-Newly Appointed UL President Vows to Transform The University, As President Boakai Expresses Confidence In Her.
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – Dr. Layli Maparyan, the newly appointed president of the State-run University of Liberia, expressed her commitment to leading the institution into a new era of excellence. She spoke during a brief media engagement on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Her comments followed a meeting with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the Executive Mansion, where they discussed the university’s future and its pivotal role in the country’s development.
Dr. Maparyan, who brings over thirty years of experience as an academic administrator, emphasized her dedication to the university and its students. “My expectation is I’m going to lead the University of Liberia… and I’m going to give it everything I got (have) and everything I have learned over the last thirty years of my career as an academic administrator,” she stated.
As she prepares to take on her new responsibilities, Dr. Maparyan highlighted her intention to tackle the pressing issues facing the university. “I will solve the problems that people never thought of and make everyone feel that the University of Liberia is a beacon, as the flagship university of the Republic,” she vows.
Dr. Maparyan’s leadership comes at a critical juncture for the University of Liberia, as it seeks to enhance its reputation and effectiveness in providing quality education. Her appointment has generated considerable interest, with many stakeholders eager to see how her extensive experience will translate into tangible improvements.
Pres. Boakai Meets Dr. Maparyan
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., expressed confidence in the newly appointed President of the University of Liberia (UL), Dr. Layli Maparyan. President Boakai, who is also a Visitor to the University, shared his optimism during an official meeting with Dr. Maparyan at the Executive Mansion on Thursday.
Speaking during the meeting, President Boakai warmly welcomed Dr. Maparyan, stating that her appointment marks a new chapter for the University of Liberia. “Liberia is not new to you, and we are excited to have you at the helm of this historic institution,” the President remarked.
He expressed hope that her leadership would propel the University toward transformative growth, ensuring its alignment with national priorities, particularly in education and workforce development as outlined in the Government’s ARREST Agenda.
President Boakai also commended the UL Board of Trustees for their dedication and rigorous efforts throughout the selection process, noting that their decision to unanimously approve Dr. Maparyan reflects their commitment to excellence in leadership. “The Board’s work was thorough, and we appreciate the diligence it took to reach this point,” he said.
Board of Trustees Chairman, Grand Kru County Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa, presented Dr. Maparyan to the President, expressing his confidence in her ability to address the longstanding challenges facing the University. Outgoing UL President, Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, also lauded the integrity of the selection process, noting that it adhered to international standards and brought forth a highly qualified leader.
Dr. Maparyan expresses gratitude.
In response, Dr. Maparyan expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and pledged to dedicate herself fully to the University’s progress. She reflected on her first visit to Liberia in 2009 and described her new role as a fulfillment of her dream to serve the nation.
“Liberia is no longer just my second home—it is now my first home,” she said and underscored her personal and professional commitment to Liberia’s advancement.
The special convocation to officially induct Dr. Maparyan as President of the University of Liberia is scheduled for today, January 10, 2025, at the Fendall Campus. The University is expected to resume normal operations on Monday, January 13, 2025.
The Appointment
According to a release from the Executive Mansion on January 5, 2025, Dr. Maparyan’s appointment was approved by the University’s Board of Trustees by the University of Liberia’s Charter. In his letter of appointment, President Boakai expressed confidence in Dr. Maparyan’s ability, integrity, and experience, trusting that she will demonstrate these qualities in her service to the University and the nation.
The Executive Mansion stated that her selection followed a rigorous search process by the University of Liberia Board of Trustees Search Committee, which identified her as a leading candidate. Notably, Dr. Maparyan’s ties to Liberia date back to her tenure as a Fulbright Specialist at the University of Liberia in 2010, and she has received numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Citizen Award for Service to the Liberian Community in 2009.
By Article IV, Section 1 of the University’s Charter, President Boakai nominated Dr. Maparyan on December 18, 2024. The Board of Trustees convened on December 23, 2024, and unanimously approved her nomination, paving the way for her to lead the university.
The Controversy
Controversy has emerged following Dr. Layli Maparyan’s appointment as president of the State-run University of Liberia. While some have praised the decision, others argue that a Liberian should have been prioritized for the role. About twenty-two candidates applied for the position, with the majority being Liberians. However, after what the Executive Mansion characterized as a “rigorous search process,” Dr. Layli Maparyan was ultimately selected as the best-suited candidate.
Research indicates that neighboring universities, such as the University of Sierra Leone, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, and the University of Cocody-Abidjan, are led by citizens and alumni of their respective institutions. This has sparked debate about the importance of local leadership in academic settings.
Despite the controversy, Al-Hassan Conteh, Ph.D., the Acting President, welcomed Dr. Maparyan’s appointment and congratulated her in a special message published by the University of Liberia on Sunday. His words, “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,” reflects a hopeful outlook.
However, Dr. Kimmie Weeks, a prominent Liberian, expressed concern over Dr. Maparyan’s appointment, arguing that leadership positions at such prestigious institutions should reflect the nation’s talent and intellect.
His opinion resonates with several other Liberians who believe the university needs a president familiar with its inner workings. “Such appointments showcase the caliber of a country’s academics and serve as role models for students,” Dr. Weeks stated, recalling the pride felt when Dr. Rocheforte L. Weeks became the first Liberian president of the university, ending a long tradition of foreign leadership.
Who is Dr. Maparyan?
Dr. Maparyan is a distinguished academic and prolific scholar. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW) and is a Professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University and an M.S. in Psychology from Penn State University, along with an undergraduate degree in Philosophy (cum laude) from Spelman College.
Her extensive career includes positions as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at Georgia State University’s Women’s Studies Institute, as well as Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia’s Department of Psychology and Institute for African American Studies. Dr. Maparyan is also married to a Liberian.
