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New President for the University of Liberia inaugurated in
Monrovia
(MONROVIA
- March 23, 2009): A new President for the University of Liberia
(UL), Dr. Emmett Dennis, has been inaugurated at an elaborate
ceremony held on March 23 at the main campus of the University.
The inauguration was witnessed by Government officials, international
partners and students.
The
President of the University's Board of Trustees, Dr. Dominic
Tarpeh, administered the oath of office to the incoming president.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is also visitor to the
University, later presented Dr. Dennis with a symbolic gavel
and mace signifying his authority, obligations and responsibilities
as UL's 13th President and challenged him to be wise and vigilant.
In
inaugural remarks, Dr. Dennis commended the Liberian leader
for increments in the salaries of UL professors as well as
her efforts in facilitating the construction of the USD$22
million new campus in Fendall, Montserrado County, with support
from the Chinese Government. He cautioned that the restoration
of the University should be a collective effort of all stakeholders.
The
University President announced a number of measures aimed
at improving the academic calendar of the institution, including
plans to return the institution to a semester system instead
of the existing trimester system. Dr. Dennis noted that tertiary
education must provide students with an education that is
nationally relevant and globally competent.
He
revealed that the 2010/2011 academic year will be marked by
controlled student enrollment until the University is well
suited to provide quality education to a larger student body.
The new University president pledged to seek opportunities
to send teaching and research assistants for advanced degrees
as a means of building capacity.
Dr.
Dennis, a former Dean of Rutgers University in New Jersey,
was selected by a University of Liberia Ad-hoc Presidential
Search Committee out of 13 candidates who initially applied
for the position. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Cuttington
University College in Liberia, a Masters' degree from Indiana
University and a doctorate from the University of Connecticut,
both in the United States.
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