By CTW Team
Every year in March, the world observes Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the remarkable contributions women have made to society, culture, science, leadership, and community development. It is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made toward gender equality, acknowledge the challenges that remain, and honor the women – past and present – who have shaped the world through courage, innovation, and resilience.
USIU-Africa’s current prestige and recognition are rooted in the achievements of trailblazing women who, through their leadership and dedication, helped lay a strong foundation for the institution’s continued success. This year, as the world celebrates outstanding women across the globe, USIU-Africa recognizes these remarkable women who have shaped the university’s 57-year-long history. They provided leadership that led to the growth and expansion of the university, with each one of them making a unique contribution and leaving a lasting mark. Here are a few of the remarkable women who exemplify the vision, leadership, and commitment that have guided USIU-Africa through the years:
Dr. Lillian K. Beam, who served as the second Executive Director of the United States International University, Nairobi Campus, following the first director’s three-year tenure. Her leadership spanned ten years and saw significant improvements in enrollment, curriculum development, and staffing.
Professor Freida Brown became the third Executive Director, where she introduced strategic changes that put USIU-Africa on an upward trajectory and transformed it into a regionally acclaimed and globally recognized center of academic excellence. Among her major achievements were the attainment of the Kenyan charter, expansion of the campus with commensurate infrastructure, program diversification and growth, and prudent fiscal management. In 1999, following legal reforms in the higher education sub-sector, USIU-Africa received a formal Charter, and Professor Freida Brown became the first Vice Chancellor under this system of governance. Although she retired after more than two decades of service, her love and dedication to the institution did not end there. When the university embarked on the recruitment of a new Vice Chancellor in 2021, she returned from retirement and moved across the world during the pandemic to provide leadership. She ensured institutional leadership and stability within this period. She was successful in the implementation of the phased reopening of the campus post-pandemic.
Professor Margee Ensign took over from Professor Brown, and her brief but impactful time with the institution was marked by unwavering commitment, passion, and vision, leaving a lasting impression on this institution. During this time, one of her achievements was spearheading the establishment of the Center for Executive Education.
After Prof. Ensign left, Dr. Omolola E. Omole-Odubekun accepted to serve as Interim Vice Chancellor on short notice. Her many years of dedicated service, including her roles as a member of the Board of Trustees, as well as Chair and member of the University Council, set her apart as an exceptional leader.
In addition and in recognition of their invaluable service, we pay tribute to the distinguished women who have served with dedication as members of the Board of Trustees and the University Council in the recent past. These include the immediate past Chair of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Eileen B. Wilson-Oyelaran, as well as University Council members Ms. Katherine Perry, Prof. Margaret Kasimatis, and Ms. Minal Vohra.
We further celebrate the remarkable women who continue to serve and guide the University with distinction. On the Board of Trustees, we acknowledge the leadership of Ms. Julia Slocombe (Chair), alongside Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga, Ms. Carole Kariuki, and Ms. Magdalene Johnson Obaji. At the University Council, we extend our appreciation to Ms. Patricia Kiwanuka, Prof. Sheilah F. Clarke-Ekong, Ms. Brenda Simba, and Dr. Kimberlee Moore.
Through their exemplary leadership, wealth of experience, and steadfast commitment, they continue to shape the University’s strategic direction, strengthen governance, and inspire a culture of excellence for generations to come.
USIU-Africa applauds and honors all these impactful women for their invaluable contributions to not only the history but also the current success of the university.
