The President of the University of Liberia (UL) Dr. Layli Maparyan has returned to Liberia after being away to meet partners and key investors to aid in strengthening the efforts of the University.
In February, Dr. Maparyan paid a visit to the United States to engage in several activities directly related to her priorities for the first 100 days of her presidency and the broader goals for the University of Liberia.
Speaking during a press conference at the UL Campus on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the UL President said she met with the University of Liberia Alumni Association in the Americas (ULIBAAA) on two separate occasions and discussed strategies to increase alumni giving and presented plans for future fundraising initiatives.
Speaking on the engagement through the “President’s Hour” when she was away, the UL President hosted a broadcast of the President’s Hour, a valuable platform for engaging with the university community, including students, faculty, staff, external stakeholders, and government officials.
Talking about the USAID Program Shutdown, Dr. Maparyan said while in the US, she engaged in multiple discussions regarding the USAID-funded programs at the university, the Higher Education for Conservation Project, which was impacted by a shutdown and eventually canceled. “We are currently developing strategies to maintain the university’s viability without this funding and are working on solutions for the affected units,” she said.
The UL President said she also participated in an interview with International Focus Magazine, a publication aimed at the diplomatic community, with editions in cities like Monrovia, Atlanta, and Houston, which will feature an article about her work and the university’s activities.
According to her, she took part in several fundraising events, including one hosted by the University Consortium for Liberia (a group of about 21 U.S.-based institutions, including the University of Liberia).
During this event, she pitched the university’s needs and explored opportunities for collaboration with U.S. institutions; she also made progress in strengthening faculty recruitment and securing new funding.
Maparyan revealed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with two U.S. institutions, one with Morehouse College in Hospitality Management, aligning with Liberia’s focus on tourism development, and another with Clayton State University, which will lead to the introduction of a healthcare administration program at the UL College of Health Sciences.
Additionally, she met with representatives from Kennesaw State University to discuss potential collaborations, including a PhD program in conflict resolution, and with Georgia Tech’s Online Master’s program, which offers qualified faculty and students at the University of Liberia access to world-class programs.
Dr. Maparyan met with representatives from her alma mater, Spelman College, and explored potential connections between Liberia and their network; she received a letter of support from the President of the University of Georgia, offering assistance to the University of Liberia.
On International Relations and Development, the UL President also met with Dr. Cheryl Dozier, former President of Savannah State University, who was involved in the founding of the Social Work Program at the University of Liberia, discussed the program’s status and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing this important relationship.
“I joined the Target Landing University Executive Leadership Institute, a program designed to support new presidents. This program has allowed me to engage with other leaders, exchange experiences, and collaborate on problem-solving strategies for our institutions,” she said.
Dr. Maparyan talked on the issue of the World Bank Engagement on Fisheries Program as she met with representatives from the World Bank to discuss the Fisheries Program at the University of Liberia; as such, they reviewed the progress and preparations for the upcoming handover ceremony for newly constructed buildings.
She then announced the new scholarship initiative regarding the University Consortium for Liberia which has established a scholarship fund in her name—the Dr. Layman Scholarship for PhD study.
The fund which will provide support to Liberian students studying in the U.S. or abroad, reflecting her strong commitment to promoting higher education and PhD acquisition at the university.
