Capitol Hill – In a historic move that signals a progressive shift toward inclusive leadership in legal education, Cllr. Dr. Niveda Cindy Ricks-Onuoha has been named Dean of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, making her the first woman to hold the position since the school’s founding in 1951.
Dr. Ricks-Onuoha, a longtime faculty member at the Law School, said she is proud to accept the role leading the nation’s preeminent Law School while also being an inspiration to women in Liberia.
“So, ascending to this position, I will feel an extra bit of pride because, for me, I want to serve as a symbol that women can see that a woman can become anything she desires to become,” she said.
Dr. Ricks-Onuoha was appointed by the President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Layli Maparyan.
President Maparyan said the new Dean has the admirable traits of being a pragmatist, a visionary and a womanist, adding she is well-suited to take the Law School to the next level.
In the new role, President Maparyan has charged Dean Ricks-Onuoha to lead the Law School with dynamism, integrity, wisdom and vision, ensuring academic excellence and rigor in UL’s Law School education.
Additionally, the UL President has mandated Dr. Ricks-Onuoha to promote faculty research and oversee capacity-building of Law School faculty through continuing education and the pursuit of advanced law degrees.
Dr. Ricks-Onuoha has been a professor at the Law School for more than 22 years, starting out as a lecturer after earning a doctorate in international law from a university in Ukraine.
She also worked as a lawyer with UNMIL.
“I am following in the footsteps of Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,” the Dean said. “She was the first female President. I’m the first female Dean. I’m also the first Liberian female with a PhD in law.”
She said her trailblazing ascension to Dean came through grit, service and dedication.
“I have served under several other Deans. That is one thing we must also understand as females. You must serve to be served. I served under Dean David Jallah. I served under Dean Negbalee Warner and Dean Jallah Barbu. Today, I have become dean through serving in hard work, meriting this position,” said Dr. Ricks-Onuoha.
President Maparyan prioritizes gender equality and the appointment of the new Dean is an example of that.
And, as the UL sits on the cusp of a new chapter, the President said gender equality will play a key role in propelling the University forward.
“Gender equality is one foundation of that future, and the appointment of Cllr. Dr. Ricks-Onuoha reflects a commitment to that foundation and UL’s re-emergence,” the President said.
Dr. Ricks-Onuoha noted that she sees herself as a symbol that Liberian women can do anything once they put their minds to it.
In celebration of women’s ascendancy to key leadership roles, she sent out a message to the men: “Men, look out for us. We are coming!”