2015-2020 UCL IMPACT AND OVERVIEW REPORT

Dear UCL Institutional Partners, Stakeholders, Sponsors, Alumni, and Friends: February 2021

On behalf of the UCL Board of Directors, I am pleased to present to you a 5-year High-Level Impact and Overview Report on the University Consortium for Liberia’s (UCL) Institutional Partners and “Where are They Now” UCL Alumni Student Success Stories.

We are proud to announce that we have 18 Institutional Partners who have provided leadership and support to Liberia over the past 6 or more years and for this, we are truly thankful.  As we look to the future together, we want to thank our partners, stakeholders, sponsors, alumni, and friends for their generous donations and sponsorships to help UCL scholars to further their educational dreams and goals. We are also pleased to announce that Dr. George T. French, President of Clark Atlanta University, will be joining our leadership team as the Honorary Chair, and Dr. Michael Best, Georgia Tech Professor with the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs and School of Interactive Computing will serve as an advisor to the UCL on IT solutions, interactive computing, and e-learning.

As we embark on our fundraising goals for 2021-2022, during this difficult time of the Coronavirus pandemic, we hope that you will join us for some unique fundraising activities including our $.50 Cent Campaign, Virtual Auctions, and Special On-Line Events/Webinars to help raise funds to help support our UCL Scholarship Program.

We look forward to seeing you soon and please feel free to reach out to us at 404-565-1154 or by e-mail at cblandford@UCLiberia.com. You can also visit our website at www.UCLiberia.com for the latest information.

Wishing you a safe and prosperous New Year!

Cynthia L. Blandford

President and Board Chair

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER’S SUCCESS STORIES

African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU)

UCL’s Institutional Partner Savannah State University collaborated with AMEU to launch a new School of Social Work at AMEU in Liberia.  AMEU just appointed President Blandford as a member of the AMEU Board of Trustees and will work to strengthen the partnership moving forward along with AME Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr., of the 14^th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and other members of the Board of Trustees.

Alabama State University (ASU)

Dr. Emmet Dennis, President of the University of Liberia, and the former President of ASU Dr. Gwen Boyd sign an MOU in 2015 with a focus on STEM, faculty and student exchanges, and the environment.  In 2019, UCL Board member Dr. B.K. Robertson, Professor, and Executive Director, Programs in Biology and Microbiology at Alabama State University hosts the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Liberia site-visit and Climate Change Workshop. President Blandford attends and extends greetings and provides an overview of the UCL in 2019.  Dr. Robertson is the UCL Scholarship Committee. ASU and UCL partnership discussions will resume in 2021.

Clark Atlanta University (CAU)

The University Consortium for Liberia (UCL) in collaboration with CAU celebrated the graduation of two (2) Liberian students who received PhDs in Chemistry in May 2020, Dr. Saki Golafale and Dr. Varbah Sorsor. Also, working with the Dean of the College of Business to launch a Young African Leaders Mandela Fellows (YALI) curriculum at UL where I hosted the CAU Dean and YALI Director in Liberia in 2018. Meetings were held with former UL President Weeks, the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia including Ambassador Christine Elder and USAID staff and YALI Fellows from Liberia  The MOU between UL and the UCL has been signed and authorized. CAU and UCL are celebrating 8-years of collaborating.  Dr. George French, President of CAU, will be the new UCL Honorary Chair in 2021.

Cuttington University

In January 2020, the UCL President visited Cuttington University and met with Dr. Herman Browne, President, Dr. Charles Ford, Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Ms. Precious M. Marshall-Feury, Associate Vice President, to discuss a new educational partnership between UCL and Cuttington University to provide Faculty and Student Exchange, Study Abroad and Experiential Learning. The UCL President held a follow up discussion with the President, Provost and Vice President to discuss key areas of interest including faculty development, on-line collaborative teaching, research, capacity building, and short-term visits. In addition, the development of doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate programs in Technology and programs in areas of rehabilitation and psychosocial counseling are also key areas of collaboration. Consequently, in March 2020, Cuttington University became the newest member of the UCL making 18 Institutional Partners.

Emory University

Emory University was the host to the Inaugural UCL Scholarship dinner in 2015 where over 200 were in attendance and where Emmy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett, Jr., received Honorary Citizenship as a man of Liberian descent. The UCL President hosted a trip to Liberia with Emory and the CDC and helped to facilitate a partnership between the Government of Liberia to establish a National Institute for Public Health and a  CDC Liberia. Emory has worked with the Liberian Nurses Association USA in helping to build capacity. UCL is working to explore future opportunities for collaboration moving forward.

Louis Gossett, Jr. with President Blandford at UCL Scholarship Dinner – Emory University

Georgia Institute of Technology

In 2015, Georgia Tech, LIBTELCO, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, and the Liberian Consulate in Georgia sign a historic Agreement to help strengthen Technology Training, Advisory and Research Services, National Centers for Excellence, etc. While the MOU has expired, we are having on-going discussions with Georgia Tech about e-Learning and capacity building.  Dr. Michael Best, Professor with the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs and School of Interactive Computing at Georgia Tech, will serve as an advisor to the UCL on IT solutions, interactive computing, and e-learning.

UCL receives a $5,000 donation from former VP of Liberia Joseph N. Boakai to support the UCL Scholarship Program. From right to left Dr. B.K. Robertson, Dr. Judith Little, Vice President, Fundraising, VP Boakai, UCL President Blandford, Saki Golafale, UCL Finance Chair, and Dr. David Smith, UCL Board member.

Georgia State University (GSU)

GSU was the host of the 4^th Annual UCL Scholarship Fundraising event in 2018 where Honorable Alton V. Kesselly, Deputy Minister for Planning Research and Development, Ministry of Education in Liberia was the keynote speaker on Early Childhood Education. In 2019, GSU College of Education faculty Associate Dean Dr. Gwen Benson, Susan L. Ogletree, and Professor Julie Washington, made a visit to Liberia for consultations with the University of Liberia, the Ministry of Education, USAID, and others.

In 2020, UCL facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Georgia State University’s College of Education and the University of Liberia to strengthen Early Childhood Education in Liberia.   Discussions are underway on the way forward.

UCL Celebrates Scholarship program at GSU with CAU former President Johnson, Brussels Airlines Christophe Allard, Consul General Brussels William De Baets, President of the Liberian Association of Metro Atlanta, Dr. Somo Bashir-Hubbard, President Blandford, former Mayor of East Point Patsy Jo Hilliard, Joseph Reeves, LAMA, UCL Board members and other friends, staff, and guests.

Kennesaw State University (KSU)

In 2013, Kennesaw State University and the University of Liberia hosted President Emmet Dennis from the University of Liberia and signed an MOU to further faculty and student exchange programs, study abroad, and strengthen the educational achievement of students, to name a few.  KSU faculty and staff also visited Liberia to further discussions on the partnership.  KSU and the UCL are revisiting the partnership to discuss the next steps.  Dr. Saki Golafale, a graduate of CAU and UCL Finance Chair, is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry is currently on faculty at KSU.

Morehouse School of Medicine

 In 2015, Morehouse School of Medicine hosted a Post-Ebola Discussion with Vice President of Liberia H.E. Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., of Liberia in collaboration with the Liberian Nurses Association of Georgia, UCL Honorary Board Chair and President of Savannah State University Dr. Dozier, Emory University faculty and other partners. In 2017, Morehouse School of Medicine was the host of the 3^rd Annual UCL Scholarship Fundraising event held on the campus of Morehouse School of Medicine. Honorable Tolbert Nyenswah, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Health and Managing Director, Institute for Public Health Liberia, was the keynote speaker. In addition, Morehouse School of Medicine Office of Global Health Equity will focus on strengthening collaborations in Liberia in the healthcare arena.

Former East Point Mayor Patsy Jo Hilliard, Mistress of Ceremonies Aungelique Proctor, Emmy Award-Winning Reporter Channel 5 Fox News, President Valerie Montgomery Rice, Morehouse School of Medicine, Cynthia Blandford, President UCL and
Savannah State University Dr. Cheryl Davenport-Dozier at UCL Scholarship Dinner at Morehouse School of Medicine

Dr. Emmet Dennis, President Emeritus, UL, Dr. B.K. Robertson, UCL Scholarship Chair, Dr. Ophelia Weeks, former President, UL, Sedia Beysolow, UCL Scholar, Dr. Cheryl Davenport-Dozier, former President SSU and President Blandford presenting scholarship check

Savannah State University (SSU)

Savannah State University and the University of Liberia signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2015 and co-developed the first School of Social Work at the University of Liberia. SSU facilitates annual faculty and Study Abroad programs between UL and SSU. SSU provided scholarships to two Liberian students – Mr. Randolph Glee received his MSW in 2016 and Ms. Robertylyn Kollie, received her undergraduate degree in Mass Communication in 2017. Both received UCL educational scholarships to further their studies. Ms. Kollie also completed a Master’s in Public Administration from SSU in 2019 and Mr. Glee is also currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration at SSU. On-going collaborations are underway.

Terry Clay at SSU preparing a shipment of textbooks and other
educational materials to be sent to UL and AMEU on behalf of the partnership

The Carter Center

The Carter Center has been a long-standing partner in the areas of Mental Health, Access to Justice, and Access to Information in Liberia.  The Carter Center has co-hosted events with the Liberian Ambassador to the U.S. on Ebola, and President and Mrs. Carter hosted President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and President Blandford in 2018 at the Carter Center.  The UCL leadership will engage the new Carter Center CEO to help strengthen their partnership in 2021.

University of Georgia (UGA)

In 2018, Dr. Ophelia Weeks, former President of the University of Liberia, and Dr. Amrit Bart, former Assistant Dean and Director of the Global Programs in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen work in the agribusiness with a specific focus on a Model Hatchery program for women and youth.  Future collaborations are underway to including capacity building and training.

University of Liberia

In collaboration with former UL President Ophelia Weeks and her faculty, the UCL held a Scholarship Workshop for Honor’s Scholars where over 100 students from the UL, African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU), Stella Maris Polytechnic and other institutions of higher learning attended the event on the Fendell Campus on May 22, 2018. President Blandford and Saki Golafale, UCL Finance Chair, facilitated the workshop.  An outcome of the 2018 scholarship workshop was that two Liberian students gained admission at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and the University of Rochester. One of the students, Safiatu Barrie, a candidate for Master of Science in Mining Engineering at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology received a UCL scholarship in 2019. An indirect outcome of the workshop was the ability of Liberian students to network with UCL institutional partners.

COVID-19:  LIBERIA RESPONSE Webinar

The UCL joined forces with the Liberian Consulate in Georgia to host the “COVID-19:  Liberian Response” Webinar on September 9, 2020.  Ambassador George S.W. Patten, Sr., Liberia’s Ambassador to the USA in D.C. was the keynote speaker. Other panelists included Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr. of the 14^th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and former UN Ambassador Andrew Young.  The Liberian Nurses Association joined forces to raise funds to support the eradication of COVID-19 in Liberia in collaboration with the AME Church and the Andrew Young Foundation donated 100,000 selenium tables to the Ministry of Health in Liberia for frontline workers. The webinar reached 71,400+ people and 6,000+ active video views. Link to the webinar

Winning in Education during COVID-19 Webinar

The “Winning in Education during COVID-19 Webinar” was held December 9, 2020, with distinguished panelists including the University of Liberia’s President Dr. Julius Nelson, President of Clark Atlanta University,  Dr. George French, and other distinguished personalities to discuss e-Learning at the University of Liberia. The webinar also highlighted “Where are they Now” UCL alumni success stories. The webinar had 54,700+ people and 2,000+ active video views. Link to the webinar.

UCL President Hosts Liberia’s former Deputy Minister Hon. Elias Shoniyin

In April 2019, the UCL President hosted a visit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Honorable Elias Shoniyin, who is a big partner and supporter of the UCL and who also has a keen focus on higher education and institutional partners. Former Deputy Minister Shoniyin has hosted UCL partners in Liberia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the importance of working with Liberia’s youth to give them educational enrichment and opportunities, which UCL has accomplished over the years.

Dr. Joe Beasley, Hon. Aisha Musa, Consul General Nigeria, Paula Fares-Harvey, National Black MBAA, the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs and others were in attendance to greet Hon. Shoniyin

While Saki Golafale is not a direct recipient of UCL Scholarship funding, Saki received a scholarship and academic support from Clark Atlanta University, a UCL Institutional Partner, through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between CAU and the University of Liberia.  Saki received a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Clark Atlanta University in March 2020 and will return to the University of Liberia in the next few years to teach Chemistry

University of Liberia (UL) Student Government Leaders

Training and Capacity Building October 26-November 11, 2016

The UCL Board of Directors, in collaboration with the University of Liberia, designed and created the UL Student Government Leaders Training and Capacity Building program to help strengthen UL Student Leaders in leadership development, program management, skills development, administration, team building, and fundraising.

The UCL Board approved transportation, housing, and meal support for the program which took place from October 26-November 11, 2016, in Atlanta, Georgia.  Seven student government leaders and 1 faculty from UL participated in a full program with UCL Institutional Partners.  In addition, financial and In-kind support was also provided by the UCL Institutional Partners including Georgia State University, Emory University, Clark Atlanta University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and others in support of this educational program. Each student also received a UCL stipend during their visit to assist with other needed support. UCL Board hopes to revisit this program with the President of UL Dr. Nelson in the near future.

UL Student Government Leaders

(University of Liberia Assistant Dean Mr. Stevens hosted the students during their visit to Georgia)

1. Student Daniel T. Woart, President, Economics major (Male) Maryland County
2. Student K. Moses James, Vice President, Public Administration major (Male) Nimba County
3. Student Keifala F. Kanneh, Student Representative to the UL Council, Economics major (Male) Lofa County
4. Student Jerome D. Barnard, General Secretary, Public Administration major (Male) Grand Bassa County
5. Student Dickson G. Goffa, Financial Secretary, Accounting major (Male) Grand Bassa County
6. Student Nyenewle M. Dennis, Representative to Student Assembly, Management major (Female) Maryland County
7. Student Patience Reeves, UL Scholar Program, Geology major (Female) Bong County. Received a scholarship from Savannah State University to study Marine Science.

Follow this link to access the report: UCL 2015-2020 5-Year Impact and Overview Report