U.S. UNIVERSITY, PREZ JOHNSON-SIRLEAF SIGN 'MOU'

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Dr. JoAnn W. Haysbert of the Langston University Signs the MOU

(Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA) President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Langston University President, Dr. JoAnn W. Haysbert, have signed a memorandum of Understanding in Langston, Oklahoma city. As part of the MOU, signed on Saturday, Langston University students representing majors from six schools, (Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Education, Business, Physical Therapy, and Nursing and Health Professions) will provide education and intensive study sessions with counterparts in Liberia.

The Institute will also establish a working relationship between the Central Agricultural Research Institute and the Agricultural Program of Langston, in reinvigorating agriculture with particular emphasis on the livestock sector. Langston has established an international reputation in the area of agriculture research and extension with special emphasis on small ruminants (goats).

According to an Executive Mansion dispatch from Oklahoma city, the MOU also establishes a ‘Study Abroad Service Learning’ for the period of Mary to July each year, to work with young girls and women, through projects known as GIVE, (the Girls Investing in Valuable Education) and GROW, (Giving Real Opportunities to Women), through the AME University, Cuttington University College, the University of Liberia, and selected schools.

Langston has also agreed to provide five scholarships for Liberian students matriculating at the University to pursue graduate studies in one of over thirty majors being offered by the school, commencing academic 2007 – 2008.

The University and government will also work actively to send visiting scholars to Liberia and bring Liberian scholars to Langston to strengthen teaching, research, and extension capabilities. The Institute has an active visiting scholars program in the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.

Langston, through the Office of Academic Affairs, will coordinate and foster additional initiatives with other Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and women’s organizations to assist the Government of Liberia in the Liberian Education Trust imitative.

Langston University President, Dr. JoAnn Haysbert, speaking of the MOU said her institute, through the MOU, will further endeavour to fulfill its mission of educating individuals to become global learners and at the same time educate them to become global leaders in helping to meet the needs of nations throughout the world.

For her part, the Liberian President thanked the Langston University family for the initiative, which she noted would make a very valuable contribution to the country’s commitment to improving and enhancing the educational capabilities of the people, particularly young women. The President, who served as keynote speaker at the 107th commencement convocation of the University, urged graduates to strive for excellence by working individually and collectively to impact communities and the lives of the people.