By Francis Kamara
The Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), through the Court of the University of Sierra Leone, has got its first ever female Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC). Professor Miriam Conteh-Morgan received her appointment on 6th September 2022, as the Court of the University of Sierra Leone met at the University Committee Room to discuss and approve the appointment of the Head of FBC Campus and IPAM respectively.
The Chairman of the Court, Dr. J. Sanpha Koroma reported about the interviews conducted by the sub committee of Court and thereafter presented the names of the recommended applicants for approval.
Associate Professor Miriam Conteh-Morgan, is the University Librarian and Assistant to the outgoing DVC IPAM. She is also the College Librarian, IPAM. Associate Professor Miriam Conteh-Morgan is the Coordinator of the University Development Committee and the University Endowment Fund. She is an outstanding scholar with several contemporary publications in scholarly and reputable journals.
In addition, she is a mentor that has motivated several women and men in leadership and team building. Mrs. Conteh-Morgan appreciated her appointment in the following words, “I’m deeply honored, humbled for this recognition and I therefore accept the position.”
She further said that she is proud to be the first female DVC of IPAM. She said that she has served two DVCs as their assistant and with that wealth of experience she will improve on the infrastructural and intellectual development of IPAM.
Much accolades and sentiments were expressed in respect of her predecessor Professor Edmond Nonie who further exposed her to management activities of the College.
In another development, Professor Kelleh G. Mansaray, got the highest score among the four applicants for the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor, FBC and was approved for appointment with effect 1st October 2022.
Professor Mansaray is the Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, FBC. He has served as Dean for two consecutive terms with strong impact on both the faculty and FBC in general.
He has international and local recognition for project writing and management for academic and professional development. He has attracted several bilateral supports for training and capacitating professional engineers. During his tenure as Dean, he led the process of introducing new programmes, curricula review and expanding field trips for students and staff development for faculty members.
Professor Mansaray acknowledged the astute leadership of his predecessor, Professor Lawrence Kamara and promised the University Court, students, and academic staff to build on the foundation of his predecessor with new ideas and partnerships.
He appreciated the Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Foday Sahr, for steering a transparent and participatory mechanism of having him appointed to the office DVC. He commended the Chairman of Court and all members for having confidence in him to serve in that capacity.
The Chairman of Court and Chancellor of the University Dr. J. Sanpha Koroma, congratulated the two appointees with words of encouragement. He said the appointment of the first female DVC was not any favor because of her gender but purely based on merit.
He told them that their new offices demand much corporation, collaboration and team building. He thus urged them to be committed to their responsibilities and the development of the University.
Earlier on Professor Mohamed Samai, has been reappointed as the DVC COMAHS, the third constituent college of the University of Sierra Leone. Professor Samai presented a report on his stewardship in the office as DVC at the end of his first term.
The report was carefully evaluated by the Sub Committee of the Court and he was thereafter recommended for renewal for a second term.
Professor Samai is an outstanding researcher who is a principal investigator for several studies including MULTIPLY, ACARIA and formerly EBOVAC etc. He has impacted on COMAHS in several ways. Major in all is the attraction of research funds and partnerships.
Credit: USL Media
