Professor David Norris Honoured with Doctor of Agricultural Science by University of Liberia
University of Botswana (UB) Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, has been awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Agricultural Science by the University of Liberia (UL) in recognition of his outstanding service to humanity particularly in the field of agriculture.
Professor Norris received the prestigious honour during the 105th Graduation Ceremony of the University of Liberia, held on the 27th of February 2026 in Monrovia, Liberia. The honour was conferred by the President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. In conferring the award, the University cited his sustained contribution to agricultural science, higher education leadership and his strong advocacy for collaboration among African universities, notably through the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM).
The award further underscores Professor Norris’s continental standing as an academic leader and scholar committed to advancing agriculture-led development, research excellence and institutional partnerships across Africa.
Professor Norris was appointed the sixth Vice Chancellor of the University of Botswana, effective 1 December 2017. Since its establishment in 1982, the University of Botswana has been led by five Vice Chancellors: Professor John Turner (1982-1984), Professor Thomas Tlou (1984-1998), Professor Sharon Siverts (1998-2003), Professor Bojosi Otlhogile (2003-2011) and Professor Thabo Fako (2011-2017).
Before joining UB, Professor Norris served as Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST). Prior to that, he held academic positions at the University of Limpopo in South Africa and at Austin Peay State University in the United States.
An alumnus of the University of Botswana, Professor Norris obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Physics in 1988. He later earned a Master of Science in Animal and Forage Science from the University of Reading (UK) and a PhD in Animal Science from Michigan State University, specialising in Animal Breeding and Genetics. He also holds a Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Research for Development from Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
A renowned scholar, Professor Norris has published widely in reputable journals and is recognised for his strengths in research development and innovation, higher education leadership, curriculum development and strategic change management, with a strong record in research collaboration and fundraising.