Dr. Layli Maparyan Vows to Transform UL
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 gat (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 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.
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 in accordance with 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.
In accordance with 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,” reflect 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. Married to a Liberian, Dr. Maparyan will officially assume her duties as President on January 10, 2025, the day of her induction, marking the beginning of what many hope will be a transformative era for the University of Liberia.
