Dr. Thomas Kaydor promoted to associate professor at University of Liberia

Published: July 14, 2025

Monrovia – Dr. Thomas S. B. Kaydor, an accomplished scholar and faculty member at the IBB Graduate School of International Studies, has been elevated to the rank of Associate Professor, a move that underscores his academic distinction, research impact, and decades-long contribution to Liberia’s higher education landscape.

The promotion, effective July 10, 2025, follows a formal review process and was approved by the President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Layli Maparyan. In a communication dated July 11, the university’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor Dr. Agnes Reeves-Taylor, conveyed the official notice, noting the decision was based on recommendations from Kaydor’s department, a Special Promotion and Tenure Committee, and the academic affairs office.

“Your promotion to the rank of Associate Professor at the University of Liberia expresses our confidence that you will continue to work towards achieving academic excellence and integrity in your field,” Dr. Reeves-Taylor stated, while extending both personal and institutional congratulations.

Dr. Kaydor brings to the position a formidable academic background and a wealth of international exposure. He holds a PhD in Government and European Studies from the New University in Slovenia, where he specialized in International Development and Diplomacy with a focus on security. His dissertation, “Reconceptualizing Africa’s Regional Integration for Peace and Sustainable Development,” explores transformative strategies for regional cooperation on the continent.

He also earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) with distinction in Development Economics from the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, in Canberra, Australia. At the University of Liberia, Dr. Kaydor completed both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science with Magna Cum Laude honors and a Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations, graduating with highest distinction. His undergraduate studies also included a minor in History and electives in Mass Communication.

Dr. Kaydor’s commitment to continuous learning is reflected in his professional development credentials. He holds a diploma in Leading Economic Growth from the Harvard Kennedy School and additional certifications and diplomas from academic institutions in Italy, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, China, and Israel.

Currently, he also serves as an adjunct professor of International Development Studies at the AME University Graduate School. Beyond his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Kaydor is an evidence-based researcher, blogger, columnist, and published author. His work spans critical issues in diplomacy, development, and governance.

His promotion comes at a time when Liberia’s oldest public university is seeking to reposition itself as a center of academic excellence and public policy leadership. Faculty advancement through merit-based evaluations is part of a broader effort to enhance institutional credibility and improve research output.

Dr. Reeves-Taylor, in her letter, expressed optimism about Dr. Kaydor’s future at the institution: “As we strive together to contribute to the development of our institution and the nation in general, I wish you continued success in the years to come.”