President Joseph Boakai has appointed Dr. Layli Maparyan as the 16th President of the University of Liberia (UL), following the unanimous approval of the institution’s Board of Trustees.
When inducted she will be inheriting a space not just for learning but one already charged with complaints from the faculty as well as the students’ drama and her ability to handle those issues that are expected to greet her head-on couple with real-time improvements could boost the ARREST Agenda of the Boakai-led team.
Meanwhile, in his letter of appointment, President Boakai expressed confidence in Dr. Maparyan’s integrity, expertise, and leadership, stating his trust in her ability to serve the University and the nation with distinction.
Dr. Maparyan, a renowned academic and scholar, is currently the Executive Director of the Wellesley Centers for Women and a Professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA.
Her appointment follows a rigorous search process led by the UL Board of Trustees Search Committee, which identified her as the top candidate.
She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University, an M.S. in Psychology from Penn State University, and a Philosophy degree (cum laude) from Spelman College.
Dr. Maparyan has held academic positions at Georgia State University and the University of Georgia and is recognized for her contributions to gender studies and Africana scholarship.
Her connection to Liberia dates back to 2010 when she served as a Fulbright Specialist at UL.
She has also been honored with accolades such as the Distinguished Citizen Award for Service to the Liberian Community and a Fulbright Specialist Program Award.
President Boakai formally nominated Dr. Maparyan on December 18, 2024, in accordance with Article IV, Section 1 of the UL Charter.
Her nomination was unanimously endorsed by the Board of Trustees during a December 23, 2024, meeting.
Dr. Maparyan, who is married to a Liberian, officially assumes office on January 10, 2025, following her induction ceremony.
The University of Liberia and the nation anticipate her leadership, which is expected to advance higher education and foster academic excellence across Liberia.
