The United Methodist University (UMU) campus on Ashmun Street was engulfed in mourning Wednesday after its president, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel F. Bailey, collapsed at work and was later pronounced dead at a local health center.
Witnesses described scenes of shock and grief as students and staff gathered in disbelief.
This marks the first time in recent memory that a sitting head of a Liberian higher learning institution has collapsed and died while on duty.
In an official statement, the UMU administration said: “We regret to inform you of the unexpected demise of the President of our esteemed institution, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel F. Bailey.
“Rev. Dr. Bailey was in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony for the United Methodist University Alumni Association’s 16-classroom project just four days ago. May God forgive his deficiencies and bestow upon him heaven.”
Following his death, the Vice President for Administration announced the suspension of academic activities. Midterm examinations originally scheduled for Thursday and Friday will now be held on Tuesday and Thursday, December 2 and 3, 2025. Exams set for Monday, December 1, will proceed as planned.
Rev. Dr. Bailey’s passing leaves a sudden leadership vacuum at UMU, where he had been a central figure in advancing academic and infrastructural growth.
