President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Liberia and has appointed Dr. Layli Maparyan as the 16th President of the University of Liberia, effective January 4, 2025.
Her appointment follows the approval of 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 extensive experience, emphasizing his belief that she will exemplify these qualities in her service to the University and the nation.
Dr. Maparyan is a distinguished academic and prolific scholar, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW) and a Professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA. Her selection followed a rigorous search process conducted by the University of Liberia Board of Trustees’ Search Committee, which identified her as a leading candidate for the position.
Mixed Reactions
However, many Liberians have expressed concerns regarding the appointment. While acknowledging Dr. Maparyan’s qualifications, some believe she may not be the right choice given the current realities in Liberia.
A young Liberian scholar, Wontoe Teah, stated during an interview with a local radio station in Monrovia that there are many qualified Liberians who were educated abroad and are capable of leading the University at this time. He noted that although the university’s charter does not prevent a foreigner from becoming president, it may not be prudent to have a foreigner lead a state-run university at this juncture.
Several other Liberians echoed this sentiment on social media, particularly on Facebook, arguing that numerous qualified Liberians with terminal degrees should be leading the University instead of an American citizen.
Dr. Maparyan holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University, an M.S. in Psychology from Penn State University, and an undergraduate degree in Philosophy (cum laude) from Spelman College. She has had a distinguished academic career, serving as an Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at Georgia State University’s Women’s Studies Institute, as well as an 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 received 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.
