In a heartfelt and memorable ceremony during a departmental meeting held today, the outgoing Chairperson of the Department of Humanities, Prof. Christine Atieno, officially handed over leadership to Prof. Dickson K. Nkonge, the new Chairperson. This marks the end of an era as Prof. Atieno, the founding Chair of the department tenure ends after serving diligently from 2017 to January 2025.
Reflections from the Outgoing COD
Prof. Atieno’s parting remarks were a masterclass in humility, gratitude, and inspiration. With profound wisdom, she reminded members of the power of words and the importance of uplifting others. She encouraged them to embrace opportunities for personal growth, pursue career advancement with determination, and step into leadership roles with a sense of service.
“I never thought I was the most qualified for this role, but I embraced it as a service to God and mankind,” she shared. Her tenure, though not without challenges, was marked by notable successes, including transformative partnerships with organizations like KEHPCA and the National Cancer Institute, as well as initiatives such as the Salome Wanjiru Foundation and the Nelson Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, which supported needy students in their academic pursuits.
Prof. Atieno’s ability to balance the demands of her position with empathy and dedication left an indelible mark on her colleagues and students. She emphasized the importance of teamwork, prompt execution of tasks, and continuous development within the department.
With her characteristic humility, she apologized to anyone she might have inadvertently wronged during her leadership. Her final words resonated deeply: “Your candle doesn’t go out when you light another person’s candle. Treat others with respect and kindness, just as you wish to be treated.”
A Grateful and Emotional Department
The meeting was filled with gratitude and emotion as members reflected on Prof. Atieno’s leadership. “Sometimes, as a leader, you can’t fulfill everyone’s wishes, but Prof. Atieno did her best,” one member noted. Others commended her for the mentorship and selfless support on others, allowing new leadership to emerge, and urged colleagues to emulate Prof. Atieno’s leadership style.
The New COD’s Vision
Prof. Dickson K. Nkonge, the incoming Chairperson, acknowledged Prof. Atieno’s exceptional contributions and expressed his commitment to building on her legacy. He emphasized teamwork as the cornerstone of success and called on all members to collaborate for the department’s continued excellence.
Celebrating Milestones
Adding to the day’s significance, the department celebrated the recent promotions of its distinguished members. Prof. Christine Atieno, Prof. Caroline Mucece, and Prof. Dickson Nkonge were recognized for their elevation to Associates and full Professors, while other members were congratulated for their promotion to Lecturer and Senior Lecturer positions. The achievements were a testament to the department’s commitment to academic excellence and career growth.
A Legacy of Service
As Prof. Atieno passes the baton, the Department of Humanities stands inspired and united, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities under Prof. Nkonge’s leadership. The spirit of service, collaboration, and mentorship ignited by Prof. Atieno will undoubtedly illuminate the path forward for years to come.
Prof. Atieno thanked all the members of the department, saying she was happy to serve, as the role taught her valuable lessons on leadership, administration, and service to humanity, contributing to her personal growth and development. She also expressed her gratitude to the University management for their unwavering support throughout her tenure.
Chuka University’s Department of Humanities continues to inspire excellence, embodying the institution’s vision of fostering environmental sustainability for a better life.
