“I am excited to join the very talented team of staff and faculty at SMU and I promise to immediately apply my experience in managing the on-ground and on-line library resources at the University,” said Mr. John Achakeng Nkemka, Director of Library Services at SMU. “I will model the University Mission through dedicated job performance, service excellence to constituencies, respectful collaboration, and active support of the University's Christian Mission. I will provide leadership for the development and implementation of a new vision of the Library that enhances the quality of the library's programs and services, leads the library in its transformation for 21^st century, supports the University's mission and vision in teaching, learning, scholarship, service, and campus/community engagement.”

As Director of Library Services, Mr. Nkemka will manage library facilities and resources promoting stewardship and increasing the effective achievement of library and university goals. He is also expected to propose and administer library budget according to university policy and procedures; explore and procure additional funding sources; work effectively with college deans and college faculty in the support of academic programs; develop and supervise liaison programs with academic units and programs; provide leadership for the Library Advisory Committee; and foster information literacy through innovative delivery of library and information services to diverse constituents. The Director is expected to network with other libraries, librarians, organizations to keep current with library and information literacy standards and practices, and represent the university in the community.

Prior to SMU, Mr. Nkemka has been the Head of Scientific and Technological Poles and Parks Development Unit at MINRESI since 2009. From 2005 to 2009, he served as Chief of Center for Documentation and Archives; and before that he was the Research Officer (2003-2004) at the same Ministry. Before moving to MINRESI, he had served as a Senior Librarian from 1990-2002 at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Yaounde, and between 1984-1987 he was an Administrative Staff at the Institute of Human Sciences, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Yaounde, Cameroon.

Mr. Nkemka is a well read and versatile leader with the following academic credentials – Master in Library Studies (MLS) from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria; and Maitrice in Public Law and Bachelor of Law degree (LLB) from the University of Yaounde, Cameroon. Prior to that, he earned his General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level from the Cameroon College of Arts, Science, and Technology (CCAST), Bambili; and the GCE Ordinary from Bishop Rogan College, Buea, Cameroon. He also holds a Certificate in Management of Information in Science and Technology from Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium; and another Certificate in Information Retrieval in Internet-Based Services from the Center for International Cooperation, Mashan, Israel.

About Saint Monica University: The American International University

Saint Monica University (SMU) is an American-style private Christian institution, offering programs that are at the intersection of the liberal arts, science and technology. It is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social, entrepreneurial and professional development of a diverse student population. SMU is focused on the student experience and helping our students achieve their educational and career goals, and contributing to a more sustainable society.  We offer various bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees through the School of Arts & Education (SAE), School of Business & Public Policy (SBPP), School of Health & Human Services (SHHS), and School of Science, Engineering & Technology (SSET). SMU is a fully accredited institution in Cameroon by the National Commission for Private Higher Education at the Ministry of Higher Education. For more information about SMU, visit our website: http://www.stmonicauniversity.com or write to us at admissions@stmonicauniversity.com.