Vision

As the Director of Academic Programs, my vision is to cultivate a dynamic and impactful learning environment that empowers students with the practical skills, critical thinking abilities, and entrepreneurial mind-set necessary to drive socio-economic development in Oromia, Ethiopia and beyond. This vision is built upon several key pillars:

1. Industry-Driven and Relevant Curriculum:

• Close Collaboration with Industry: My primary focus will be to establish and strengthen partnerships with industries, businesses, and government agencies in Ethiopia and internationally. This collaboration will directly inform curriculum development, ensuring that our programs are aligned with current and future labour market demands.
• Practical and Hands-on Learning: I will champion a pedagogical approach that emphasizes practical application through internships, project-based learning, simulations, and real-world case studies. Students will not just learn theory but will actively engage in solving real-world problems.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: The curriculum will be designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for timely updates and the integration of emerging technologies and trends. Modular course structures and micro-credentials will be explored to cater to diverse learning needs and promote lifelong learning.

2. Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

• Integrating Entrepreneurial Mind-set: I will work to embed entrepreneurial thinking across all programs, encouraging students to identify opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and consider starting their own ventures.
• Incubation and Acceleration Support: Establishing or strengthening on-campus incubation centres and providing access to mentorship and resources will be crucial to support student-led start-ups and foster a culture of innovation.
• Promoting Research and Development: While focusing on applied sciences, I will encourage research that addresses practical challenges faced by Ethiopian industries and communities, with a strong emphasis on knowledge transfer and commercialization.

3. Enhancing Teaching Excellence and Faculty Development:

• Investing in Faculty Training: Continuous professional development for faculty will be a priority, focusing on modern pedagogical approaches, industry best practices, and emerging technologies. This will include opportunities for research, industry attachments, and international collaborations.
• Promoting Innovative Teaching Methodologies: I will encourage the adoption of student-centered learning approaches, active learning techniques, and the effective integration of technology in the classroom.
• Recognizing and Rewarding Excellence: Establishing a system that recognizes and rewards outstanding teaching and research contributions will be essential to motivate and retain high-quality faculty.

4. Creating a Supportive and Inclusive Learning Environment:

• Student-Centered Approach: All academic decisions will prioritize the needs and success of our students. This includes providing robust academic advising, career counselling, and support services.
• Promoting Inclusivity and Equity: I am committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that welcomes and supports students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
• Fostering Collaboration and Teamwork: Encouraging collaborative learning among students and interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty will be key to developing well-rounded graduates.

5. Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Learning:

• Integrating Digital Learning Platforms: I will champion the effective use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and other digital tools to enhance the delivery of content, facilitate communication, and provide personalized learning experiences.
• Promoting Digital Literacy: Equipping students and faculty with the necessary digital skills will be crucial in today's technology-driven world.
• Exploring Blended and Online Learning Opportunities: Where appropriate, I will explore the potential of blended and online learning models to expand access to education and enhance flexibility.

Mission

As the Director of Academic Programs at one of the Universities of Applied Sciences, my mission is to lead and facilitate the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of high-quality, industry-relevant academic programs that empower our students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical values necessary to excel in their chosen fields and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Ethiopia, particularly within the Oromia region.

This mission will be achieved through a commitment to the following key principles and actions:

1. Ensuring Program Relevance and Quality:

• Conducting Regular Curriculum Reviews: I will champion a systematic process for reviewing and updating all academic programs in collaboration with faculty, industry partners (local and national), and relevant government bodies to ensure they align with current and future market needs and international best practices.
• Fostering Industry Engagement: I will actively cultivate and maintain strong relationships with industries and businesses in the catchment area of Wallaga University, Oromia, and beyond to gain insights into their skill requirements and incorporate practical experiences (internships, guest lectures, and collaborative projects) into our programs.
• Promoting Quality Assurance: I will work diligently to establish and uphold robust quality assurance mechanisms for all academic activities, including teaching methodologies, assessment strategies, and learning resources, adhering to national standards and striving for continuous improvement.

2. Enhancing the Learning Experience:

• Supporting Innovative Pedagogy: I will encourage and support faculty in adopting student-centered, active learning methodologies, and the effective integration of technology to create engaging and effective learning environments.
• Promoting Practical Skills Development: I will ensure that all programs emphasize hands-on learning, practical application, and the development of technical and soft skills that are directly transferable to the workplace.
• Facilitating Access to Resources: I will work to ensure that students have access to the necessary learning resources, including well-equipped laboratories, workshops, libraries (both physical and digital), and relevant software and tools.

3. Empowering Faculty and Staff:

• Championing Faculty Development: I will advocate for and facilitate continuous professional development opportunities for faculty in areas such as pedagogy, curriculum development, industry trends, research, and the use of technology in education.
• Fostering Collaboration and Innovation: I will create a supportive and collaborative environment that encourages faculty to share best practices, engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, and develop innovative teaching and learning approaches.
• Promoting a Culture of Excellence: I will work to recognize and reward faculty and staff for their dedication, innovation, and contributions to the academic success of our students.

4. Focusing on Student Success:

• Providing Comprehensive Student Support: I will work with student affairs and other relevant units to ensure that students have access to effective academic advising, career counselling, mentorship programs, and other support services that contribute to their academic and professional success.
• Promoting Entrepreneurship and Innovation: I will support initiatives that foster an entrepreneurial mind-set among students, encouraging them to identify opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and consider creating their own ventures, contributing to job creation in the Oromia region and beyond.
• Cultivating Ethical and Responsible Graduates: I will ensure that our programs instill strong ethical values, a sense of social responsibility, and an understanding of the importance of sustainable development in our graduates.

5. Contributing to the Local and National Context:

• Addressing Regional Needs: I will actively seek to align our academic programs with the specific developmental needs and priorities of the catchment area and the broader Oromia region.
• Fostering Community Engagement: I will explore opportunities for students and faculty to engage in community-based projects and initiatives that contribute to local development.
• Promoting Collaboration with Other Institutions: I will seek opportunities for collaboration with other educational institutions and research centres in Ethiopia to share knowledge and resources.

My mission is driven by a deep commitment to the transformative power of applied education and its potential to empower individuals and contribute to the prosperity of the region and Ethiopia as a whole. I will strive to lead with integrity, transparency, and a collaborative spirit to achieve these goals.