USIU appoints former CUE boss as new vice chancellor

 Prof Mwenda Ntarangwi. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

The United States International University-Africa (USIU) has appointed Prof Mwenda Ntarangwi as the new Vice-Chancellor.

The University Council said the appointment is effective July 1, 2024.

Prof Ntarangwi, the former Commission for University Education (CUE) boss, takes over from Dr Omolola E Omole-Odubekun who has been serving as interim VC for the last three years.

In a statement signed by University Council chairperson Kris Senanu, Prof Ntarangwi was appointed following a rigorous and extensive recruitment process.

Ntarangwi served for five years as CUE Chief Executive Officer.

"His experience in carrying out accreditation of universities and programmes will be critical in supporting USIU-Africa’s dual accreditation thereby raising the quality of education at USIU-Africa," Senanu said.

The Council announced that Ntarangwi brings a wealth of experience in international scholarly writing, demonstrated by publications, teaching and research that have culminated in up to 64 universities and colleges around the world.

"Ntarangwi has published nine books, 24 journal articles, 18 book chapters, six encyclopedia entries, among others as well as organized and facilitated 20 conferences and workshops around the world," Senanu said.

“We are confident that through his expertise and experiences as an accomplished executive leader, scholar and teacher, he will contribute to USIU-Africa’s success and stability while moving it to the next level in achieving our vision as a premier institution of academic excellence with a global perspective," he said.

The council described Ntarangwi as engaging, personable and a lively lateral thinker with good understanding of leadership and the challenges in higher education, particularly in the East African context.

"We are confident that through his expertise and experiences as an accomplished executive leader, scholar and teacher, he will contribute to USIU-Africa’s success and stability while moving it to the next level in achieving our vision as a premier institution of academic excellence with a global perspective," Senanu said.

In August last year, USIU-Africa Vice Chancellor Prof Margee Ensign, resigned due to health-related issues tied to Nairobi’s altitude barely a year after assuming office.

Following her exit, Senanu announced that Dr Lola Odubekun would serve as the interim Vice Chancellor effective September 1, 2023.

Prof Ensign had taken over from Prof Freida Brown, who was recalled from retirement in August 2021 following the exit of Prof Paul Tiyambe Zeleza after a five-year stint.

Prof Brown, a former Vice Chancellor at the institution acted as interim VC for nine months as the university searched for a substantive replacement.