The Board of Trustees of the University of Liberia (UL) has unanimously approved the nomination of Rev. Dr. Julius Julukon Sarwolo Nelson, Jr., as the next President of the University of Liberia.

The decision was reached in a special called meeting on Monday, Nov. 11, at the University’s Capitol Hill campus to discuss the nomination of Dr. Nelson by the Visitor of the University, President George Manneh Weah.

In a communication addressed to the Chair of the UL Board of Trustees, President Weah noted that the nomination of Dr. Nelson was in consonance with Article IV Section 1 of the Charter of the University of Liberia, which states “The Visitor of the University shall nominate the President of the University for approval of the Board.”

Sister Mary Laurene Browne, acting chairperson of the Board, notified Dr. Nelson of his preferment and challenged him to work assiduously for the upliftment of the University of Liberia and development of the country.

In response, Dr. Nelson thanked the UL Board for their endorsement and assured them of his fullest cooperation in administering the affairs of the University. He promised to keep the Board, faculty, staff and students fully engaged in activities for the advancement of the University. He noted that he is no stranger to the University of Liberia, adding that he understands its unique circumstances. He then indulged the Board to convey his profound thanks and sincere appreciation to the Visitor of the University, President Weah for the nomination.

Dr. Julius Sarwolo Nelson served the University of Liberia in several capacities, including Dean and Vice President for Student Affairs for 12 years, Associate Professor of Moral Philosophy and Ethics and Chairperson of the Department of Philosophy.

Dr. Nelson holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Zoology from the University of Liberia, a Master of Divinity from the Gammon Theological Seminary, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from the United Theological Seminary, in Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A. He has held several outstanding positions in public and religious service. He is Senior Pastor of the Refuge United Methodist Church on the Monrovia District of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Following the Boards approval, the UL Administration, headed by Prof. Weade Kobbah-Boley, informed the Board that the inauguration/induction ceremony of Dr. Nelson will take place on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019 at the ULs Fendall campus.

Once inaugurated, Dr. Nelson will become the 15th president of the University of Liberia, replacing Dr. Ophelia Inez Weeks, ULs 14th and second female president.