Office of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Overview

The Department of Institutional Advancement (DIA), headed by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, is one of the principal departments within the Nimba University, established to administer the Nimba University’s integrated and comprehensive institutional advancement program, with the goal of providing long-term financial sustainability, as well as enhancing the capacity and marketing of the university.

As the face of the university in terms of networking and building relationships and partnerships with other institutions of higher learning in Liberia and abroad, the Department of Institutional Advancement formulates and adopts practical and realistic plans for the achievement of the university’s mission, Vision and values.

As part of its terms of reference (TOR), the Department of Institutional Advancement works to coordinate, harmonize, and align all policies and programmatic activities of both the Academic and Administrative Departments with the strategic direction of the university, as well as networking and seeking resources for the development of the institution.

Structure of the Department

As a relatively new department, DIA currently has one major unit which is:

Government Liaison, Corporate and Foundation Relations
This unit of the Department of Institutional Advancement (DIA) is headed by an Assistant Vice President, whose functions include, but not limited to, the following:

Liaising with government entities, corporate and foundations to establish relationships, geared towards enhancing the capacity of the university.
It is hoped that in the near future, as more resources become available, the department will have additional units, based on its expended functions.

As part of its plan of action, the Department of Institutional Advancement (DIA) has developed the following five (5) strategic priorities:

Priority 1

1. Strengthening Nimba University’s Reputation and ProfileMaintain strong internal coordination and collaboration
2. Develop promotional and marketing materials (brochures, flyers, etc.)
3. Encourage and enhance reporting of NU’s activities and successes
4. Coordinate research, grant and proposal writing activities
5. Raise awareness of Nimba University’s accomplishments
6. Undertake infrastructural development

Priority 2

1. Facilitate NU’s Long Term Financial Sustainability
2. Undertake investment in agriculture.
3. Increase donations from donor groups (ArcelorMittal and others).
4. Establish Printing and Publication Center
5. Establish a University Store
6. Engage in fundraising activities.

Priority 3

1. Create Job Satisfaction and Staff Development
2. Invest in tools, techniques and training to improve efficiencies and improve morale.
3. Identify and establish priorities based on staffing needs, capacity and available resources.
4. Refine and clarify staff roles and organizational processes.
5. Facilitate and enhance effective communication and dissemination of information between all sectors of the Nimba University.

Priority 4

1. Strengthen and Develop Partnerships with All Stakeholders
2. Increase engagements with all partners and stakeholders at community, local, national levels
3. Seek partnerships and collaborations with both local and international organizations and institutions for capacity building, knowledge sharing, student and faculty exchange programs.
4. Continually improve the Nimba University’s branding and reputation as a top notch university.

Priority 5

1. Establish Strong Student and Alumni Relations
2. Establish Alumni office on NU Campus for effective engagement. 
3. Conduct Tracer/Assessment and Alumni‘s Reunion Programs.
4. Improve communications and engagements between Alumni and the students.
5. Align all Students and Alumni’s activities with the goals and objectives of Nimba University.
6. Ensure the annual celebration of NCCC/NU Founding Day (September 16) in grand style.