How long have you worked at Hope College?
I have been working at Hope University College (HUC) since November 14, 2019. Even if my experience at HUC is too short, I have come to know almost every details and what it takes this University College to move forward.
Why did you start working at Hope College?
I have been attracted by the vision of HUC, which is “to be a knowledge and value based center of learning to positively impact leadership for speedy socio-economic transformation of Ethiopia”. To your surprise, the issue of a value system have been circulating in my mind for so many years. Consequently, when I was writing my PhD thesis, institutionalization of values-based leadership in the context of higher education institutions in Ethiopia was my research topic. This implies that there is a strong alignment between my personal values and what the university college has set as vision. This would have a very strong impact on my emotional attachment with HUC. Therefore, I am so fortunate to get an opportunity to work for an institution where my personal values directly fit into the organization’s ambitions.
What changes would you like to see in 10 years time?
In the next ten years, HUC will be one of the top preferred full-fledged Universities in Africa excelling with quality of teaching, learning, research and publication and community service. We shall expand our academic programs and extend our accessibility at least with one campus at five regional states. In 10 years’ time, HUC shall be one of the top income generating wings (sources of income) for the humanitarian services being delivered by the Hope Enterprise.
Where is your favourite place to visit in Ethiopia?
My favorite places where I have been frequently visiting and entertaining are Sodore Resort (Oromia region, East Showa) and Lake of Hawassa (Sidama region). But, I am now more interested to see the North (Semeign Mountain of Gonder, Lake of Tana, Bahir Dar, and Axum, etc.)