Dr. Layli Maparyan

During my time at the Katherine Stone Kaufmann ’67 Executive Director of the Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW),
I focused on advancing gender equality, social justice, and global advocacy through research and action.

Promoting Gender Equality and Social Justice,
I led WCW’s efforts to produce groundbreaking research on issues affecting women, girls, and marginalized communities worldwide.

We championed interdisciplinary research on topics such as education, health, gender-based violence, and economic empowerment.

Advancing Womanist Theory,

As an advocate of womanist theory, I infused my leadership at WCW with an inclusive and intersectional approach, focusing on the empowerment of women and communities across all races and backgrounds.

Strengthening Global Collaborations, we
Established partnerships with international organizations and scholars to promote gender equity and global human rights.

Worked on initiatives addressing global issues such as climate change, migration, and women’s leadership in crisis response.

Expanding Research and Policy Influence,

Supported research projects that informed policies on workplace equity, family dynamics, early childhood development, and mental health.

We encouraged the translation of research findings into actionable policies and programs for greater societal impact.

Empowering Grassroots and Community Leadership,

We advocated for the inclusion of grassroots women and local leaders in global conversations about development and equity.

And we also worked on projects that uplifted underrepresented voices and bridged the gap between academic research and community activism.

Fostering a Culture of Inclusion,

We emphasized diversity and inclusion within WCW’s initiatives, ensuring that the research and advocacy work addressed the needs of all genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups.

I, Dr. Layli Maparyan Sworn In As UL 16th President

Capitol Hill Campus, Monrovia, Liberia, January 10, 2025 | Prof. Dr. Layli Maparyan has been inaugurated as the sixteenth president of the University of Liberia at a colorful Academic Investiture ceremony held on Friday, January 10, 2025.

The special convocation was held in the Theater of the University of Liberia Fendall campus in Louisiana, Montserrado County.

I, Dr. Maparyan takes over from Acting President Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh following a rigorous vetting process by the UL Presidential Search Committee.

Her inauguration addresses the UL faculty's call for the appointment of a new president to oversee the affairs of the University.

In my inaugural address, I expressed my readiness to transform the UL.

To achieve that goal, my administration will focus on education, effectiveness, efficiency, excellence, and ethics.

I promised to attract funding from outside of Liberia to support research, innovation, faculty, and development.

I also assured the students, faculty, staff, and alumni that their welfare would be improved.

I am a distinguished academic, a prolific scholar, and a professor of African Studies at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA.

I holds a Ph.D in Psychology from Temple University.

At the same time, the UL Board of Trustees, with a recommendation from the Faculty Senate, which is the highest decision-making body of all academic activities, conferred the Degree of Doctor of Law (Honoris Causa) on the Visitor of the University, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., during the Investiture ceremony.

I thank you all!

Thank to the government of Liberia for the Induction ceremonies that was held today. I'm very thankful to the Almighty God for making me the 16th President of the University of Liberia. The ceremonies was also in line with the Conferral of Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree on the Visitor of the University of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. at the Fendell Campus of the University.

I am pleased to announce that I will be meeting with the President of the Republic of Liberia to discuss matters concerning the outgoing president. Additionally, we will address my transition into the role of President of the state-run University of Liberia. I am honored to take on this responsibility and look forward to contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of the university.

Martin, you still fighting how to obtain you second degrees.
You're not my mate!!!

Martin K. N. Kollie’s accusations against my CV are not only baseless but also deeply disappointing, as they undermine the spirit of intellectual honesty and mutual respect that we should all strive to uphold. My professional credentials and contributions are well-documented, transparent, and verifiable, grounded in decades of hard work, dedication, and integrity.

Such accusations are not merely personal; they cast unnecessary shadows on the larger goal of fostering constructive discourse, which is essential for progress. We all have a responsibility to ensure our criticisms are rooted in fact and presented in a manner that uplifts rather than tears down.

I believe in the power of dialogue and reconciliation, and while this matter has been disheartening, I remain open to a genuine and public apology from Mr. Kollie. Acknowledging one’s missteps takes courage, and doing so could set a powerful example for others, reinforcing the values of accountability and respect.

Ultimately, our shared aim should be to build bridges rather than walls, focusing our energies on collaborative efforts that benefit the country we serve.