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Dr. Deborah Rose Receives Fourth Doctorate in Liberia as Du Bois Foundation Delegation Stands in Support
Monrovia, Liberia — Tuesday, March 31, 2026
The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation proudly celebrates its Treasurer and Board Member, Dr. Deborah Rose, who has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (honoris causa) by the United Methodist University during its 21st Commencement Ceremony on March 31, 2026. This achievement brings her total number of doctorates to four, marking an important milestone in her journey.
To support and honor her, a 14 member delegation from the Foundation traveled to Monrovia. The group was led by Executive Director Mr. Japhet Aryiku and included Chief Operating Officer Dr. Kofi A. Boateng, showing the Foundation’s strong support for her work and impact.
As the keynote speaker, Dr. Rose shared a message that encouraged graduates to think beyond personal success and focus on how they can make a difference in the world. She described education as more than just earning a degree, but as a lifelong journey of learning, growth, and service to others.
Referring to the ideas of Thornton Wilder, she spoke about the importance of seeing oneself as part of a larger global community. She encouraged graduates to lead with empathy, stay curious, and take responsibility for creating positive change.
Dr. Rose’s work and outlook are shaped by her diverse life experiences and leadership. She serves as the President of the Helping Africa Foundation (HAF), where she leads initiatives focused on sustainable development and community impact. Although she grew up in suburban New York, she now lives in Maryland, works from Boston, and has a strong connection to Yamoransa in Ghana. For over 20 years, she has worked on health data systems in the United States and in other countries.
Today, her work focuses on improving lives through practical and lasting solutions. She is involved in projects that bring clean water and sanitation to communities in Ghana using sustainable local approaches. She also contributes to global efforts to develop safe and effective national identification systems.
Her achievements have been widely recognized. She received the Yale Medal in 2006 and, in 2014, was enstooled as Nana Abena Nkosuo Hemaa, Queen Mother for Development for Yamoransa, Ghana, in recognition of her service. She is also a Visiting Scholar at the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Dr. Rose holds a BA, MPH, and PhD from Yale University, as well as an SM from Harvard University.
The ceremony brought together students, families, faculty, and dignitaries to celebrate the graduating class and their achievements.
Dr. Rose’s recognition in Liberia highlights not only her personal accomplishments, but also the values of learning, service, and global connection that the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation continues to promote.
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