United States International University vice chancellor Margee Ensign has resigned after one year.
In a statement released on Monday, University Council chair Kris Senanu said Ensign resigned due to health-related issues.
“Ensign has been faced with personal medical challenges related to the altitude in Nairobi and her doctors have advised her that she cannot live and work here,” Senanu said.
The council appointed Lola Odubekun to serve as the interim vice chancellor effective September 1, 2023.
Odubekun is a member of the USIU-Africa University Council and has also served as chair in the past.
She is a social scientist with a professional background in law and over 25 years of high-level experience in criminal justice research, advocacy, and grants management.
Senanu said Ensign showed dedication and hard work during her tenure in the University that have yielded remarkable achievements.
“She demonstrated unwavering commitment, passion, and vision, leaving a lasting impression on our institution,” he said.
Some of the achievements include an increase in enrollment of 562 new students compared to the same period last year.
Senanu said this was made possible due to her leadership in coordinating Open Day initiatives, school visits, international recruitment activities and additional investments in marketing.
She also reinvigorated the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan which is tailored to address the most pressing global and national challenges, as well as disruptions in higher education.
In addition, she was a strong advocate for additional scholarships under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, as well as for students with disabilities and the e-learning initiative.
“She had a meaningful engagement with our Alumni, domestically and internationally, fostering stronger connections and long-term networks,” Senanu said.
She also established the Center for Executive Education which has new programs scheduled to commence in September 2023.
