AFRICA UNIVERSITY REPORT TO THE IOWA CONFERENCE
James H. Salley, Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement
| (615) 340-7438 | www.support-africauniversity.org
The Iowa Conference demonstrated its unwavering support for Africa University in 2015 by investing 116.54 percent of the asking to the Africa University Fund (AUF) apportionment. Africa University is grateful to the local congregations of the Iowa Conference for their consistent and extremely strong support for the AUF.
Thank you, Iowa United Methodists, for your extraordinary generosity, which helped the North Central Jurisdiction to achieve an overall level of support for the AUF of 96.65 percent. Thank you for strengthening Africa University’s contributions to the transformative, disciple-making mission of The United Methodist Church in sub-Saharan Africa.
Institutional Update: Africa University increased its focus on the success of its students in 2015 by implementing new staff development strategies and restructuring programs to make them more relevant and marketable. By 2020, Africa University’s full-time student enrollment is projected to grow by 60 percent. A new strategic plan, (2017-2021), is in development and will assign resources more effectively, while ensuring that fiscal responsibility and accountability are maintained. In addition, the university is increasing its friend-making and fundraising efforts in Africa, particularly among its graduates and their families.
Enrollment: In 2015, Africa University’s total enrollment remained steady at 1,500 full-time students. There were 26 African countries represented among the students. Intentional recruitment to increase the number of African women leaders resulted a female student component of 53 percent. 770 students pursued undergraduate and graduate degrees on a part-time basis.
Alumni: Africa University awarded degrees to 674 young people in June 2015. The 2015 commencement featured the university’s largest graduating class to date. Graduates now number more than 6,200 and they are engaged in vigorous efforts to improve public health, food security, peace, and the enjoyment of economic prosperity in Africa. These graduates are leaders and role models who inspire a new optimism. Thank you, Iowa Conference, for helping these young leaders to hone and use their gifts to transform lives and communities.
Looking ahead: Africa University’s new strategic plan calls for a significant increase in the proportion of self-funded students and for achieving a 60:40 ratio of international to national students within the next three to five years. To do this, the university must add more on-campus student housing and recreational facilities. The availability of scholarships will also be vital to ensuring access to an Africa University education for young people from modest backgrounds and conflict zones. Given the university’s plan, second-mile giving from individuals and local churches—especially those gifts that are designated for infrastructure upgrades and endowed scholarships—is crucial.
Call to action: Africa University is relying on the ongoing support of the Iowa Conference in growing its ministry and impact. Please pray for Africa University and thank you for your commitment to helping African communities to do for themselves and expand the experience of God’s promised abundance in the world.