President Joseph Boakai has named the first non-Liberian president of the University of Liberia in Nearly Seven Decades triggering mixed reactions across the country.
Boakai’s appointment of Dr. Layli Maparyan, an American academic, as the 16th President of the University of Liberia, marks the first time in 68 years that a non-Liberian citizen will assume this prominent role at the country’s premier university.
American educators dominated the university’s teaching staff and leadership in the 19 century until 1957 when Dr. Rocherforte L. Weeks was named the first Liberian born president of the University.
Maparyan’s appointment follows an extensive search process that saw her emerge as the leading candidate out of more than 20 Liberian educators and scholars.
Dr. Maparyan, who has a Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University and an MS in Psychology from Penn State University, currently serves as the Executive Director of the Wellesley Centers for Women and is a Professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College in Massachusetts.
She has extensive experience in academia, having previously held positions at institutions such as Georgia State University and the University of Georgia. Her connection to Liberia began with her tenure as a Fulbright Specialist at the University of Liberia in 2010.
The University of Liberia, founded in 1862, is a cornerstone of higher education in the West African nation, reflecting its deep cultural and political significance.
However, the institution has faced ongoing challenges, including financial constraints and academic standards that have hindered its ability to meet modern educational needs.
The current national budget allocations to the university have raised concerns about its operational viability, with calls for more government support in order to revive and modernize the institution.
Dr. Maparyan is set to be officially inducted into office on January 10, as confirmed by the University’s Board of Trustees, which endorsed her appointment in accordance with UL’s Charter.
President Boakai expressed confidence in Maparyan’s integrity, ability, and experience, highlighting her potential to lead the University and contribute positively to the nation, the Executive Mansion said in a statement shared on Facebook Saturday.
Public reaction to Dr. Maparyan’s appointment has been mixed, with some critics questioning the decision to appoint a foreign national as president.
Award winning Liberia journalist Wade Williams articulated concerns that effective leadership requires a strong cultural and political understanding of the institution, stating, “Anyone who runs it must have blood and sweat ties to it.”
Conversely, supporters including deputy foreign affairs minister Dr. Ibrahim Nyei argue that an outsider could bring fresh perspectives and reduce political entanglements traditionally associated with LIberian academic leadership, paving the way for necessary reforms amidst widespread issues of nepotism and corruption.
Advocates for Maparyan believe her background and expertise can forge a new path for the University amidst the challenges it faces, with one comment highlighting, “We need someone who is not subject to the undercurrent of bribery and nepotism.”
Her leadership will certainly be marred with addressing longstanding issues, including implementing institutional reforms, fostering a renewed vision for the University of Liberia. While handling with the complex socio-political landscape of Liberia’s education sector.
President Joseph Boakai has appointed American acdemic Dr. Layli Maparyan as the 16th President of the University of Liberia.
The University’s Board of Trustees in accordance with the University of Liberia’s Charter have approved Dr. Maparyan’s appointment ans she expected to be inducted into office on Jan. 10 the Executive mansion said in a statement shared on Facebook Saturday.
“In his letter of appointment President Boakai expressed confidence in Dr. Maparyan’s ability, integrity, and extensive experience, emphasizing his trust that she would demonstrate these qualities in service to the University and the nation.”
Maparyan is currently the Executive Director of the Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW) and a Professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA.
Her selection followed a rigorous search process conducted by the University of Liberia Board of Trustees’ Search Committee, which identified her as a leading candidate for the position after beating over 20 Liberian academics and scholars who applied for the coveted job.
Dr. Maparyan holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University and an M.S. in Psychology from Penn State University. She earned her undergraduate degree in Philosophy (cum laude) from Spelman College.
She has a distinguished academic career, having served as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at Georgia State University’s Women’s Studies Institute and Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia’s Department of Psychology and Institute for African American Studies.
Her ties to Liberia date back to her tenure as a Fulbright Specialist at the University of Liberia in 2010. She has also been recognized with numerous awards, including the Distinguished Citizen Award for Service to the Liberian Community (2009) and the
Fulbright Specialist Program Award.
Her appointment has generated mixed public reactions with her nationality at the crex of her conversion. Some critics hold theview that she may have a disconnect with the running of the university while other feel she best fit to bring reform to an institution bets with financial, adcamic standrs and wanting in rebuilding to meet modern relatities and stand.
Wade Williams:The University of Liberia is not just a school. It’s a deeply rooted cultural and political institution. Anyone who runs it must have blood 🩸 and sweat ties to it! Funny country. Being married to a Liberian is not a virtue!
Jesse Fahngon: We hailed Liberians who are successful in other countries, including holding appointed and elected positions. At the same time we vilified others who come to Liberia….. Weak argument.
Nagba Marteh: Wade, UL problem is not just leadership, cultural or politics, but lack of supports by the Government through the national cake(budget) distribution.
Remember education is NOT cheep.
Check the just ended 2024 budget and see what was allocated for UL. Subtract salaries and what left to run the school will made you think that we are jokers.
Again, check this 2025 budget and see what is allocated to run a State-owned university in this 21st century wade!
This is my point, anyone, most preferable a Liberian who qualified with the right credentials plus GOL budget allocations and the cooperation from the UL faculty can put UL on the map once again.
The good thing about having a foreign academic as head of the University of Liberia is that the person wouldn’t be bothered by the politics. We hope this brings new, modern perspectives, academic rigor and professionalism to the UL.
We need someone who is not subject to the undercurrent of bribery and nepotism. We hope she get chance to run UL although there are many Liberians who are qualified.
Alvin Jaryenneh: Dr. IB, with your extensive foreign academic experience, is it a practice to place your highest educational institution in the hands of a foreign national? Political academic aside, can this happen in any country. Let’s narrow the debate to Africa, do we have any public university headed by foreigner?
