The administration of Maryland County based Tubman University is soon to become a reseach hub. The challenge to transform the university came from the Executive Director of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), Dr. Cecelia Cassell.
Dr. Cassell confronted TU’s administration to leverage its strategic location, and academic mandate, to position itself as a leading center for research, innovation, and practical solutions to development challenges. She made the call while delivering a keynote address at the 17th opening convocation for academic year 2026/2027. The ceremony was held on Monday, September 8, in Harper City, Maryland County. She addressed a cross-section of incoming freshmen, faculty staff, and invited guests. Dr. Cassell recalled how TU occupies a unique and strategic position in the Southeast as region of significant ecological, economic, cultural, and developmental importance. ”TU, by virtue of your location, and mandate, you have extraordinary opportunities.” The institution has the potential to become a major hub for research, and innovation serving Maryland County, the Southeast, and the country by extension.”
Dr. Cassell urged faculty members, researchers, and students to move beyond classroom-based scholarship, and engage directly with surrounding communities to better understand the real challenges confronting ordinary Liberians. “Go into our communities. Listen to our farmers. Study our schools, examine our health systems, investigate our environmental challenges, and study our markets. Document our cultural heritage, understand the realities of our young people.” She emphasized that universities must transform community experiences and local knowledge into meaningful research capable of influencing public policy, driving innovation, and improving livelihoods. Liberia, she said, needs universities that focus on research, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, mining, public health, education, climate resilience, governance, entrepreneurship, technology, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
“Liberia needs universities that investigate.” She wants research to be tailored to solve national problems rather than relying solely on foreign models.
Dr. Cassell acknowledged the contributions of William V.S. Tubman University to higher education, and national development.
She called on the university to prepare graduates who are not only knowledgeable, but ethical, innovative, and entrepreneurial.
The convocation marked the official opening of the 2026/2027 academic year.
