Skip to main content

Liberia: Dr. Layli Maparyan Appointed As President of the University of Liberia

Meet the new president of the University of Liberia! President Boakai has appointed Dr. Layli Maparyan as the 16th President of the University of Liberia. President Boakai expressed confidence in Dr. Maparyan’sability, integrity, and extensive experience, emphasizing his trust that she would demonstrate these qualities in service to the University and the nation. Dr. Maparyan, a distinguished academic and prolific scholar, is currently the Executive Director of the Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW) and a Professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA. 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. In accordance with Article IV, Section 1 of the University’s Charter, President Boakai nominated Dr. Maparyan for the role on December 18, 2024. The Board of Trustees subsequently convened on December 23, 2024, and unanimously approved her nomination. Dr. Maparyan, who is married to a Liberian, will officially assume her duties as President on January 10, 2025, the day of her induction. The University of Liberia and the nation at large welcome Dr. Maparyan’s leadership and look forward to her contributions to advancing higher education and fostering academic excellence in Liberia.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

United Nations' Blueprint to End Poverty: Achieving Sustainable Development Goal #1

  Sustainable Development Goal #1 End Poverty Did you know we have just six years left to achieve the sustainable development goals? In 2015, 193 United Nations member states committed to addressing 17 goals for a sustainable future, with the top priority being the eradication of poverty. Since then, what progress have these countries made in combating poverty? While ending poverty sounds promising, is it truly feasible? Let’s explore this further. Recent statistics show that around 9.2% of the global population, or approximately 700 million people, live in extreme poverty, defined as surviving on less than $1.90 per day. Additionally, about 26% of the global population, or roughly 1.3 billion people, live in moderate poverty, which is defined as living on $1.90 to $3.20 per day. Significant strides have been made in reducing poverty and income inequality over the past few decades, with the percentage of people living in extreme poverty decreasing from about 36% in 1990 to 9.2% in...

What are the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals?

  United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals   Sustainable Development is a term you might have encountered frequently, but do you really know what it means? If not, let me explain briefly. Sustainable development refers to economic growth that doesn't depletes natural resources or jeopardize future generations. Essentially, it ensures that today's decisions don't negatively impact tomorrow's people. This concept encompasses four main areas: human, social, economic, and environmental.  Next Question! Have you heard of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda? It's a global plan that outlines 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieved by 2030 for a sustainable future. This framework was adopted by 193 UN member states in 2015. The 17 goals aim to bolster local economies, protect the environment, and ensure the well-being of our planet for future generations.  Examples include promoting renewable energy, making housing more affordable and accessible, recy...

Two Cousins Open First Black-Owned Beauty Supply Store in Jefferson City, MO

Kumba Brewer and Candy Wright, both Liberians, migrated to Jefferson City, Missouri as teenagers. The cousins, who are now in their late twenties and early thirties, have established themselves as important citizens of Jefferson City.  Two young Liberian natives, Kumba Brewer and Candy Wright moved to Jefferson City, MO as teenagers, few years ago. The cousins who are now in their late 20’s and early 30’s, have become prominent members of Jefferson City.  It was July of 2021 when the young cousins stood in their store anticipating their first customer to walk in. After many weeks of ordering, doing inventory and stocking, they were able to cut the ribbon at Essence Beauty Supply Store, located at 431 E McCarthy Street. The grand opening is defying statistics because ethnic beauty supply stores like theirs    are not typically Black-owned, but profits are driven primarily from the Black community. The owners say there’s a need for more Black-owned establishments, and ...