Dr. Yar Donlah Gonway-Gono has emphasized that, under her administration the United Methodist University (UMU) will become the place of hope and flexibility, as she will ensure that ethics, morality and Christian values are clearly demonstrated in order to place the university above all other universities across the country.
According to her, she has served in many capacities in the education sector of the country and, therefore, understands the challenges of the sector, as well as knows how to change the dynamics.
Dr. Gonway-Gono made the statement when she was inducted as the first female and sixth President of the United Methodist University (UMU). She noted that she comes on the platform of change, and vowed to transform every segment at UMU.
Dr. Gonway-Gono stated that her leadership at the university will focus its attention on the construction of the university on the highway to the Roberts International Airport (RIA), Margibi County.
The United Methodist University (UMU) has had acres of land in Marigbi County for years, with the intention of constructing its university main campus, in order to relocate from its current campus on Ashmun Street, Monrovia. The newly inducted president used the occasion to call all hands on deck in making the university the number one university in Liberia and Africa at large.
Dr. Yar Donlah Gonway-Gono is the first President of Nimba Community College, now Nimba University. She comes with vast experience to the UMU.
Dr. Yar Donlah Gonway-Gono attended Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, where she earned her Ph.D. She received her master’s degree of divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center.
The induction ceremony was done by the presiding Bishop of the United Methodist Church, Liberia Annual Conference, Samuel J. Quire, Jr.
The colorful induction ceremony was well attended by officials of the United Methodist Church, friends of Dr. Gono, students and staff of UMU, among others.
The event was climaxed with a fundraiser for scholarship students at the University. The fundraising rally amounted to US$3,000, with US$12,000 in pledges.
According to Dr. Gono, she is coming on the platform of transparency, quality education and development at the university. The induction ceremony took place at the Monrovia City Hall over the weekend.