The Client
United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) is an American-style university offering unique courses in Kenya. Originally established in 1969 as an African campus of what was then the United States International University in San Diego, it became an independent institution in 2005. USIU-Africa holds dual accreditation through WSCUC in the United States and the Commission for University Education in Kenya.
Its 38 programmes span the Humanities and Social Sciences, Health and Biomedical Sciences, Business, Communication, and Technology, continuously evolving to meet the demands of a changing world. USIU-Africa’s vision is to be a premier institution of academic excellence with a global perspective, and its mission is to promote the discovery and application of knowledge, the acquisition of skills, and the development of intellect and character. This prepares students to contribute effectively and ethically as citizens in an increasingly technological and dynamic world.
Visit USIU-Africa’s website to learn more.
Key Objectives
Oxford HR partnered with USIU-Africa in the search for their new Vice Chancellor. The brief was to find a progressive and innovative leader with academic credibility and broad experience, particularly with regional focus and dual accreditation, who would bring an international outlook and fresh ideas. The ideal candidate would have studied and worked in the USA and held leadership positions in universities across the African continent. They also sought an astute administrator with strong resource mobilisation skills, excellent interpersonal abilities, and a track record of fostering collaboration and team leadership.
Services
- Executive Search
Oxford HR’s Associate Director for Africa, Karen Twining, worked closely with the USIU-Africa Council. Dr Lola Omole-Odubekun, Interim Vice Chancellor, praised Karen as “an exceptional team lead. All who supported were professional and highly responsive.” The team was particularly commended for their “high responsiveness to requested changes; accurate and well-prepared materials; and the clarity, comprehensiveness, and consistency of both verbal and written materials.” Paul Kasimu, Chair of the Talent Committee, highlighted:
“Karen’s proactive engagement, personal check-ins to clarify key issues ahead of formal sessions, and a good balance between coaching the taskforce and allowing them to make decisions on both process and candidates.”
Following an extensive international search, USIU-Africa was delighted to appoint an accomplished scholar, Prof Mwenda Ntarangwi, as their first Kenyan Vice Chancellor. Prof Ntarangwi, the well-regarded former CEO of the Kenyan Commission for University Education (CUE), brought valuable experience from both Africa and his 25 years working in the USA. An engaging and emotionally intelligent leader, he is a lively lateral thinker with a strong understanding of leadership and the challenges in higher education, particularly within the Kenyan context. He was already familiar with USIU-Africa and was highly motivated to elevate the institution into one of the top 10 universities on the continent.
We interviewed with Prof Mwenda Ntarangwi to hear his thoughts on the experience.
Why did you join this organisation? What do you expect to achieve in your role?
“I have been in the higher education sub-sector for many years, and USIU-Africa is an institution that brings together my skills and experiences perfectly. I was trained in large public universities but taught in small liberal arts institutions. Being an institution that combines liberal arts through its general education courses alongside professional courses, USIU-Africa provides the best of both worlds for me. It captures my passion, expertise, and experiences perfectly.
In my role, I expect to rally behind the mission of the institution, which is centred on preparing students to solve problems in a global and technologically driven world. I plan to encourage interdisciplinary work to allow for holistic approaches to socioeconomic opportunities and challenges, especially in Africa but also globally. USIU-Africa’s graduates are known to be self-driven, agile, and innovative, and I plan on supporting the systems, personnel, and processes that enable that to flourish even further.”
What are the organisation’s plans for the year ahead?
“To provide students with an education that not only secures meaningful engagement post-graduation but also keeps them attuned to the changing world they live in so they can make a difference.”
”It is such a privilege and an honour, and I look forward to playing my part in contributing to the overall mission of USIU-Africa.
Prof. Mwenda NtarangwiPlaced Candidate
How do you feel about taking on this role?
“It is such a privilege and an honour, and I look forward to playing my part in contributing to the overall mission of USIU-Africa.”
How was the support you received from Oxford HR throughout the recruitment process?
“Very professional—they walked with me through the entire journey. They treated me with the utmost care and interest.”
What do you think the future holds for you within this organisation?
“The future looks great. I feel USIU-Africa has the key professional ingredients for me to thrive and serve diligently.”
”I had a wonderful experience. Oxford HR were exceptionally responsive and a professional service for our global search. The fact that they operate on multiple continents was invaluable in ensuring a highly talented and diverse talent pool. Karen Twining was an exceptional team lead. All who supported were professional and highly responsive. Thank you.
Dr Lola Omole-OdubekunInterim Vice Chancellor, USIU Africa
