting the report of the Presidential Search Committee.
Reading the board’s resolution, Board Chairman Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., Resident Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church, said the search committee was mandated to conduct a comprehensive recruitment process, including stakeholder consultations, candidate evaluations, interviews, and deliberations.
Bishop Quire said the committee shortlisted three finalists from an initial pool of seven candidates before unanimously recommending Dr. Tokpah for the position.
“Dr. Tokpah’s appointment will take effect upon the signing of his employment contract and his formal assumption of office in accordance with the university’s statutes and bylaws,” Bishop Quire said.
He praised the Presidential Search Committee for its professionalism, integrity, and dedication throughout the recruitment process and pledged the Board’s full support for Dr. Tokpah as he assumes leadership of the university.
“We congratulate Dr. Tokpah on his appointment and stand ready to support him as he leads the university into its next chapter,” Bishop Quire added.
Speaking at the press conference, Representative Thomas Romeo Quioh, co-chairperson of the Presidential Search Committee and a member of the UMU Board of Directors, said the recruitment process was guided solely by merit, academic qualifications, leadership experience, and each candidate’s vision for the university.
He disclosed that seven candidates were initially considered before the committee narrowed the list to three finalists for submission to the Board.
Quioh described Dr. Tokpah as possessing the academic credentials, administrative experience, and institutional knowledge required to lead the university, noting that he has previously served in senior leadership positions at UMU.
He said the appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the university as it seeks to build on its legacy of Christian education, academic excellence, and leadership development under Dr. Tokpah’s leadership.
