USIU Vice Chancellor Exits After One Year

The United States International University-Africa (USIU) has announced the departure of Professor Margee Ensign as its Vice-Chancellor.

In a statement on Monday, August 7, the university's council chair Kris Senanu revealed that Prof Ensign encountered personal medical challenges attributed to the altitude in Nairobi, Kenya.

The chair added that doctors advised her against living and working in Nairobi, leading to the announcement of her departure after one year.

"It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that I, on behalf of the United States International University - Africa (USIU-Africa) University Council and Board, announce the departure of Vice Chancellor Prof. Margee Ensign after her one-year tenure.

"Prof. Ensign has been faced with personal medical challenges related to the altitude in Nairobi, and her doctors have advised her that she cannot live and work here," read the statement in part.

Immediate former USIU Vice Chancellor, Professor Margee Ensign. /PHOTO

USIU added that during her tenure, Prof Ensign demonstrated unwavering commitment, passion, and vision, leaving a lasting impression on the institution. Among the remarkable achievements yielded during her dedication and hard work included:

1. An increase in enrollment of 562 new students compared to the same period last year, thanks to her leadership in coordinating Open Day initiatives, school visits, international recruitment activities, and additional investments in marketing.
2. A reinvigorated 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, tailored to address the most pressing global and national challenges, as well as disruptions in higher education.
3. The implementation of a new organizational structure aligned with the Strategic Plan's key performance indicators, with the recruitment process for senior leadership positions nearing completion.
4. A strong advocate for additional scholarships under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, as well as for students with disabilities and the e-learning initiative.
5. The successful launch of the USIU Brand Store.
6. The establishment of the Center for Executive Education, with new programs scheduled to commence in September 2023.
7. Meaningful engagement with USIU Alumni, domestically and internationally, fostering stronger connections and long-term networks.
8. Community outreach initiatives, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations within the university vicinity and demonstrating her commitment to supporting those in need.

Prof Ensign was lauded for her outstanding leadership, effective teamwork, and ability to collaborate with various stakeholders both internally and externally, qualities which nurtured a positive and productive work environment, promoting a sense of unity ('We are One') among all.

"Her innovative ideas and unique perspectives consistently brought fresh insights to the university, and her commitment to excellence set a high standard for all who interacted with her.

"We are deeply grateful and honoured to have had Prof. Ensign as a part of our community. She demonstrated that nothing is impossible, consistently handling challenges with efficiency and effectiveness," added the university, which went on to express its heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for her future endeavours.

To ensure continuity and effective leadership, Dr Lola Odubekun will serve as the interim Vice Chancellor effective September 1, 2023.

Dr Odubekun is a member of the USIU-Africa University Council and has also served as Chair in the past. She is a social scientist with a professional background in law and over 25 years of high-level experience in criminal justice research, advocacy, and grants management.

"We anticipate the process of searching for a substantive replacement to begin in the coming months. Thank you all for your understanding and support during this transitional period," USIU concluded.

On July 18, 2022, Prof Ensign was announced as USIU's new vice-chancellor to replace Freida Brown who acted on an interim basis.

The university’s council in August 2021 recalled Prof Brown from retirement to serve on a nine-month contract following the exit of Paul Tiyambe Zeleza after a five-year stint. Her contract was extended to September 2022.

Prior to the appointment, Prof. Ensign served as the President of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, where she had been President from 2010 to 2017.