United Methodists worldwide celebrated an ‘Ebenezer’ moment in the ministry of Africa University in 2022, marking 30 years of faithfulness, generosity, growth, and impact within and beyond The United Methodist Church.
God’s presence and provision in the life of Africa University are evident, thanks to the steadfast support of the Mountain Sky Conference. Thank you to Bishop Karen Oliveto, Mountain Sky Conference leaders, and member congregations for being attentive to the needs of Africa University’s ministry and giving sacrificially to ensure its continuing vitality. The Mountain Sky Conference led in giving, investing 100 percent of its share of general church giving to support the day-to-day operations of Africa University.
Supported by Mountain Sky United Methodists and others across the denomination, Africa University embraced new opportunities as it emerged from pandemic-related restrictions in 2022.
● Enrollment: Africa University achieved a total enrollment at 2,791 students in August 2022. Female students comprised 58 percent of the student population and 23 African nations were represented. ● Academic Growth: Africa University launched its first new academic unit in almost twenty years—The School of Law—with a pioneer cohort of 20 students pursuing the Bachelor of Laws (Honors) (LL.B.) degree program. ● Infrastructure expansion: A new residence hall for female students at Africa University is under construction, funded by the East Ohio Conference’s $1.5 million Teach * Reach * Bless campaign. Once completed, it will boost the available on campus housing for students to around 1200 beds. ● Outcomes: 712 graduates from 18 African countries became Africa University alumni in June 2022. The university’s almost 11,000 graduates to date are making vital contributions as clergy, educators, agriculturalists, health professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Faculty and students are addressing endemic challenges such as malaria and tuberculosis, food insecurity, and climate change, and gaining significant international support for their efforts.
Africa University’s year-long 30th anniversary program culminated in October 2022 with a gathering of more than 3,000 people at its main campus in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Amidst the commemoration and joyful thanksgiving livestreamed to the world, the Rev. Dr. Peter Mageto was installed as the fifth vice chancellor (president) of the institution. Mageto, a Kenyan and academician specializing in theological ethics, echoed the gratitude of the students, faculty, staff, trustees, and alumni of Africa University for the many answered prayers represented in the Africa University story.
Thank you, Mountain Sky Conference, for nurturing change leaders and building an enduring legacy through the ministry of Africa University. Let us continue to journey together—learning, leading and serving God, all the time, everywhere.
James H. Salley, President and Chief Executive Oficer, Africa University (Tennessee) Inc. & Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, Africa University
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