By Linda Green*
Dec. 7, 2007 | MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS)

The directors of United Methodist-related Africa University have appointed the dean of agriculture and natural resources as interim leader of the pan-African school.

Fanuel Tagwira, 50, took the reins Dec. 1 to carry the university through a period of transition following Rukudzo Murapa's October decision to step down after almost 10 years as vice chancellor.

"I am humbly honored by the responsibility that has been put on me," Tagwira said at a university gathering that day. His announcement was met with a standing ovation and ululation.

"I take courage in knowing that God is on our side," Tagwira said. "I feel great to serve this institution because it has brought me up, it has made me who I am, and I want to give back to the institution by serving it in a higher capacity."

A Zimbabwe native, Tagwira joined the university in 1992 as the first full-time member of the academic staff in agriculture. He has made contributions to teaching, research and community outreach efforts, as well as to the overall development of the school. He was awarded the Best Researcher prize during Africa University's 10th anniversary celebrations in 2002.

Never thinking that his tenure at the university would span 15 years, Tagwira said he is "delighted to be given this responsibility of being the interim vice chancellor. I will try my best, but I know that you are all going to work with me to make sure that this work is done well and that the institution continues to run smoothly as it has been doing under the wise leadership of Professor Murapa."

Zimbabwe's hyperinflation poses myriad challenges for the university, and Tagwira called on his colleagues to work with him to overcome them.

"I am passionate about this university, having grown so much in and with it," he said. "I caught the vision and passion that drive Africa University ... so it is a privilege to be entrusted with its leadership."

Search gets under way

A search committee, led by board chairman and university chancellor Bishop Nkulu Ntanda Ntambo, has been appointed to find a new vice chancellor. Students, faculty, staff and alumni are expected to be involved in the selection process. The vice chairwoman of the committee is Johnnetta Cole, retired president of United Methodist-related Bennett College for Women, Greensboro, N.C.

"From its inception, Africa University has been blessed with energetic, visionary and committed leadership at all levels, and in this time of transition, the board has found in Professor Tagwira someone of true commitment," said Ntambo, episcopal leader of the church's North Katanga Area in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

"He is a dynamic, accomplished and principled administrator and scientist with a very intimate knowledge of the university and an incredible passion for its development and for the ongoing transformation of the African continent," he said.

With the appointment, the board has reaffirmed its commitment to enable the university to pursue a vision of excellence as the anchor institution of The United Methodist Church's mission in higher education in Africa, according to the Rev. Jerome King Del Pino, top staff executive of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

"I am confident that Professor Tagwira will give collaborative and accountable leadership during this time of transition that will enable students, staff and faculty to achieve a greater level of excellence in accomplishing the primary mission of the university: to educate transformative leaders for church and society in Africa and throughout the world, thereby fulfilling the mandate of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church," Del Pino said.

Zimbabwe Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa, chairman of the board's finance committee, said, "There is no doubt that (Tagwira) will lead the university well, taking up what has been entrusted to him and giving priority to the welfare of students and staff, while pursuing excellence at every level."

Setting goals

In his new role, Tagwira will work closely with James Salley, the university's associate vice chancellor for institutional advancement. Salley's involvement with Africa University dates back to 1987, when he served on the site-selection committee that chose Mutare as the school's home.

"It is my honor to serve the institution, and I frankly feel like it is my calling," Salley said. During the transition, he is taking on an expanded portfolio, which includes overseeing the university's church and external/international relations functions.

"Change is exciting," Salley said. "We have a responsibility to build from the rich foundation that has already been laid here at Africa University."

He and Tagwira will use a team approach, he said. "We will do the kind of things that will lay foundations and then turn them over."

They have already identified student and staff welfare, infrastructure maintenance, and overall academic and physical capacity limitations as key concerns.

Tagwira has pledged to pursue collective decision-making processes that allow students, faculty and staff to feel fully vested in the institution. "There are many things that need to be done, and having been on the faculty since 1992, I know the issues that are critically important to the university community — especially those related to infrastructure, compensation and professional development," Tagwira said.

As Murapa turned the leadership over to Tagwira and Salley on Dec. 1, he told the Africa University community that his 10 years at the helm have been "perhaps the greatest honor in my life." Speaking to board members, faculty, staff and students, he said that regardless of the capacity in which one serves Africa University, "it becomes indelible in you. It does not, it will not, it shall not leave you, nor shall you ever leave Africa University because it will always be a part and parcel of you."

He told Tagwira and Salley that as they navigate the obstacles ahead to remember that satisfaction comes from challenges. "Challenges are the essence of satisfaction. They are the ones that call out of you the best that you have to give."

United Methodist-related Africa University is a private school that draws students from across the continent, regardless of race, ethnicity, social standing or religious affiliation.
It promotes inclusiveness and tolerance in it programs, and focuses on improving access to professional training for women and other socially and/or economically disadvantaged groups.

The school has nearly 1,400 students in its programs, which cover the fields of agriculture, business and public administration, education, health sciences, the humanities and social sciences, peace, leadership and governance, and theology.

*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn. Andra Stevens, director of Africa University's office of information and public affairs, contributed to this story.

News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

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Resources

Africa University

History of Africa University

United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry

Africa University Fund