Accra: The newly constituted Governing Council of Valley View University (VVU) has been charged with upholding the university's mission while ensuring its financial sustainability. This directive was given during an orientation workshop led by Dr. Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, Director of Education of the General Conference, the governing body of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church globally. The workshop aimed to delineate the roles between policy oversight and operational management for the newly appointed Council.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Beardsley-Hardy addressed the Council, chaired by Pastor Jonathan Owusu with Pastor Adeefe Kwakye as Vice Chairman, emphasizing the importance of aligning with international best practices in higher education governance. The council members, which include a diverse group of professionals such as Dr. Irene Stella Agyenim-Boateng and Professor Daniel Ganu, Vice-Chancellor of VVU, received intensive training on their responsibilities as stewards of one of Ghana's pioneering private universities.
The orientation underscored the centrality of student welfare in Council deliberations, with Dr. Beardsley-Hardy highlighting the need for governance to enhance the learning experience. She stressed that Council members must be custodians of the institutional mission, with responsibilities including financial management and policy coherence to ensure regulatory compliance and student well-being.
Dr. Beardsley-Hardy also emphasized the ethical and professional foundations required for Council service, urging members to adopt a fiduciary mindset focused on the institution's best interests. She cautioned against conflicts of interest and praised VVU's leadership in sustainability initiatives, recognizing the University as a pioneer among Adventist institutions worldwide.
Professor Daniel Ganu, Vice-Chancellor of VVU, highlighted the Council's diverse expertise across various sectors, including human resource management, public administration, and law. He explained that the training aimed to clearly define the roles of the Governing Council and University Management, focusing on policy approval rather than day-to-day administration.
Professor Ganu reiterated the importance of confidentiality and the need for decisions to be guided by the University's best interests. He stressed that VVU's mission of holistic education aims to produce well-rounded graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to society and the workforce.