Nigerian, Benjamin Akande appointed President Of American University

The Champlain College Board of Trustees today announced a man of Nigerian origin, Dr. Benjamin Ola. Akande, Ph.D. as the ninth President of Champlain College.

Dr. Akande will assume the role effective July 1, 2020

Dr. Akande is an agent of change and a visionary leader with a global perspective. His enterprising mindset and commitment to student success will be essential as he leads Champlain College in an evolving higher education landscape. We look forward to welcoming Dr. Akande to Champlain and supporting his work to advance the College’s strategic position and build on the strength of our distinctive academic offerings,” said Champlain College Board of Trustees Chair Charles Kittredge.

Dr. Akande currently serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Affairs-Africa and the Associate Director of the Global Health Center at Washington University in St. Louis. Named one of the city’s “Most Influential Leaders” by the St. Louis Business Journal, Dr. Akande is an accomplished economist and scholar educator, as well as a recognized civic and business leader.

He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Oklahoma and served as a tenured Professor of Economics and Dean of the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology at Webster University in St. Louis from 2000–2015