On her first day as President of the University of Liberia (UL), Dr. Layli Maparyan demonstrated her commitment to revitalizing the institution by engaging in a busy schedule that included high-level meetings and a campus tour on Monday, January 13, 2025. Installed on January 10, 2025, Dr. Maparyan wasted no time in acquainting herself with the university’s facilities and students.
Her day began at her Capitol Hill office, where she met with senior staff and outlined her vision for the university. Shortly after, she toured the Firestone Quadrangle (FQ) Building, a facility originally constructed in the 1960s by the Firestone rubber company. Once a hub for chemical testing, the building now serves as a central academic space for undergraduate learning. During her visit, Dr. Maparyan interacted with students, offering words of encouragement and fostering a sense of enthusiasm for the new semester.
Beyond her classroom engagements, Dr. Maparyan visited several key campus offices, including the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA), the UL clinic, and the Office of Student Affairs. She also inspected the Student Center, which houses the leadership offices for interim student representatives, and Tubman Hall, another historic structure on the Capitol Hill campus.
At Tubman Hall, Dr. Maparyan assessed the institution’s readiness for the academic term, focusing on improving the teaching and learning environment. She paid special attention to the Resource Center for Disabilities and Support Services and Alternative Learning (RCDSSAL). During her meeting with the center’s director, Mrs. Saydah Williamson Taylor, Dr. Maparyan reiterated her commitment to inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of creating accessible educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
The new UL president’s agenda also included a series of discussions with stakeholders critical to the university’s development. She met with USAID Director Jim Wright, senior UL officials, and fellows from the Higher Education for Conservation (HECA) Grant program to explore opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, she attended the orientation session at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, where she encouraged students to embrace their roles as future leaders of Liberia.
Dr. Maparyan’s inauguration, held on January 10 at the UL Fendall campus, marked the beginning of her leadership following the tenure of Acting President Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh.
