By Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The Secretary General of the United Methodist University Alumni Association UMUAA Emmett P. Coker has been elected President of the Association following a decisive 193–51 victory at the Association’s 10th General Assembly.
The election, held before alumni delegates and members, marked a significant transition in the leadership of the alumni body.
Coker has pledged continuity, unity, and sustained development for both the Association and United Methodist University, its alma mater.
He described the outcome of the elections as both humbling and historic.
“I am deeply humbled, profoundly grateful, and sincerely thankful for this overwhelming mandate and the confidence you have reposed in me,” he noted.
Coker emphasized that the victory was not personal, but collective.
“This victory belongs to every alumnus and alumna who believed in our shared vision. It belongs to my campaign team and supporters across all classes. I say thank you,” he said.
The UMUAA President-elect indicated that the outcome of the elections reflects a broader desire among alumni for stability and progress within the Association.
“Yesterday’s election proves something powerful, the UMUAA desires continuity. It affirms that our alumni want us to sustain and build upon the gains we have made,” Coker stated,
acknowledging the leadership of outgoing President Dioh Podee, Coker referenced ongoing development initiatives, including plans for the university’s future home and the construction of a 16-classroom project, as part of the work he intends to continue.
“From the paper dream of UMU’s future home to the building of the 16-classroom project, the mandate is clear: continue the work, complete the mission, and move forward without retreat,” he declared.
Extending an olive branch to his opponent and supporters on the other side of the contest, Coker called for unity within the Association.
“To Bro. David Steward and to those who did not support my candidacy, let us come and work together, not as factions or camps, but as one UMUAA family devoted to the best interests of our alma mater,” he urged.
Unlike Emmett Coker all other officials including, James N. N. Fallah, Vice President-Elect for Administration, Meekie Reeves, Vice President-elect for Operations, Obediah Zonoe, Secretary General-elect, Felecia J. W. Dorbor, Assistant Secretary General and Emmanuel F. Vesselee, Financial Secretary were all elected on white ballot.
Outgoing president Dioh Cox Podee expressed gratitude to all UMUAA members for committing their time to the 10th General Assembly to elect new leaders that will lead the Association for the next two years.
Podee said it was a privilege that was given him to serve and and is grateful that a free, fair, transparent and peaceful process was conducted
Meanwhile, Anthony Wah, the Elections Commissions Chairman commended members of UMUAA for maturely conducting themselves to have a smooth electoral process.
However, elections is now over and attention are now shiftedto the implementation of the new leadership’s agenda, as alumni look toward strengthening the Association’s role in supporting the growth and transformation of the university.
