TUBMAN UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT INDUCTED
The President of the newly established William V. S. Tubman University in Harper, Maryland County, Dr. Elizabeth
Davis-Russell, was on Saturday, February 27, inducted into office. The ceremony was graced by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
and other senior Government officials. Speaking at the indication program, President Sirleaf, who is also Visitor to the University,
congratulated Dr. Davis-Russell for responding to the national call to return home and contribute to the rebuilding process.
The President described the opening of the William V. S. Tubman University on September 14,
2009, as a fulfillment of the educational sub-pillar of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) otherwise known as “Lift
Liberia”, which calls for the establishment of at least one new institution of higher learning outside of Monrovia by
September 2009. The President lauded Dr. Davis-Russell and her staff for their determination and perseverance in achieving
the goal to open the doors of the University as promised.
She challenged
the new administration of Tubman University to work toward ensuring that the institution serves as a regional magnet for young
people in the southeast and beyond, offering degrees in a host of disciplines “so that students can be assured of getting
the best education Liberia has to offer.” The Visitor praised the academic program of the University, which
she noted is in line with the country's transformation. Tubman University is offering courses in Health Sciences, Management,
Technology, Agriculture and Food Sciences and Education.
In her
inaugural address, Tubman University's new President, Dr. Davis-Russell, thanked the Liberian President for her preferment.
She assured the Liberian leader that her administration will work to ensure that the institution meets its full potential.
Dr. Davis-Russell promised to operate a transparent and accountable administration that will be responsive to the academic
pursuit of students. Saturday's ceremonies were also marked by the dedication of the Tubman University Campus, a tour of the
campus facilities, and a fundraiser.
The President
on Saturday led other senior cabinet officials to the Liberian-Ivorian border town of Kablaken, dedicating the newly rehabilitated
Harper-Kablaken road. The Liberian leader departed Harper for River Gee County on Sunday morning, Feb. 28. Meanwhile, ground-breaking
and dedicatory ceremonies have taken place in Maryland and River Gee Counties of several development projects.
President
Johnson Sirleaf on Sunday broke ground for the construction of the Manolu Public School, in Maryland County, and a number
of projects funded by the African Development Bank in the southeast region, in keeping with an agreement with the Liberian
Government. Other projects dedicated by the President in Kanweaken included a district administrative building in Kanweaken
City; the Gbeapo-Kanweaken General Market; a sub-police station; and the Gbeapo-Geeken Elementary School in Dweken, River
Gee County. The dedicated schools were constructed by the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), with funding provided
by the Liberia Education Trust (LET), a private initiative launched by President Johnson Sirleaf four years ago to raise funds
to train teachers, construct schools throughout the country, and provide scholarships to deserving students, particularly
girls.
The President arrived in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, late Monday night, March 1, on the latest
leg of her southeastern counties tour. En route to Zwedru, the Liberian leader visited the Putu Mining Site, located
midway between River Gee and Grand Gedeh Counties, where mining operations are being concluded. Pesidents of the area, in a statement, welcomed the plans by Government
to resume mining activities in the area. They hoped the process would get under way soon to help provide employment opportunities
to thousands of unemployed youths in the area, particularly residents of Putu Konobo Statutory District #3.
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REMARKS BY MS. BROWN
Your Excellency, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Protocol has been observed, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I bring greetings from Marylanders for Progress (MFP), an organization founded
11 years ago by sons and daughters of Maryland County as a non-profit, non-political entity registered in the State of Maryland,
USA and also a registered NGO in Liberia.
MFP is a founding member of the National Maryland County Association, Liberia
(NAMCAL) and has a representative on the Maryland Liberia Sister State Committee. Our paramount focus is to assist in the
rebuilding of Maryland County by lending support to the county leadership. We are a team that believes – Together Everyone
Achieves More!
Thank you Madame President for your vision and support to the people of Maryland
County. Thank you for the reopening of this beautiful institution now Tubman University and for the appointment of a dynamic
institution-builder, Dr. Elizabeth Davis –Russell.
To Dr. Davis-Russell, there are no words adequate enough to express our profound
gratitude for your commitment, service and leadership spirit you have brought to Tubman University. In your leadership, we
see a knowledge innovation zone emerging here in Maryland County, a key element to the development of our human resources
which will transform lives and the entire Southeast region of Liberia.
MFP hereby promises to continue its support to the Tubman University and the
people of Maryland County. MFP believes to whom much is given, much is expected and we honor that journey with all its challenges
believing with God on our side, we will not fail.
May God continue to bless you, President Sirleaf and your leadership of Liberia.
May God bless the people of Maryland County with wisdom, discernment of the
spirit to choose unity and peace.
May God continue to bless this great Republic of Liberia.
Thank You.
PHOTOS