Liberia: Dr. Olu Menjay Appointed President of Tubman Univ.

The President of the Republic of Liberia, George Manneh Weah, has appointed Dr. Olu Q. Menjay as the fourth President of Tubman University (TU) in Harper, Maryland County. The appointment takes immediate effect.

According to a press release, Dr. Menjay brings with him more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership positions across various educational, non-profit, and interdisciplinary sectors. A visionary and transformational leader, Dr. Menjay assumed his role on Monday, September 25, 2023, and has since been dedicated to crafting a strategic framework for the institution based on the empowering of the teaching, learning, and serving communities; transforming Tubman University's education; strengthening the university community; advancing partnerships; and cultivating global collaborations. Dr. Menjay's primary focus is on ensuring the growth and success of Tubman University, with an emphasis on its bold future.

Dr. Menjay brings a wealth of experience in education leadership to his new role as President of Tubman University, having held several executive positions prior to his appointment. For nearly 16 years, he served (as a senior educational executive in Liberia), where he ensured financial viability and resilience. Throughout his career, Dr. Menjay has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing student and staff development, creating innovative educational opportunities, and fostering study abroad experiences. He has also played pivotal roles in establishing successful collaborations and partnerships with various stakeholders, including government officials, educators, students, faculty, staff, parents, and foreign institutions, to cultivate a productive learning culture. He passionately supports student-driven policies and actively promotes the involvement of both students and faculty in shaping and executing the university’s strategic plans, emphasizing inclusivity.

As an active scholar, Dr. Menjay has held an Assistant Professor appointment in the Department of Religion at Mercer University. He delivers lectures nationally and internationally on various topics related to leadership, education, and theology. Dr. Menjay has made numerous presentations worldwide and published articles, editorials, commentaries, and chapters in various professional print and electronic outlets. With a passion for internationally-minded education that seeks to mutually inform and transform societies for the betterment of all, he has traveled extensively, intentionally developing authentic and mutual cross-cultural relationships.

Dr. Menjay is a dedicated servant leader who has held numerous distinguished national and international leadership positions. He served as the President of the Liberia Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention for two terms (2012-2020), and as the Second Vice President of the Liberia Council of Churches and an executive member of the Liberia Inter-religious Council (2017-2021). Furthermore, he was appointed by Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to Chair the Board of Directors of the Liberia Telecommunication Corporation (2011-2013). From 1998 to 2002, Dr. Menjay served as the Executive Administrator at the 5000-member Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Fayetteville, NC. 

In addition, Dr. Menjay has also served in various positions within the Baptist World Alliance, including Vice President (2010-2015), Chair of the Commission on Human Rights Advocacy (2010-2015), and member of the Emerging Leadership Network (2005-2010). He currently serves on two major committees, Human Resources and Congress, at the Baptist World Alliance.

The book “Portrait of Courage: Stories of Baptist Heroes,” published in 2008 to mark the 200th anniversary of Baptist presence worldwide, featured a chapter on Dr. Menjay's exceptional leadership in the restoration of Ricks Institute. He was celebrated as a “Baptist Rebuilder," alongside several prominent Baptists from around the world, including former US President Jimmy Carter. In 2019, Dr. Menjay was granted the degree Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa) by the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary in recognition of his outstanding and selfless service to both the church and society.

Dr. Menjay is a member of several scholarly and esteemed fraternities, including Alpha Kappa Delta (International Honor Society of Sociology), Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (International College Honor Society), Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges, International Association for Mission Studies, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the 100 Black Men of America.

Dr. Menjay's educational background is rooted in a global experience obtaining various degrees, including a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Contextual Missiology/Education from the University of Wales in 2009, a Master of Sacred Theology (STM) in African Religion and Cultural Studies from Boston University in 2004, a Master of Divinity (MDiv) in Practical Theology from Duke University in 1998, a Bachelors of Arts (BA), a double major in Sociology (with honors) and Religion from Mercer University in 1995, and an Associate of Arts (AA) magna cum laude in Business Administration and Management from Truett McConnell College (now University) in 1993.