Saint Monica University Names New Vice President of Administration and Finance

Press Release (ePRNews.com) - BUEA, Cameroon - Aug 10, 2016 - Saint Monica University (SMU): The American International University today announced that Ms. Magdaline Kwam Tah has been named its new Vice President of Administration and Finance. She is the first woman to be promoted to the Vice Presidency at SMU and re-affirms the University President’s commitment to having a gender-balanced leadership.

“I am highly indebted to President Asongu who has mentored and entrusted me with such immense responsibilities,” said Ms. Tah, the new Vice President of Administration and Finance at SMU. “My administration will follow the principles of shared governance and will foster inclusive decision-making, best practices, student success, and will encourage a strong sense of community across the institution. Working collaboratively, my office will develop and manage budgetary processes and policies that encourage accountability and responsibility. I come to this office with a demonstrated track record of creative problem solving.”

As the Vice President of Administration and Finance (VPAF), Ms. Tah reports directly to the University President. The VPAF serves as a key strategic advisor to the President and works collaboratively with him and the senior leadership team, faculty, and staff to create a successful and stable financial environment for the University. The VPAF has primary responsibility for the development and implementation of the University’s annual operating budget and provides leadership, vision, and integrated financial plans that will optimize resources in support of the University’s mission and strategic priorities. The VPAF’s responsibilities include oversight of the finance office, human resources, student affairs, international affairs, facilities operations, environmental health and safety, risk management, and all other non-academic activities. The VPAF also supports the Board of Regent’s Finance Committee.

“After working with Ms. Tah for two years, I was convinced that she was the best candidate for this position,” said Professor Januarius Jingwa (JJ) Asongu, President and Chief Executive Officer of SMU. “She has substantial experience leading change with demonstrated financial management success in the education industry. She possesses exceptional analytical skills and works collaboratively with colleagues in a spirit of partnership and transparency to advance shared institutional goals.”

Ms. Tah joined SMU in 2014 as the Director of Finance, where she displayed a thorough understanding of and commitment to the University’s mission. Prior to coming to SMU, she had held various positions in business and finance. She is a former nun, who during her service for the Catholic Church held the positions of Bursar at Sacred Heart College, Bamenda, and also taught Accounting at a Catholic High School in the Central African Republic. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Forensic Accounting from Charisma University in the British West Indies; a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from IUG, Douala, and a Higher National Diploma (HND) from the Cameroon Ministry of Higher Education.

About Saint Monica University: The American International University

Saint Monica University (SMU) is a leading private university in Cameroon. It is an American-style non-ecclesiastical Catholic institution, offering career-focused programs that are at the intersection of the liberal arts, science and technology. It is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social, entrepreneurial and professional development of a diverse student population. SMU is focused on the student experience and helping our students achieve their educational and career goals, and contributing to a more sustainable society. We offer various certificates and diplomas as well as bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees through the School of Arts, Education, & Humanities (SAEH); School of Business & Public Policy (SBPP); School of Health & Human Services (SHHS); and School of Science, Engineering & Technology (SSET). SMU is accredited in the United Kingdom by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities (ASIC) with Accreditation No: AS22357/0614 and is listed on the UK Register of Learning Providers (UKRLP) with the UK Provider Reference Number (UKPRN): 10048183. SMU is also fully accredited in Cameroon by the National Commission on Private Higher Education at the Ministry of Higher Education (MINESUP) with the Ordinance of Creation No: E14/0028/MINESUP/SG/DDES and the Ministerial Letter No: 15-09643/L/MINESUP/SG/DDES/ESUP/SDA/MM authorizing SMU to offer over 60 undergraduate and graduate diploma and degree programs. SMU is a member of many international academic organizations including the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), Global Universities In Distance Education (GUIDE), and the Talloires Network. For more information about SMU, visit our website: http://www.smuedu.org or write to us at admissions@smuedu.org.