Latest Update from AMEU in the 14th Episcopal District
By William “Bill” Ayers, Second Episcopal District, Board Member, AMEU Foundation
Joseph T. Isaac, the fourth president of AMEU, recently sent an update of progressive steps the University is taking to promote its programs and to enhance the quality of education for its more than 4,700 students. This “good news” communication was sent to University staff, students, board of directors, trustees, and foundation board members.
In addition to this exciting news, Dr. Isaac; the Rt. Rev. E. Earl McCloud, the 127thElected and Consecrated Bishop of the AME Church, the 31stBishop of the 14thEpiscopal District, and the current Chairman of the Board of Trustees; presiding elders; pastors; laity; and others will conduct a massive capital campaign in Liberia (2018) and in the USA (2019) to improve the University campus. This includes but is not limited to building a new science facility, rebuilding/refurbishing a number of existing buildings, and upgrading the infrastructure to accommodate the current student population. This fundraising effort is also designed to accommodate planned new programs and to support the increased number of anticipated students. President Isaac said, “We received positive feedback from many of you about the academic programs and services we offer at AME University; thanks, and please keep your suggestions coming.”
Our partnership with the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA)has yielded an agreement for AMEU to develop and offer a baccalaureate program in Revenue and Taxation that will start in September 2018. It will help prepare the next generation of tax professionals for the Liberian economy. LRA will fund the first two years and the program is expected to self-sustain thereafter.
AME University has pre-launched its Master of International Development (MID) program, which is intended to prepare versatile development professionals and specialists in various career tracks for bilateral and multilateral projects. This is a 15-month cohort program for candidates with undergraduate degrees in business, marketing, finance, public administration, international relations, and related fields. The MID program is rooted in the concept of sustainable development, economic development, human capacity development, and social development from a global perspective. We are now recruiting international faculty with experience and background in the theory and practice of international development, foreign policy, international relations, public health, poverty, gender equity, and international trade to serve as Visiting Instructor for five weeks in Liberia. AME University will provide lodging, meals, local transportation, some financial assistance with round-trip airfare, and an honorarium. Interested individuals are asked to please email their CV, cover letter, and copies of credentials to jobs@ame.edu.lrto receive additional information.
Dr. Augustine Konneh has joined AME University as Dean of the Graduate School. Dr. Konneh was professor and Department Chair at Morehouse College in Atlanta. He returned to Liberia in 2009 to serve as Director-General of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), a position he held for nine years before becoming Graduate Dean at AMEU in December 2017. Under his leadership, FSI was responsible for training several hundred Foreign Service officers and emerging diplomats for the Republic of Liberia.
AMEU’s vision statement is “Pursuit of Excellence.” As evidenced by President Isaac’s update of the University’s progress and as the school continues its forward momentum, we bear witness to that vision becoming a reality. To God be the glory!
