| Notes |
In 1970 USIU began with five American students in a house in Parklands. Only the first two years of classes were being offered and students had to go to the San Diego to complete their degrees. The University later re-located to Mayfair Hotel.
By 1979, the course offerings and programs had been increased so that the entire four years, plus a master’s degree could be completed in Kenya. The first graduation of USIU took place in 1979 with 23 students.
A visionary Executive Director, Dr. Lillian Beam, relocated the institution from the hotel to more spacious and permanent grounds in 1991. She purchased 20 acres of land at Kasarani, 12 kilometers from the Nairobi city. It was only fitting that the USIU library was named in her honor.
The current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Freida Brown, took over the helm in 1994. She has spearheaded major achievements in facility development. Three new blocks – a faculty block, a students recreational centre and a new wing of the library were all completed in 1999. An auditorium to house 500 people was also completed in January 2001.
Above all, it is during her tenure that the University aggressively sought accreditation through award of the Kenyan Charter, which was proudly awarded by the President of Kenya, H.E. Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, on December 10, 1999. USIU now enjoys dual accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, in USA and the Government of Kenya. The degree obtained is recognized internationally.
[ http://www.usiu.ac.ke/about.usiu/history.htm - Retrieved on 13 MAR 2008 ] |