The 2024 Fall Africa University Board and Advisory Development Committees’ met September 7, in Nashville, TN. Prior to beginning their work committee members and friends of Africa University gathered for a dinner and recognition celebration of the Richard E. “Dick” Reeves Legacy Society—honoring close to 500 members who have made planned gifts over the 24 years the society has existed.
Your support of the Africa University Fund apportionment supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Peter Mageto’s report on student excellence and global partnerships thrilled AU trustees and advisors.
The Vice Chancellor Dr. Peter Mageto’s report was packed with examples of student excellence, global partnerships, and academic expansion. In his overview of the past year, Mageto said, “We had 370 applications for seven scholarships (offered to AU students by one of the institution’s corporate partners, Stanbic Bank). Your university is growing strong. If we had more scholarships we could have more students.”
A major highlight of Mageto’s campus update was the newly constructed Bishop Tracy S. Malone Dormitory, a 92-bed facility that opened to female students in January.
While discussing the needs for Africa University, Mageto said “it hurts my heart” that more than 100 female students are living off campus in their first year of college. One of the university’s priorities is the education of women. Mageto said he dreams of having on-campus housing for married students and those with families.
Relating to the growing need for clean and more affordable energy, Mageto reported that the university is working to reduce its reliance on the national grid and electricity authority. Construction of a solar plant on the campus was approved with phase one funding of $750K in 2023. Africa University’s main campus is in an area that enjoys abundant sunshine. Many in the group agreed that Africa University could be a world leader in solar energy.
In his report, James Salley, president/CEO of Africa University (Tennessee) Inc., explained that the 2020/2024 General Conference approved the continuation of the Africa University Fund apportionment and World Service Special Gifts—general church investments that supports Africa University’s core needs as well as scholarships, infrastructure and academic development. However, the denominational budget commitment to the Africa University Fund (AUF) was reduced to $4.8 million for 2025-2028, down from $9.3 million in 2021-2024.
Churches and individuals can respond to the cuts through two strategies:
• Investing in the AUF at 2016 budget level and deliver a 100 percent investment
• Become a Keystone Congregation which requires a multi-year commitment to provide annual scholarship support of $6,500 or more.
Africa University has set a goal of securing at least two new keystone congregations in every annual conference in the United States by 2027 and rolling out its Africa University Sunday initiative across the Central Conferences in Africa.
story by Andra M. Stevens, Director, Communications and Creative Services, Africa University Development Office
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Africa University Fund transforms Africa by educating and empowering students from across the continent through Africa University, the first fully accredited, United Methodist-related educational institution on the continent. The Africa University Fund supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Africa University Fund at 100 percent.
