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By Jamesetta D Williams
MONROVIAThe University of Liberia (UL) has convened its first Ph.D. Retreat, bringing together all faculty members holding terminal degrees for a day of discussions, reflection, and strategic planning.
Organized by UL President Prof. Dr. Layli Maparyan, the event took place on August 7, 2025, at the Liberia Learning Center in Paynesville, Montserrado County. It centered on building a “Ph.D. and Terminal Degree-centric university,” strengthening academic leadership, and revisiting professional development strategies, such as the study leave policy aimed at enabling master’s-level faculty to obtain doctoral qualifications.
Dr. Maparyan emphasized that the retreat was designed not only to chart the way forward but also to ensure inclusivity in the process. She highlighted goals such as achieving gender balance, increasing disability inclusion, and aligning with government budgetary mandates for the coming year.
“We will also engage in an exercise to explore and rank faculty priorities for action in an effort to inform strategic planning and fundraising,” Dr. Maparyan said, adding that such work required a full-day engagement.
She underscored the importance of Ph.D. holders in driving academic standards, noting that UL should gradually move toward having multiple doctoral degree holders in most departments. “This is about us collectively understanding a collective purpose for us to work together on behalf of the University of Liberia,” she stressed.
On faculty welfare, the UL President acknowledged the need for better salaries but indicated that improvements would depend on cutting unnecessary costs and boosting fundraising efforts.
Regarding student protests, Dr. Maparyan advised finding ways to reduce violent incidents while protecting freedom of speech, warning that frequent negative media coverage could discourage potential funders.
The retreat also included an interactive exercise where participants shared what they valued most about being UL faculty, their frustrations, their dreams for the institution, and their greatest concerns. Faculty members expressed appreciation for the initiative and a willingness to collaborate in improving both welfare and the university’s learning environment.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.