University President

Dr.Berhanemeskel Tena (PhD)

University President | Higher Education Leader | Policy & Reform Strategist

bmeskelbtena2@gmail.com

+251-911-487816

Quick Facts

1 Awards

27+ Years Experience

3 Degrees

Languages

Afan Oromo

Amharic

English

🔷 Executive Profile

Visionary higher education leader with over 27+ years of progressive leadership experience spanning university presidency, national policy advisory, and institutional transformation. Proven track record in founding and leading universities, driving large-scale reforms, and shaping education policy at national and international levels. Recognized for advancing innovation, governance excellence, and system-wide impact in higher education.

🔷 Core Leadership Strengths

👉Transformational Leadership & Change Management

👉Higher Education Reform & Policy Development

👉Institutional Establishment & Strategic Growth

👉Governance, Capacity Building & System Strengthening

👉International Collaboration & Academic Partnerships

👉Research Leadership & Evidence-Based Decision Making

🔷 Awards & Recognition

Asian Lifetime Special Education Award

🔷 Key Achievements & Impact

🌱 Founded and led two major universities from inception to national prominence

🌱 Directed national higher education reform and capacity-building initiatives

🌱 Led large-scale research and policy projects with government and international partners

🌱 Influenced education systems, governance, and leadership practices across Ethiopia

🔷 Keynote Speaker

🎤 Frequent keynote speaker at national and international forums

🔷 Research & Thought Leadership

📚 Leadership in Ethiopian Universities

📊 Organizational Commitment in Higher Education

📈 Comparative Education Systems (India–Ethiopia)

💻 Digital Learning & Innovation in Universities

👩‍🏫 Gender-Responsive Pedagogy

🌎 International Research Collaboration

🔷 International Exposure

✍️ Engaged in academic and policy platforms across India, South Africa, and global forums, including ICT in Higher Education and SAARC-related programs.

🔷 Professional Experience

President

Mada Walabu University

Sept 2026 – Present

Founding President

Kotebe University of Education

2021 – 2026

Founding President

Kotebe Metropolitan University

2017 – 2021

Deputy Director General

Ethiopian Management Institute

2016 – 2017

Senior Leadership Roles – Ministry of Education

Government of Ethiopia

Various years

Head, Higher Education Capacity Building

Government of Ethiopia

Various years

Advisor to Minister

Government of Ethiopia

Various years

🔷 Earlier Leadership Roles

👉 Dean

Educational Institution

Earlier years

👉 Principal

Educational Institution

Earlier years

👉 School Director

Educational Institution

Earlier years

👉 Teacher

Educational Institution

Earlier years

🔷 Education

🎓 Ph.D. – Education Management & Higher Education Leadership

📚 M.A. – Educational Planning & Management

📈 PGD – International Relations & Diplomacy

📊 PGD – Project Management

📖 B.A. – Pedagogical Science

🔷 Signature Value

📝 Driving Transformational Change in Higher Education through Visionary Leadership, Institutional Innovation, and National Impact