By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor
The University of Liberia (UL) has officially established a Psychology Department, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic expansion and Liberia’s broader efforts to strengthen mental health services.
UL President Dr. Layli Maparyan announced the development on her social media page, describing it as the fulfillment of a long-held vision. “As a psychologist by training, this means one of my dreams for UL has been fulfilled,” she wrote, extending gratitude to Acting Department Chair Andrew K. Dean, Amos C. Sawyer College Dean Josephus M. Gray, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Agnes Reeves Taylor, and the university’s donor partners.
Dr. Maparyan also acknowledged the Massachusetts Alliance for the Restoration of UL (MARUL) for its role in making the initiative possible. She emphasized that the new department will contribute to building an “ever-expanding, trained mental health workforce” in Liberia, a country where access to professional psychological services has historically been limited.
The establishment of the department comes at a time when mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical component of national development and public health. With the new program, UL aims to provide students with academic training and practical skills to address psychological needs across communities.
Classes under the Psychology Department are expected to commence in August, offering courses designed to prepare graduates for careers in counseling, clinical practice, research, and community-based interventions. The initiative is also expected to foster collaboration between UL and international partners in advancing mental health education and research.
By introducing psychology as a formal discipline, UL positions itself as a leader in shaping Liberia’s future mental health workforce, while reinforcing its commitment to academic innovation and social impact.
