United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) has appointed American-born Prof. Margee Ensign as the new substantive vice chancellor.
The university’s council chairman Kris Ole-Senanu said Prof. Ensign, whose term will start from September 1, 2022, will be taking over from the USIU-A interim vice chancellor Prof. Freida Brown.
“The University Council is confident that Prof. Ensign’s experience leading two very different organizations as vice chancellor will enable her to address the challenges and opportunities for USIU-Africa,” Mr Ole-Senanu said.
“She brings an undoubted commitment, passion and vision around deepening international and intercultural education in Africa: it has been at the heart of her teaching, research, publications, and administrative life, and has led her to experience working in numerous international environments including Rwanda, Uganda, and Nigeria,” added Ole-Senanu.
Prof. Ensign was Associate Provost for International Initiatives, Dean and Professor, School of International Studies, University of The Pacific (1999-2010), worked in Rwanda and Uganda (2003-9), and held administrative and faculty positions at Columbia and Tulane Universities. While welcoming the appointment, Ensign said she would deploy her leadership style and experience to foster a spirit of enthusiasm, collaboration and cooperation.
“Building a sense of common purpose and a shared vision, both within the institution and in conjunction with its host community, is high on my agenda,” she said, adding that one of the most rewarding parts of her academic leadership jobs in the USA and Nigeria focused on social responsibility, and that civic learning and action are her key values and high priorities.
Administratively, Prof. Ensign who holds a PhD from the University of Maryland in International Politics and Economics, will work in close alignment with the deputy vice chancellor for academic and student affairs Prof. Munyae Mulinge and other members of the management board to oversee a broad spectrum of activities, including the five academic schools, student affairs, admissions, registration, library, faculty development, information technology, operations, and the implementation of the 2021-2026 strategic plan.
