MONROVIA — The University Consortium for Liberia (UCL) has pledged to maintain a strong and cordial working relationship with Dr. Layli Maparyan, the newly appointed 16th President of the University of Liberia (UL). Her appointment was announced by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and approved by the UL Board of Trustees, marking a historic milestone for the institution.
Cynthia L. Blandford, President and Co-Founder of UCL, expressed delight over Dr. Maparyan’s appointment during an inauguration ceremony held on January 10, 2025, at UL’s Fendall Campus in Montserrado County. Blandford described the event as a momentous occasion attended by distinguished government officials, UL Board members, students, alumni, and other stakeholders. Former UL President Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh also gave a farewell address as he passed the baton to Dr. Maparyan.
Dr. Maparyan’s inaugural address emphasized her guiding principles, referred to as the “Five Es”: Education, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Excellence, and Ethics. Blandford commended these values, noting that she has personally observed Dr. Maparyan’s leadership qualities and expressed confidence in her ability to elevate UL to international standards. Blandford, a UL alumna, reaffirmed UCL’s commitment to supporting the university’s advancement.
President Boakai, in his letter of appointment, praised Dr. Maparyan’s integrity, expertise, and experience, stating his belief in her ability to serve both UL and the nation effectively. Dr. Maparyan’s selection followed a comprehensive search conducted by the UL Board of Trustees.
Dr. Maparyan holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University, an M.S. in Psychology from Penn State University, and a cum laude undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Spelman College. Her distinguished academic career includes faculty roles at Georgia State University and the University of Georgia. She was also the first post-war Fulbright Specialist at UL in 2010 and has received several awards, including the Distinguished Citizen Award for Service to the Liberian Community in 2009. Married to a Liberian, Dr. Maparyan officially assumed her duties on January 10, 2025.
In December 2024, the UCL Board welcomed two new members: Jerome Barnard and Adem Sonii. Barnard, a UCL scholarship recipient, holds a Bachelor of Public Administration from UL and advanced degrees from institutions in the United States. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Global Health Ethics. Sonii, based in Atlanta, Georgia, holds degrees in Information Technology and Business Management and has been instrumental in UCL’s scholarship fundraising initiatives. Blandford expressed optimism about their contributions to UCL’s mission.
Since its founding in 2009, UCL has been dedicated to fostering academic collaboration between Liberia and the global community. The organization, with Dr. Maparyan’s involvement, played a pivotal role in securing a $5 million USAID grant to establish the Center of Excellence for Forestry, Biodiversity, and Conservation Leadership and Green Enterprise Development at UL’s Fendall Campus. Partners in this initiative include institutions such as the University of Georgia, Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University, Tuskegee University, and the Resilient Africa Network in Uganda.
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