Message from the Principal

Our hope and optimism are high because we believe a Wesleyan Christian university has the potential to change the world for Christ!  We recognize that we join a host of Christian Universities in Zambia and around the world who are committed to this fundamental belief!  Sadly, some universities that began with a Christian purpose have “lost their light.”  We pray that we will never lose our allegiance to Christ and the Word of God both in word and deed!

What are our unique distinctives of Africa Wesleyan University?

We believe these four essential distinctives are particularly worth noting. 

1. Christlikeness is our highest value!  Every person who serves at AWUC must be a practicing Christian who is active in a local church and is totally devoted to Jesus Christ.  While we all may not be members of the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church, all must have sincere respect for our beliefs and commit to the lifestyle commitments that define our denomination.  We welcome our Christian brothers and sisters with open arms who share our beliefs and want to serve with us as we seek to change lives.  One expression of our commitment to Christlikeness will be our required chapel for all employees and all students each morning.  We will begin each day recognizing and worshipping the God who is the giver of life and wants us to learn and grow in His love.

2. We are unwavering in our determination that AWUC will exhibit a level of excellence in all things.  From the physical campus with its buildings and grounds, to the academic achievement of its faculty, to the devotion of our students to learning, we believe God expects excellence!  We dedicate ourselves to be good stewards of the gift of a university campus and expect academic quality that will set a high bar of excellence.  

3. We welcome students from around the world with a special affinity for those from the continent of Africa – thus our name.  Within the continent there are many Bible Schools that may send us students to complete their baccalaureate degrees, and many others who will be welcomed.  Our plan is to begin with programs in ministry/theology, primary/secondary education, and nursing/midwifery.  In time we intend to add programs as business, agriculture, etc.

4. We aspire to be a “work university” in the tradition of universities where students engage in work study to support the expense of their education.  This concept is not new, but we intend to follow this model so that students will not need to pay for their tuition but will work at the university.  Students will work a specified number of hours each week at a variety of campus work possibilities such as – the care of building and grounds, maintenance of facilities, guard duty, kitchen work and will eventually operate a campus store and motel to serve the community of Zimba.     

We gratefully recognize the efforts of those who have prayed and dreamed of this University over the many years.  First, we thank the legacy the missionaries who instilled the importance of Christian education establishing the Bible College and over 70 primary and secondary schools.  A special recognition goes to Dr. Alfred Kalembo who carried the torch for this university during his more than 17 years as Bishop and National Superintendent of the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church in Zambia.  And, we do not forget the tireless work led by Dr. David Sibalwa and the members of his Task Force who prepared the initial application and laid the foundation for HEA approval.  We remember that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us!

Finally, a word about myself.  In my early 20s I felt the call to Christian higher education.  I completed my first degree from God’s Bible College, then earned the baccalaureate degree and masters from the University of Cincinnati, and the Ph.D. from The Ohio State University.  For over 43 years I have served at Christian institutions of higher learning – Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Olivet Nazarene University, and Indiana Wesleyan University.  I was blessed to be a professor, department chair, radio director, graduate dean, provost, president and chancellor.  Currently, I serve on the board of trustees for Higher Learning Commission headquartered in Chicago, USA.  The National Board of Administration of the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church believed these experiences could be helpful in the startup and initial leadership of the university in Zambia, and elected principal in March of 2022.  I am honored to serve the Church in this role, knowing that soon the outstanding leaders of Zambia will assume the leadership of Africa Wesleyan University College.  I am grateful for this opportunity and for the support Indiana Wesleyan University and Global Partners of the Wesleyan Church have provided to make my involvement possible.

My life’s scripture is Proverbs 3:5 & 6.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not lean on your own understanding.  Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”  [NLT]

I trust God for the miracle of Africa Wesleyan University in the heart of Africa!

Dr. Henry Smith

Principal of Africa Wesleyan University College

and

President Emeritus, Indiana Wesleyan University, USA