UL Prexy’s U.S. Trip Focuses On Strengthening Institutional Growth

By Grace Q. Bryant
The president of the University of Liberia (UL), Layli Maparyan, has returned to Liberia after a strategic visit to the United States, where she engaged with key partners, investors, and stakeholders to bolster the university’s development efforts.
During a press conference held at the UL Capitol Hill campus on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Maparyan provided an overview of her engagements, emphasizing her focus on alumni relations, fundraising, international collaborations, and program sustainability.
In February, Maparyan traveled to the U.S. as part of her first 100-day agenda, aligning her efforts with the broader goals of the university. She met twice with the University of Liberia Alumni Association in the Americas (ULIBAAA), discussing strategies to increase alumni contributions and presenting future fundraising initiatives.
While abroad, she also hosted a special broadcast of the “President’s Hour,” an interactive platform that connects the UL community, including students, faculty, staff, external stakeholders, and government officials.
One of the pressing issues Maparyan tackled was the shutdown of the USAID-funded Higher Education for Conservation Project at UL.
She engaged in multiple discussions regarding the program’s cancellation and outlined plans to ensure the university’s sustainability despite the loss of funding.
“We are currently developing strategies to maintain the university’s viability without this funding and are working on solutions for the affected units,” she stated.
Maparyan’s trip also focused on strengthening UL’s partnerships with U.S. institutions.
She participated in an interview with International Focus Magazine, a publication that reaches diplomatic communities in Monrovia, Atlanta, and Houston. The feature will highlight her leadership and UL’s initiatives.
She also attended fundraising events, including one hosted by the University Consortium for Liberia (UCL), which consists of 21 U.S.-based institutions, including UL. There, she pitched UL’s needs and explored collaboration opportunities in faculty recruitment and financial support.
A major highlight of her trip was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs): one with Morehouse College to establish a Hospitality Management program in line with Liberia’s tourism development goals, and another with Clayton State University to introduce a Healthcare Administration program at UL’s College of Health Sciences.
Maparyan met with representatives from Kennesaw State University to discuss potential academic collaborations, including a Ph.D. program in conflict resolution. She also engaged with Georgia Tech regarding an online master’s program, which could provide UL faculty and students access to globally recognized educational opportunities.
Her visit to Spelman College, her alma mater, opened discussions on potential partnerships between the institution and Liberia. She also received a letter of support from the President of the University of Georgia, expressing their willingness to assist UL.
Maparyan met with Dr. Cheryl Dozier, former President of Savannah State University, to discuss the progress of UL’s Social Work Program, reaffirming their commitment to its growth.
She also participated in the Target Landing University Executive Leadership Institute, a program designed to support new university presidents.
“This program allowed me to engage with other leaders, exchange experiences, and collaborate on problem-solving strategies for our institutions,” she said.
Another key area of focus during her U.S. visit was UL’s engagement with the World Bank regarding the Fisheries Program. She met with representatives to review ongoing progress and preparations for the upcoming handover ceremony of newly constructed facilities.
In a major boost for higher education opportunities, she announced a new scholarship initiative under the University Consortium for Liberia.
The Layli Maparyan Scholarship for Ph.D. Study will support Liberian students pursuing doctoral degrees in the U.S. or abroad, reinforcing her commitment to academic advancement at UL.