In a landmark move signaling a new era of academic expansion, Hekima University College (HUC) has announced the appointment of Rev. Dr Ludovic Lado, SJ, as the founding Dean of the newly established School of Arts and Sciences.
The appointment, effective August 1, 2026, was confirmed by the Principal, Rev. Marcel Uwineza, SJ, following approval from the Board of Trustees and the College Council.
A Distinguished Return to the Continent
Fr. Lado joins Hekima from Harvard University, where he currently serves as a Research Scholar in Residence. A renowned Jesuit intellectual, he has expertise in Social Anthropology, Ethics, Political Philosophy, and Theology. He is widely recognized for his commitment to justice-oriented scholarship, a trait the University hopes will invigorate its growing academic portfolio.
As the inaugural Dean, Fr. Lado will provide leadership for a diverse array of programs, including the Master of Arts in Peace Studies and International Relations, the Bachelor of Arts in Migration, Security and Diplomacy, and the Bachelor of Science in Business Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship.
Structural Evolution and Growth
The creation of the School of Arts and Sciences represents more than just a name change; it marks a strategic consolidation of Hekima’s academic departments. Under the new structure, the Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations (HIPSIR) will no longer exist as a standalone entity, with its programs being absorbed into the new School.
“The creation of this new School is a sign of the remarkable growth Hekima has experienced in recent years,” said Fr. Uwineza. “Institutions, like living organisms, must continue to grow in order to thrive.”
This transition aims to foster deeper interdisciplinary collaboration and position the college to respond more creatively to emerging societal challenges in Africa and the global landscape.
Honoring a Legacy of Resilience
The announcement also served as a moment to honor the outgoing leadership. Rev. Dr. Elisée Rutagambwa, SJ, will conclude his six-year tenure as Dean of HIPSIR at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year.
Fr. Rutagambwa is credited with steering the Institute through the unprecedented disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his guidance, HIPSIR consolidated its reputation as a premier center for peace studies in Africa, expanding its partnerships and increasing the visibility of its MA programs even during a period of global crisis.
Rooted in Mission
Reflecting on the transition, Fr. Uwineza invoked an African proverb: “A tall tree is as strong as its roots.” He emphasized that while the structure of the college is changing to meet the future, its mission remains firmly rooted in the Jesuit tradition of service to the Church and the academy.
As Fr. Lado prepares to take the helm and Fr. Rutagambwa moves toward his next mission, the Hekima community has expressed its “unwavering support” for both scholars and looks forward with confidence to the college’s next chapter.
By Pamela Adinda, HUC Communications and International Office Coordinator
