SR276: SR276 Maparyan, Dr. Layli; recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It recognizes Dr. Layli Maparyan, who was appointed the 16th president of the University of Liberia in January 2025 by Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. after a formal search process by the university's board of trustees. The resolution recounts her academic background, including faculty positions at Georgia State University's Women's Studies Institute and the University of Georgia's Department of Psychology and Institute for African American Studies, along with her degrees from Temple University, Penn State University, and Spelman College. The Senate formally commends her and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send her a copy of the resolution.

• Formally recognizes and commends Dr. Layli Maparyan for her appointment as the 16th president of the University of Liberia.
• Documents her prior academic career at Georgia State University and the University of Georgia.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to Dr. Maparyan.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory change; it is purely a statement of recognition.

The resolution directly names and honors Dr. Layli Maparyan. It has no regulatory effect on the general public, businesses, or government agencies, since it is a ceremonial statement rather than a law.

The resolution has no practical effect on Georgians' daily lives or state law. Its significance is symbolic, marking the Georgia Senate's formal acknowledgment of a former Georgia academic's achievement in becoming a university president abroad.

• The whereas clauses describe Dr. Maparyan's appointment as the 16th President of the University of Liberia on January 10, 2025, and the selection process behind it.
• The whereas clauses detail her prior faculty roles at Georgia State University and the University of Georgia, and her academic degrees.
• The resolved clause formally recognizes and commends her and extends best wishes for her continued success.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to her.

1. 2025-02-27Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-26Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Donzella James (D, SD-028)Primary sponsor

• ceremonial resolution
• higher education
• Georgia Senate honors
• University of Liberia