FALL 2022
Peter Mageto Installed as Africa University’s 5th VC By Eveline Chikwanah
Fireworks accompanied by thunderous applause, whistling and traditional ululating by the women punctuated Africa University’s 30th anniversary celebration this past October. Over 3,000 guests witnessed the inauguration of the Rev. Peter Mageto as the university’s fifth vice chancellor, becoming the first non-Zimbabwean to hold the position since the institution’s 1992 establishment. In his inaugural address, Mageto said people invest in the hope that the evolving project will bear fruit. He also paid tribute to the four vice chancellors who had gone before him. He thanked the United Methodist General Conference for approving the establishment of the university, and the Zimbabwe Annual Conference for donating 1,542 acres of land and pledging consistent financial support for the institution. Bishop Mande Muyombo of the North Katanga Area and chair of AU’s board of directors, said it had been a long journey to find the right leader
Rev. Peter Mageto
who would move the university to the next level. “I am excited the church is here, society is here, our bishops are here. You have the full support of the board,” Mande said to Mageto. Mageto joined AU in September 2018 as deputy vice chancellor and in 2021 as vice chancellor. He holds two degrees from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois: a Doctor of Philosophy in theological ethics and a Master of
Theological Studies. He earned a postgraduate certificate in African studies at Northwestern University, Chicago, and his Bachelor of Divinity degree was awarded by St. Paul’s United Theological College in Kenya. He is married to Irene, a forensic nurse scientist, and they have two adult children. Chikwanah is a communicator of the Zimbabwe East Conference.
Liberians Reflect on Africa University’s Impact By E Julu Swen
Africa University’s 30th anniversary included retired Bishop Arthur F. Kulah’s remembrances of the 1988 General Conference that approved creation of the institution. From Liberia, elected to the episcopacy in 1980, Kulah recalled bishops asking what the church in Africa wanted. “I told them that we needed a university in Africa,” explaining that AU was built to enhance quality theological education on the continent and in 30 years the church has succeeded in educating Africans through Africa University.
AU alumnus and representative of Liberia’s national legislature, Roger S.W.Y. Domah values being educated with the Pan-African concept of leadership that encourages putting the interests of others first. “AU students were trained to be the voice of the people on the continent where they were assigned to work,” he said. “Advocacy has been my line of duty since I left Africa University.” Chairing Liberia’s legislative committee on human and civil rights, Domah is prepared to work with
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Bishop Arthur Kulah (photo right) was one of two African leaders whose appeal to the worldwide United Methodist Church, to address higher education access and leadership formation in Africa, provided the impetus to establish Africa University.