Former USIU-Africa VC Prof Ensign named American University in Bulgaria president

Outgoing United States International University (USIU-Africa)’s vice-chancellor Prof Margee Ensign has been appointed as president of the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG).

The appointment follows news of her resignation from USIU-Africa barely a year after assuming office.

However, questions abound over the latest move as the institution earlier cited health-related issues tied to Nairobi’s altitude as grounds for her exit.

In a statement, the university council chairperson Kris Senanu said Prof 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 (in Nairobi).

Sources privy to Citizen Digital however questioned the latest development, which comes hot in the heels of an array of changes at the helm of the institution.

USIU-Africa has seen the leadership of three vice chancellors within the past three years alone.

Prof Ensign took over from Prof Freida Brown last year; who was recalled from retirement in August 2021 following the exit of Prof Paul Tiyambe Zeleza after a five-year stint.

Prof Brown, a former vice-chancellor at the institution acted as interim VC for nine months as the university searched for a substantive replacement.

Prof Zeleza’s sudden exit was amid conflict with lecturers over salary cuts and a union over plans to lay off non-teaching staff.

Following Prof Ensign’s exit, Senanu announced that Dr Lola Odubekun will serve as the interim vice chancellor effective September 1, 2023.

As the dust settles on Prof Ensign’s mandate at the dual accredited university (accredited both in Kenya and the United States), she heads on to the American University in Bulgaria where she is set to replace current President, Dr. David R. Evans.

The latter announced that he will be returning to the United States after his term ends on August 31. Ensign’s presidency will begin on September 1, 2023, becoming the 10th president of the American University of Bulgaria.

“I am excited that we will be working with such an accomplished administrator and world-renowned scholar like Margee Ensign,” Board Chair Michael Marvin said.

“Her exceptional track record from her three previous presidencies uniquely positions her to lead during this exciting phase for our university. With unwavering confidence in her outstanding leadership, I believe we will reach new heights and successfully achieve our ambitious 5-year Strategic Plan for Impact and Growth.”