Profile: USIU Appoints Former CUE CEO As New Vice Chancellor

The United States International University-Africa (USIU) has appointed former Commission for University Education (CUE) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Prof Mwenda Ntarangwi as its new Vice-Chancellor.

The appointment was announced by the private university on Thursday, May 2 following a rigorous and extensive recruitment process.

"The University Council of the United States International University – Africa is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Mwenda Ntarangwi as the new Vice Chancellor effective from July 1, 2024," a statement from Kris Senanu, the Chair of the University Council, reads in part.

Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi, former Commission For University Education CEO. /STANDARD DIGITAL

Profile

Professor Ntarangwi is an accomplished scholar in cultural anthropology and has dedicated his entire professional life, spanning three decades, to the higher education sector in Africa and the United States of America (USA), through teaching, research, fundraising and senior leadership. 

Since 2022, he has been serving as the Deputy Principal-Academics, Research and Student Affairs at NIRUC, a constituent college of the National Defence University – Kenya, where he has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of the University’s faculty and teaching programs; mentoring on developing research and publishing; and, assisted in developing student research and academic writing capacities.

Prior to that, Professor Ntarangwi served for five years as the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission for University Education (CUE), Kenya, which he successfully transformed from a policing body into an institution focusing on progressive partnership with universities, with clearly understood quality assurance standards.

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

"Professor Ntarangwi is particularly drawn to USIU-Africa’s mission to prepare the next generation of effective, engaged, and ethical leaders for the fast-changing African and global contexts," added the statement.

He 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 assigning his books, papers, and book chapters in their courses.

According to the university, he has published 9 books, 24 journal articles, 18 book chapters and 6 encyclopedia entries, among others as well as organized and facilitated 20 conferences and workshops around the world.

Professor Ntarangwi is revealed to be engaging, personable and a lively lateral thinker with a 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," added the statement.

Professor Ntarangwi takes over from Dr. Omolola E. Omole-Odubekun who was serving as Interim Vice Chancellor on short notice.

She on her part took over from Professor Margee Ensign who stepped down as Vice-Chancellor on August 7, 2023, having served for just one year.

Newly-appointed USIU Vice Chancellor, Professor Margee Ensign. /COURTESY