United Methodist University
speciality: Economics

I attended United Methodist University from 2003–2007, right in the middle of Liberia’s post-conflict reconstruction. Honestly, when I enrolled, I was not sure what to expect – the country was still healing, electricity was scarce, and many campuses were just reopening. Almost 20 years later, I can say without any hesitation that UMU was one of the best decisions of my life.
What I loved most – and still talk about today:
Exceptional professors who truly cared. Dr. C. Benjamin Temple (Development Economics) made us analyze Liberia’s own recovery data instead of just quoting textbooks – those assignments are the reason I later excelled in graduate school abroad. F. Julius Ceasar’s Survey of the Liberian Economy course felt like a master-class in understanding our country’s real challenges. Edwin Kennedy Tetteh taught Macroeconomic Theory with such clarity that even the most difficult IS-LM and Mundell-Fleming models became second nature. Geegbe A. Geegbe (Money and Banking) and Tom Chea (Econometrics) pushed us to use whatever computers were available at the time and taught us how to work with limited data – a skill that has served me every single day in my career.
Small class sizes (often 15–25 students) meant professors knew every student by name and were available after class or even on weekends for extra help.
The Methodist values of integrity, service, and discipline were woven into everything – chapel services, leadership seminars, and even the way professors graded. It built character alongside academic knowledge.
The Economics curriculum was surprisingly strong for a young university in a post-war setting. By the time I graduated Magna Cum Laude, I felt completely prepared for the real world.
What was challenging (being completely honest):
In 2003–2007 the physical facilities were modest: the library collection was small, internet was almost non-existent, and we sometimes studied by lantern light when NEPA failed.
The computer lab had only a handful of machines, so we had to take turns for SPSS and EViews assignments. (Note: I have visited campus recently and can confirm that today’s students enjoy a modern library, 24-hour internet, new buildings, and air-conditioned classrooms – the growth I am very proud to see.)
There were few student organizations compared to larger universities. Most of our “campus life” was academic or church-related.
Would I recommend UMU today? Absolutely – 100%. If you want an education that combines solid academics with moral formation, professors who will mentor you like family, and a degree that is respected across Liberia and internationally, United Methodist University is an excellent choice. My classmates from the Class of 2007 are now working at the Central Bank, Ministry of Finance, international NGOs, and private corporations – proof that UMU delivers results.
To current and prospective students: the university has come a very long way since my time. What has not changed is the heart of UMU – dedicated faculty, strong values, and a genuine desire to see every student succeed.
Proud alumnus,
Jears R. S. Toliver B.Sc. Economics, Magna Cum Laude – Class of 2007