IPNEWS: In the wake of the appointment of Dr. Layli Maparyan, by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., and Visitor to the University of Liberia, Liberian academicians across the globe have lauded the Liberia leader for his farsightedness in the appointment of Dr. Maparyan as 16th President of the University of Liberia.
The appointment of Dr. Layli Maparyan, follows the approval of the University’s Board of Trustees in accordance with the University of Liberia’s Charter.
In his letter of appointment, President Boakai expressed confidence in Dr. Maparyan’s ability, integrity, and extensive experience, emphasizing his trust that she would demonstrate these qualities in service to the University and the nation.
Dr. Maparyan, a distinguished academic and prolific scholar, is currently the Executive Director of the Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW) and a Professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA.
Her selection followed a rigorous search process conducted by the University of Liberia Board of Trustees’ Search Committee, which identified her as a leading candidate for the position.
Dr. Maparyan holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University and an M.S. in Psychology from Penn State University. She earned her undergraduate degree in Philosophy (cum laude) from Spelman College.
According to an Executive Mansion release, Dr. Layli Maparyan has a distinguished academic career, having served as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at Georgia State University’s Women’s Studies Institute and Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia’s Department of Psychology and Institute for African American Studies.
Her ties to Liberia date back to her tenure as a Fulbright Specialist at the University of Liberia in 2010. She has also been recognized with numerous awards, including the Distinguished Citizen Award for Service to the Liberian Community (2009) and the Fulbright Specialist Program Award.
In accordance with Article IV, Section 1 of the University’s Charter, President Boakai nominated Dr. Maparyan for the role on December 18, 2024. The Board of Trustees subsequently convened on December 23, 2024, and unanimously approved her nomination.
Dr. Maparyan, who is married to a Liberian, will officially assume her duties as President on January 10, 2025, the day of her induction.
The University of Liberia and the nation at large welcome Dr. Maparyan’s leadership and look forward to her contributions to advancing higher education and fostering academic excellence in Liberia.
Amidst dispraising comments from some quarters, two renowned Liberian academicians, Austin Fallah and Kemmie Weeks, have lauded the academic credentials of Dr. Layli Maparyan.
Austin S Fallah in a perspective titled ‘Advocates for Academic Experience, University of Liberia’, stated that in the landscape of contemporary education in Liberia, the appointment of Dr. Layli Maparyan as president of the University of Liberia marks a significant milestone.
Fallah stated that President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s decision culminated in a vigilant search for a reformer capable of restoring the dignity, pride, and intellectual rigor of an institution that had long suffered from the traumatic societal impacts of civil strife.
“This appointment is not just a matter of filling an administrative position. Still, it represents a pivotal moment in Liberia’s long struggle for educational reform, characterized by a legacy of mistrust and a reduction of scholarly endeavor into mere academic complacency.”
“With a rigorous academic background as published on worldwide academicism, having earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University, an M.S. in Psychology from Penn State University, and an undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Spelman College, Dr. Maparyan is poised to reinvigorate the academic environment and restore the University of Liberia to its rightful place as a beacon of knowledge and reform.” Austin Fallah, stated.
In the Historical Context of Academic Decline in Liberia, Austin Fallah argued that to fully appreciate the significance of Dr. Maparyan’s appointment, one must first examine the historical context that led to the decline of the University of Liberia as a center of academic excellence.
Fallah: “The country endured years of civil conflict, which not only disrupted the fabric of society but also left a devastating mark on its educational institutions.”
“The civil war resulted in the dismantling of educational systems, loss of professional expertise, and widespread disillusion among academic stakeholders. Once a beacon of hope and a crucible for intellectual development, the University of Liberia has faced challenges such as a lack of infrastructure, inadequate funding, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness among faculty and students.”
“This bleak landscape has often been populated by those masquerading as scholars whose motivations have strayed into academic theft and unethical practices.”
On the ramifications of academic decline, Austin Fallah stated that for a society that fails to cultivate intellectualism and peer learning essentially forfeits its capacity to innovate, critically analyze, and emerge from cycles of poverty and conflict, the implications are particularly dire for Liberia, a nation striving for development and progress after years of turmoil.
He stressed that with Dr. Maparyan’s appointment, there is an opportunity for institutional reformation and a broader cultural renaissance in understanding education as a tool for national development.
Expanding on Dr. Maparyan as a Visionary Leader, Fallah, said that Dr. Maparyan’s distinguished academic credentials indicate her proficiency in psychological theories and the philosophical underpinnings of education, highlighting
“Philosophy emphasizes critical thinking and ethical reasoning qualities essential for academic leadership. Her commitment to fostering an enriching learning environment can help rebuild the shattered foundations of the University of Liberia.”
“Moreover, Dr. Maparyan’s experience extends beyond the confines of academic achievement. She embodies the dynamic of a true leader, capable of navigating the complexities of change within entrenched systems.” Austin Fallah said.
Touching on the effective leadership in academia requires more than just vision, Fallah noted that it necessitates empathy, responsiveness, and the tangible ability to unite people.
Fallah said Dr. Maparyan tenure could manifest as a transformative era prioritizing intellectual integrity and cultivating collaborative learning, stressing that peer learning, as an academic approach, emphasizes the necessity of community in education and the mutual exchange of knowledge.
Dr. Maparyan may leverage her multifaceted knowledge of psychology and philosophy to implement innovative programs that encourage student collaboration, mentorship, and constructive dialogue.
Such initiatives can foster a community of scholars engaged with the material and committed to deepening their understanding of diverse perspectives, ultimately promoting a culture of respect and collective learning.
The Path Forward: A Focus on Curriculum Reform:
One of the immediate challenges Dr. Maparyan faces is the need for comprehensive curriculum reform at the University of Liberia.
The academic frameworks currently in place must be re-evaluated to ensure that they align with best practices in pedagogy and meet the needs of a rapidly evolving global environment.
A syllabus that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and a strong ethical foundation is paramount for nurturing a generation poised to lead Liberia into the future.
Dr. Maparyan’s deep understanding of psychological principles can inform curriculum design by emphasizing the importance of mental well-being and cognitive engagement. Incorporating courses exploring socio-emotional learning, conflict resolution, and ethical decision-making can equip students with the tools to navigate the complexities of personal and professional life.
The president can promote a more vibrant intellectual community that actively engages in peer learning by fostering an environment where students feel psychologically safe and valued.
Moreover, meaningful partnerships with international institutions can help enhance academic offerings and expose students to global perspectives.
Dr. Maparyan’s previous work and connections in academia may facilitate such collaborations, creating opportunities for faculty exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and collaborative projects that transcend geographical boundaries.
The infusion of diverse methodologies and ideas will invigorate the curriculum and professional development of both faculty and students, ultimately aiming to align Liberia’s higher education system with global academic standards.
Cultivating a Culture of Accountability and Integrity:
The reestablishment of intellectual integrity within the University of Liberia is integral to Dr. Maparyan’s vision.
The prevalence of academic misconduct in the form of plagiarism and grade inflation has damaged the institution’s reputation and undermined the value of its degrees.
Creating a culture of accountability is necessary and vital for restoring public confidence in Liberia’s academic qualifications.
Under Dr. Maparyan’s leadership policies and, enhancing academic integrity should be prioritized.
Initiatives such as academic honesty workshops, transparent grievance procedures, and regular assessments of student performance can help cultivate a sense of ownership among students regarding their learning.
Furthermore, faculty involvement in upholding standards could foster a sense of shared responsibility, creating an environment where all participants value ethical scholarship.
Creating a culture in which integrity is celebrated requires a concerted effort to redefine academic success.
Dr. Maparyan can help shift the focus from grades to holistic learning experiences by appreciating deep understanding instead of superficial performance.
Recognition of exemplary conduct, publication of student research, and support for innovative projects can achieve this paradigm shift.
Community Engagement and Social Development:
The role of the University of Liberia extends beyond producing graduates; it must also act as a catalyst for social development and community engagement.
Dr. Maparyan has the opportunity to establish programs that encourage students to engage actively with local communities through service learning initiatives, research partnerships, and outreach projects.
These initiatives will provide students with practical experiences that enrich their education and reinforce the university’s role in addressing societal needs.
Fostering a symbiotic relationship between academia and local communities can empower students to apply their learning meaningfully.
This form of engaged scholarship can breed a generation of leaders who are not only cognizant of the intricacies of their academic pursuits but are also deeply rooted in the realities of their society.
Dr. Maparyan can inspire students to use their talents to improve Liberia by infusing education with purpose and social responsibility.
A Beacon of Hope for Liberia’s Future:
Dr. Layli Maparyan’s appointment as president of the University of Liberia symbolizes a critical juncture in the revival of academic integrity and intellectualism within the higher education landscape of Liberia.
Through her online visionary leadership, commitment to reform, and emphasis on peer learning, she stands as a figure of hope for revitalizing the nation’s academic spirit.
By addressing the historical challenges faced by the university, cultivating a culture of accountability, implementing curriculum reform, and engaging with local communities, Dr. Maparyan has the potential to reshape the University of Liberia into a leading institution of higher learning that not only contributes to the personal and professional development of its students but also emerges as a beacon of hope for national renewal.
The path ahead is undoubtedly demanding, requiring resilience, collaboration, and innovation.
Yet, through shared visions and collective efforts, the reintroduction of academic intellectualism and peer learning can breathe new life into Liberia’s academic brain, paving the way for a brighter future.
