Bishop Johnson charged the new board members with the responsibility of preserving the university’s commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and service.
Bishop Johnson charged the new board members with the responsibility of preserving the university’s commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and service.
— As Bishop Johnson’s vision for education gains momentum
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a groundbreaking step toward expanding educational opportunities in Liberia, Harvest Intercontinental American University (HIAU) officially inducted its first National Board of Trustees and launched a scholarship fundraising initiative on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
The event, held at HIAU’s Multipurpose Hall in Chugbor, Old Road, Sinkor, was organized in collaboration with Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa, USA, under the theme: “Teaming Up for Quality Education in Liberia.”
At the heart of this initiative is Bishop Darlingston G. Johnson, Chancellor of HIAU and Presiding Bishop of Harvest Intercontinental Ministries Unlimited, a global network of over 460 churches spanning five continents. A native of Careysburg, Liberia, Bishop Johnson now resides in Maryland, USA, where he leads a multinational congregation of over 3,000 members. His vision for HIAU is deeply personal—rooted in his own educational journey, having been a full-scholarship recipient at the American Cooperative School (ACS) in Monrovia.
A Bold step toward transformative education
Bishop Johnson described the occasion as a defining moment in HIAU’s mission to bridge financial and geographical barriers to higher education.
“Today marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for Harvest Intercontinental American University,” he declared. “The induction of our first National Board of Trustees is not just a ceremonial act—it is a commitment to transforming lives through education and ensuring that no one is left behind because of financial or geographical barriers.”
HIAU’s mission extends beyond traditional education, focusing on developing problem-solving, entrepreneurial, and job-creating professionals who can make meaningful contributions to Liberia and beyond. The university offers a hybrid education model, combining on-campus learning with virtual instruction, connecting students with top professors from around the world.
“Our goal is to graduate students who are academically qualified to solve real-world problems and contribute urgently to their communities and nations,” Bishop Johnson stated.
The inaugural Freshman Class of over 200 students enrolled in October 2024, marking the first step in HIAU’s ambitious journey. The institution also aims to confer American-accredited degrees, ensuring its graduates meet global academic and professional standards.
US$100K raised for student scholarships
A major highlight of Sunday’s event was a fundraising initiative to provide financial aid for underprivileged students. By the end of the afternoon, the event had raised over $100,000, a significant boost for the university’s scholarship fund.
“Quality education requires resources,” Bishop Johnson emphasized. “We need dedicated faculty, advanced technology, and modern facilities—but most importantly, we need financial support for students who would otherwise be left behind.”
He urged community leaders, corporate organizations, and philanthropists to invest in the scholarship initiative, stressing that every dollar contributed would not just change an individual’s life but uplift entire communities.
“When we come together, no goal is too ambitious,” he said. “By supporting this scholarship initiative, you are building a legacy of hope and opportunity that will outlive us all.”
The event also saw the historic induction of HIAU’s first National Board of Trustees, a distinguished group tasked with guiding the university’s strategic direction and ensuring its commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and service.
Bishop Johnson charged the board with the responsibility of shaping HIAU’s future, ensuring it remains a beacon of educational empowerment in Liberia.
“As members of this inaugural Board of Trustees, you are the stewards of a great mission,” he stated. “Your leadership will shape the future of HIAU, ensuring that we remain focused on our mission to transform lives through quality education.”
Personal mission rooted in experience
Bishop Johnson’s passion for education is deeply personal. Growing up in Liberia, he was granted a full scholarship to the prestigious American Cooperative School (ACS), an opportunity that allowed him to receive a world-class education despite economic barriers.
Now, through HIAU, he seeks to extend similar opportunities to young Liberians who may otherwise never access higher education. He recalled a poignant story from Tanzania about a bright student who was denied an education due to financial hardship, a reality that resonates across Africa.
“Stories like these are why we are committed to this cause,” he explained. “For the majority, education is the bridge from poverty to prosperity. We cannot stand by while bright, hardworking students are left without hope.”
The future of HIAU
As the event concluded, Bishop Johnson issued a call to action for government officials, civil society, and the private sector to unite in supporting HIAU’s mission. He reinforced the transformative power of education with a quote from Nelson Mandela:
“Education is the most powerful tool we can use to change the world.”
He then previewed HIAU’s next phase—an expansion into graduate-level education—which he is set to unveil in a press conference at 10:00 AM today.
With the successful induction of its Board of Trustees, the launch of a scholarship fund, and over US$100,000 raised, HIAU is already making a profound impact on Liberia’s educational landscape.
As Bishop Johnson powerfully declared: “By teaming up for quality education, we are not only changing lives—we are changing the future of Liberia,” the Bishop said.
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