By Jamesetta D. Williams
In February 2025, Dr. Maparyan embarked on a pivotal journey to the United States, a trip that would shape the future of the University of Liberia (UL) through strategic partnerships, alumni engagement, and leadership development. From high-level meetings to heartfelt connections with alumni and international institutions, her mission was clear: to secure resources, foster collaborations, and amplify UL’s impact on the global stage.
Dr. Maparyan began her visit by meeting with the University of Liberia Alumni Association in the Americas (ULIBAAA). These meetings, held with both the leadership and general membership, were not just about rekindling relationships but about mobilizing alumni giving and strengthening ties between UL and its graduates abroad. With the annual ULIBAAA convention on the horizon, discussions centered around increasing support for the university, ensuring that alumni contributions played a vital role in shaping UL’s future. The upcoming performance of the ULIBAAA Chorus in Atlanta added an artistic and cultural touch to the conversation, reinforcing the deep bond between alumni and their alma mater.
Recognizing the power of communication, Dr. Maparyan launched the LUX-FM President’s Hour, a platform dedicated to engaging students, faculty, and stakeholders in conversations about the university’s growth and challenges. This initiative underscored her commitment to transparency, dialogue, and shared vision.
The 74th Founders Day Celebration, themed “The Future Starts Now,” was a defining moment of her visit. It wasn’t just a commemoration of UL’s history but a forward-looking conversation about the university’s trajectory. Dr. Maparyan emphasized that the time for transformation was now, urging all stakeholders to rally behind UL’s vision for innovation and excellence.
One of the most pressing issues she confronted was the impact of the USAID shutdown on UL’s various academic units. She engaged in discussions with affected faculties, working to find solutions and alternative sources of support. Conversations with MAP International focused on securing medical supplies for the Health Sciences program, while collaborations with Cuttington University and other Higher Education and Technical Training Institutions (HETTIs) sought to sustain educational initiatives in the wake of funding disruptions. She also spearheaded efforts to strengthen the HECA/Forestry program, brainstorming new fundraising strategies and expanding the university’s resource database.
Understanding the importance of visibility, Dr. Maparyan gave interviews to iF Magazine Monrovia and iF Magazine Atlanta, where she spoke passionately about her leadership journey and UL’s future. These interviews were more than just media appearances they were strategic moves aimed at positioning UL as a prime candidate for fundraising and donor support.
Her efforts extended beyond publicity as she led fundraising and friendraising events in Atlanta, introducing UL to a mix of new and old supporters. These gatherings bore significant fruit, with the signing of two key Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) one with MBC for an online Hospitality Management Certificate and another with CSU for a healthcare administration program, further linking UL with international academic opportunities.
In addition to expanding academic programs, she advocated for increasing the number of Ph.D. faculty at UL, requesting partner institutions to offer scholarship slots. Her discussions with KSU explored the creation of a conflict resolution master’s or Ph.D. program, integrating a trauma track to address post-war challenges in Liberia. Meanwhile, talks with Georgia Tech focused on a potential Online Master’s in Computer Science, setting the stage for technological advancement at UL.
Beyond academia, her engagements took on a personal and professional significance. She met with Dr. Olu Menjay, President of Tubman University, and reconnected with her alma mater, Spelman College, seeking ways to establish deeper Liberian ties within the Spelman network.
Her efforts did not go unnoticed. Dr. Maparyan received a proclamation from the Georgia State Senate, a recognition of her leadership and the University of Liberia’s contributions to education. Additionally, she received a letter from the President of the University of Georgia (UGA), offering institutional support.
She also reconnected with Dr. Cheryl Dozier, former President of Savannah State University, who played a crucial role in the establishment of UL’s Social Work program. At the UCL Board Meeting, she welcomed two new members, including Jerome Bernard, a UL graduate and former student leader, reinforcing the growing influence of UL alumni.
One of the highlights of her trip was joining the Clark Atlanta University Executive Leadership Institute (CAU ELI) New Presidents P
