PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE UNITED METHODIST UNIVERSITY (UMU) MONROVIA, LIBERIA

January 26, 2026

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR PRESIDENT

The Board of Directors of the United Methodist University (UMU), under the leadership of its Chairperson, Bishop Samuel Jerome Quire, Jr., announces the commencement of a formal search process for the position of President of the United Methodist University. This vacancy follows the passing of the late President, Dr. Emmanuel F. Bailey, whose dedicated leadership and service contributed significantly to the growth and mission of the University. The Board now seeks a distinguished, visionary, and spiritually grounded leader who will build upon this legacy and guide UMU into its next phase of academic and institutional development. In fulfillment of this mandate, the Board of Directors has constituted the UMU Presidential Search Committee.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

The United Methodist University is a private Christian institution of higher learning established by the United Methodist Church in Liberia. Chartered in 1998 and beginning academic operations in 2000, UMU is committed to combining academic excellence with moral discipline, leadership formation, spiritual growth, and service to humanity. The University operates multiple campuses across Liberia and continues to play a vital role in national development and faith-based education.

POSITION SUMMARY

The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the University and provides strategic, administrative, academic, financial, and spiritual leadership consistent with the values and mission of the United Methodist Church. The President works collaboratively with the Board of Directors, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders to advance UMU’s institutional priorities, strengthen its academic programs, and enhance its national and international standing.

The President reports directly to the Board of Directors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• The successful candidate must demonstrate outstanding leadership, integrity, and commitment to Christian higher education, and should possess the following:
• An earned doctorate degree (PhD, DrPH, EdD, or equivalent) from an accredited institution;
• A minimum of 5 to 10years of progressively responsible leadership experience in business, corporate management, Higher education administration is an added advantage;
• Demonstrated expertise in institutional governance, academic oversight, financial management, and strategic planning;
• A record of scholarship, academic engagement, or research contributions;
• Strong ethical standards and adherence to Christian values, with active participation in church life (United Methodist affiliation is an advantage);
• Experience working with Boards, regulatory agencies, and accreditation bodies;
• Proven capacity to mobilize resources, grant writing skills, strengthen partnerships, and engage stakeholders;
• Commitment to transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and institutional
• Women and qualified United Methodists are strongly encouraged to

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

A complete application package must include:

1. A letter of interest;
2. A current Curriculum Vitae (CV);
3. Copies of academic credentials;
4. A five-year vision statement for UMU;
5. Contact details of three professional references (two academic and one faith- based);
6. SUMMARY OF APPLICANT’S PHILOSOPHY 5000 words
7. Evidence scholarly publications or academic work, dissertation and research work if any.
8. All documents must be submitted in PDF

Shortlisted candidates shall be assessed on a standardized scoring scale ranging from 1 to 10 (1 representing the lowest score and 10 representing the highest score):

1. Professional and Academic Competency
2. Commitment To Personal Integrity
3. Understanding Of Higher Education In Liberia
4. Commitment To Academic Excellence, Teaching, Research
5. Leadership Skills & Experience
6. Management And Budgeting Experience
7. Fundraising & Advocacy Experience
8. Interpersonal Skills & Ability To Network
9. Approach To Students and faculties Relations

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should be submitted to In person: The Chairman Presidential Search Committee

United Methodist University (UMU), Ashmun Street Monrovia, Liberia

Send Email to: umupresidentsearchcommittee@gmail.com

Deadline for submission: 30 days from the date of publication.

NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selection committee reserves the right to proactively identify and invite suitably qualified individuals with exceptional credentials to participate in the interview process and to consider such individuals as potential candidates for the position of President of the United Methodist University (UMU).

SELECTION PROCESS

Initial eligibility screening

Long-listing and qualification review Short-listing of candidates

Written leadership and strategic assessment Two rounds of interviews

Background and reference verification Recommendation of finalists to the Board of Directors

The full search process will be conducted over a period of 90 days, beginning the third Monday in January 2025.

UMU IS A FAITH-BASED, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY INSTITUTION

The University encourages applications from qualified Christian professionals of integrity and commitment, including United Methodists in the Liberian diaspora who meet the required standards of leadership and service.

Signed by Seach Committee Chair

The College of Management and Administration engage in teacher training workshop to get their instructors ready for the upcoming semester

The Sustainability Club of The United Methodist University of Liberia, on Thursday, October 16 signed a Partnership Agreement with the Monrovia City Corporation. UMU President, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel F. Bailey signed on behalf the University, while Hon. Jones N. Williams signed for the Monrovia City Corporation. The Club is an initiative of the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences at the UMU.