After a meticulous selection process overseen by the University Council, Professor Ntarangwi has been named the incoming Vice Chancellor of the United States International University – Africa. His tenure officially commences on July 1, 2024.
Professor Ntarangwi brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having devoted over thirty years to academia, with a focus on cultural anthropology. His career has been marked by a dedication to higher education in both Africa and the United States, where he has excelled in teaching, research, fundraising, and senior leadership positions.
Since 2022, Professor Ntarangwi has held the position of Deputy Principal-Academics, Research, and Student Affairs at NIRUC, a constituent college of the National Defence University – Kenya. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping the university’s academic landscape, contributing significantly to the establishment and expansion of faculty and teaching programs. Additionally, he provided mentorship on research development and publication strategies, while also facilitating the enhancement of student research and academic writing skills.
Before assuming his role at NIRUC, Professor Ntarangwi served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission for University Education (CUE) in Kenya for five years. Under his leadership, CUE underwent a significant transformation from a regulatory body to an institution fostering collaborative relationships with universities, with a strong emphasis on quality assurance standards.
Kris Senanu, Chairperson of the USIU-Africa council, highlights Professor Ntarangwi’s expertise in university and program accreditation as vital for supporting USIU-Africa’s pursuit of dual accreditation, ultimately enhancing the quality of education provided.
Professor Ntarangwi is deeply aligned with USIU-Africa’s mission of nurturing the next generation of leaders equipped to navigate the evolving African and global landscapes with effectiveness, engagement, and ethical awareness.
His extensive experience in scholarly writing and research is evident through his impressive publication record, which includes nine books, twenty-four journal articles, eighteen book chapters, six encyclopedia entries, among other scholarly contributions. Additionally, he has organized and facilitated numerous conferences and workshops worldwide, further enriching academic discourse and collaboration.