Africa University begins search for next vice chancellor

MUTARE, ZIMBABWE —At the United Methodist-related Africa University (AU), the university’s board of directors has opened a search for AU’s fifth Vice Chancellor. Bishop Mande Muyombo, chair of the Africa University Vice Chancellor Search Committee said the committee is working with Korn Ferry International (KFI) to identify a candidate who is ready to lead Africa University into its fourth decade of service. The Rev. Greg Bergquist, top executive for the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, shared KFI led the search in 2013, which led to the election of Professor Munashe Furusa, the Fourth Vice Chancellor of Africa University. In the early hours of the 13th of January 2021, he was called into glory. “He was an extraordinary champion for educational access and an important voice for United Methodist-related higher education. KFI and the Search Committee know the shoes we have to fill and will blanket the world to find the leader ready to be a part of ‘Shaping Africa – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” said Bergquist. “Professor Furusa was a stellar leader who positioned Africa University to become a center of innovative ideas that will bring about development in the continent of Africa and the world” said Muyombo.

Announcement

VICE CHANCELLOR
Africa University
Mutare, Zimbabwe

Africa University (AU), the first private university chartered in Zimbabwe, seeks a Vice Chancellor to lead the institution into its fourth decade of service.

Founded in 1992, Africa University is a Pan-African, United Methodist-related institution governed by an international board. The 36-building campus is located on 1,542 acres outside Mutare, Zimbabwe’s fourth largest city. AU serves more than 2500 students from 31 countries, 58 percent of whom are female. International students represent 24 percent of the student body. The language of instruction is English. The university has 10,000+ alumni and a 97 percent graduation rate. The faculty and staff are predominantly African, with a significant proportion of internationally trained and experienced individuals holding senior roles. The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various programs within the colleges of: Business, Peace, Leadership and Governance; Health, Agriculture & Natural Sciences; and Social Sciences, Theology, Humanities & Education.

Africa University has partnerships and collaborative agreements with several US academic institutions including Claflin University, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Meharry Medical College, Western Kentucky University, Paine College, University of Kentucky Medical School, Clemson University, and Baylor University School of Medicine. AU is accredited by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education.

The Vice Chancellor is the chief executive officer of Africa University and reports directly to the Africa University Chancellor and its Board of Directors. The Vice Chancellor is responsible for all aspects of the university including academic programs, financial and personnel management, physical plant, farm operations, and student wellbeing. Additional university information is available at www.africau.edu.

Candidate qualifications include an earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited university; recognition as a scholar in an academic discipline; successful administrative experience at the level of dean or above in a complex academic institution; demonstrated success in fundraising; sensitivity to and understanding of African cultures; ability to communicate the mission of the university effectively; fluency in English; understanding of and compatibility with The United Methodist Church; and experience in working in an international multicultural environment. The ability to communicate in constituent languages is desirable. The position is available June 2022. Detailed candidate information is available on request.

Korn Ferry, which is assisting Africa University in this international search, invites confidential applications and nominations. Applications, including a current CV and letter explaining interest and relevant experience, should be sent to AfricaUniversityVC@kornferry.com.