Jonathan Kangwa
Kitwe
Summary
Dynamic leader with a robust background in higher education management and theological education, specializing in resource mobilization and team guidance. Proven expertise in managing complex projects, conducting qualitative research, and fostering international collaborations to enhance curriculum development and achieve strategic objectives. Recognized for developing efficient processes that uphold high standards while aligning initiatives with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence in every endeavor.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice Chancellor
United Church of Zambia University
01.2022 - Current
- Principal and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Chief Academic Officer
- Drives and enhances the mission and vision of the University to increase student enrolment, research, teaching and learning.
- Directs, Manages, and Coordinates the activities of the University to ensure that the goals, objectives, and programmes of the University are achieved.
- Develops workable plans to respond to the needs of the University to bring sustainability and high quality service provision
- Direct, plan and control the affairs of the University ensuring high quality academic standards, increased consultancy, and community service with emphasis on research, innovation, entrepreneurship and producing industry-relevant graduates.
- Presides over the affairs of the University Senate to oversee and plan academic programmes, including curriculum development in line with global trends.
- Spearheads the creation of academic standards and policies that are effective.
- Ensures development of strategies that promote research, innovation and consultancy services.
- Delivers the University’s corporate strategy that ensures the institution’s academic, administrative and financial sustainability.
- Ensures that risk management strategies are in place and are adhered to in order to minimize the University’s exposure
- Ensures that all University activities and operations are carried out in compliance with the University governance requirements, rules, laws and standards applicable to higher institutions of learning.
- Ensures constructive and amicable relationships between management and all stakeholders including the Government and the Ministry of Higher Education
- Facilitates the identification, Initiation and promotion of collaboration with other universities, both local and international to achieve strategic goals of the University.
- Enhanced collaboration with the University of the Western Cape and spearheaded collaboration with the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Wesley House College in the United Kingdom.
- Provides leadership for all staff to nurture an inclusive and collegiate culture to realize their full potential in teaching, learning and research.
- Facilitate the implementation of outreach programmes and social corporate responsibility of the University
- Works with the University Council in selecting and building up strong management and leadership teams.
- Ensures sound labour relations by providing effective communication with staff, students and stakeholders
- Ensures the University complied with statutory regulations in its operations
- Chairs the Senate and its sub-committees
- Appoints and supervises Deans of Schools and Colleges
- Presides over graduation ceremonies when the Chancellor is not available.
- Manages time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Developes and maintains courteous and effective working relationships.
Deputy Vice Chancellor
United Church of Zambia University
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Deputized the Vice Chancellor
- Performed academic and administrative functions in central administration.
- Played a pivotal role in the development, direction, management and implementation of the University’s strategic and corporate plans.
- Worked with the Vice-Chancellor to develop institutional and professional capacities to enhance provision of quality and relevant university education in such areas as Theology and Development and Education
- Implemented strategies aimed at expanding the capacity and provision of postgraduate training to meet the requirements of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).
- Spearheaded the introduction of Masters Programs in Theology and Education.
- Spearheading and coordinated the implementation of undergraduate programmes aimed at providing opportunities for Skills and lifelong learning.
- Promoted academic programmes and fostered a network of relationships with other higher educational institutions in Zambia and beyond.
- Monitored the implementation of the Strategic Plan with regards to the academic, research and consultancy programmes to ensure achievement of the intended short and long-term goals
- Facilitated periodic reviews of academic and organizational structures
- Ensured comprehensive reports were publicized in order to inform both local and international communities about the University and the activities in its schools and colleges
- Promoted collaboration with stakeholders, especially the Government, alumni and cooperating partners for financial and other support
- Coordinated consultancy and the activities of the Deans of Schools and Colleges and Heads of Department
- Promoted business development activities for the University.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Registrar
United Church of Zambia University
01.2013 - 12.2020
- Played a key role in the formation of the United Church of Zambia University.
- Spearheaded the registration of the United Church of Zambia University with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education Authority (HEA), and Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) in Zambia in 2016.
- Performed key administrative functions to enable the institution achieve the strategic goal of becoming a fully-fledged University within 3 years.
- Ensured decisions of the University Council were implemented in time.
- Ensured decisions of Senate were implemented in time.
- Spearheaded formulation and implementation of policies.
- Directed the administration and operation functions of the University increase productivity and efficiency.
- Was Secretary to the Council and Senate and ensured that secretarial services were offered.
- Planned and co-ordinated University Council corporate affairs and Senate business
- Directed functions pertaining to Human Resources Management
- Ensured official records of the University were well kept.
- Directed student admission and registration
- Ensured examinations and academic affairs of the University were administered with integrity and competence.
- Ensured the University complied with legal requirements and fulfilled statutory obligation.
- Provided guidance and advice on business and governance of the University to staff and stakeholders.
- Ensured timely, effective and efficient dissemination of University general information.
- Ensured employee health and welfare was improved. Managed to pay salary arrears within one year and increased salaries in the second year of tenure.
- Renovated the infrastructure to ensure conducive environment for working, teaching and learning.
- Managed student registration processes, ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures.
- Developed and implemented efficient record-keeping systems to enhance data accuracy and accessibility.
- Led training sessions for staff on registration software, improving user competency and system utilization.
- Ensured regular staff appraisal and feedback to improve efficience
- Streamlined enrollment procedures, reducing processing time and enhancing student experience during registration.
- Collaborated with academic departments to ensure timely updates of course offerings in registration systems.
- Analyzed registration trends to inform strategic decisions regarding program development and resource allocation.
- Coordinated cross-departmental initiatives aimed at improving overall operational efficiency within the registrar's office.
- Organized, reviewed, and filed paperwork for secure recordkeeping.
- Assisted with accreditation efforts through meticulous record-keeping and timely submission of required documentation.
- Reduced errors in transcript processing through careful attention to detail while entering grades into the system.
- Participated in the development of institutional policies related to registration, grading, and graduation requirements, ensuring a consistent approach across all departments.
- Coordinated with Bursar's office to ensure seamless integration of registration and billing processes, easing financial enrolment experience for students.
- Improved efficiency by training support staff on new trends in management and education and new database management software.
Lecturer
University of Zambia
01.2007 - 12.2010
- Lecturing in Business Organization, Human Resource Management and Management Theory
- Part-time
- Developed and delivered engaging lectures on diverse subjects, enhancing student understanding and retention.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods, fostering critical thinking and active learning among students.
- Designed curriculum materials aligned with educational standards, ensuring relevance and rigor in course offerings.
- Evaluated student performance through comprehensive assessments, providing constructive feedback to support academic growth.
- Developed strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
- Arranged syllabus, developed schedule, and determined reading list for varied courses simultaneously, giving students appropriate time to complete assignments and absorb information.
Education
MSc - Project Management and Administration
Copperbelt University
05-2025
MEd - Education Management and Administration
DMI- St. Eugene University
10-2023
PhD - Christian Education
Newburgh Theological Seminary
06-2017
PhD - Theology (Gender and Religion)
University of KwaZulu-Natal
04-2015
Dip - Business Management and Administration
Cambridge International College
12-2012
MTh - Gender and Religion
University of KwaZulu-Natal
04-2011
BTh Honours - Biblical studies
University of KwaZulu-Natal
04-2010
Bachelor - Theology
University of The Western Cape
12-2005
Advanced Certificate - Human Resource management
University of Zambia
09-2002
Skills
- Higher Education Management and Administration
- Theological education expertise
- Project Planning and Management
- Education Measurement and Evaluation
- Learner-centered Pedagogy
- Mixed-methods research proficiency
- Strategic policy development
- Governance and strategy development
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Minute and Report writing
- Publication and Editing
- Curriculum development
- Human resource management expertise
- Pastoral Care and Psycho-social Counseling
Affiliations
- The African Association for the Study of Religion(AASR), 2018 to date
- International Association for the Study of Religion and Gender, 2016 to date.
- Old Testament Society of Southern Africa, 2015 to date.
- Society of Biblical Literature, 2015 to date.
- African Network of Higher Education and Research in Theology, HIV and AIDS (ANHERTHA), 2010 to 2012.
- Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (2020 to date).
Certification
- Certificate in Pro Active Justice and Transformative Change, 2019, World Renew
- Certificate in Higher Education and Learner-centered Pedagogy, 2018, Association of African Universities
- Certificate in HIV and Development, 2013, IIHD, Queen Margaret University, Scotland
- Certificate in Trainer of Trainers: HIV and AIDS Management, 2008, USAID and RAPIDS
- Certificate in Youth Livelihood Training, 2008, RAPIDS
- Certificate in Caregiver and Home Based Care Management, 2009, USAID and RAPIDS
- Certificate in Counseling from an African perspective, 2006, Theological Education by Extension in Zambia (TEEZ)
- Certificate in Feminist Theology, 2004, St. Joseph’s College, Alberta, Canada
Languages
English
Bemba
Timeline
Vice Chancellor
United Church of Zambia University
01.2022 - Current
Deputy Vice Chancellor
United Church of Zambia University
01.2021 - 12.2021
Registrar
United Church of Zambia University
01.2013 - 12.2020
Lecturer
University of Zambia
01.2007 - 12.2010
MSc - Project Management and Administration
Copperbelt University
MEd - Education Management and Administration
DMI- St. Eugene University
PhD - Christian Education
Newburgh Theological Seminary
PhD - Theology (Gender and Religion)
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Dip - Business Management and Administration
Cambridge International College
MTh - Gender and Religion
University of KwaZulu-Natal
BTh Honours - Biblical studies
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Bachelor - Theology
University of The Western Cape
Advanced Certificate - Human Resource management
University of Zambia
ECCLESIASTICAL ENGAGEMENT
- Ordained Minister in the United Church of Zambia, 2003 to date.
- Member of Synod Execute Committee, 2014 to date
- Member of Synod Senior Management, 2022 -date
- Synod Head of Department for Ministerial Training and Formation, 2022-date
- Chair of Synod Scholarship Committee, 2022-date
- Member of Synod Strategic Plan Committee, 2015 to 2022
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- African womanist and gendered interpretation of the Bible
- Contemporary issues in African Christianity
- Interplay between African indigenous Knowledge Systems, Science and Climate Change
- Interplay between, Religion, Politics and Development
- African indigenous Religions, art and music
- History of Protestant missionaries in Zambia
- Religion, Culture and Health
JOURNAL PEER REVIEW SERVICES
- Ghana Journal of Religion and Theology.
- Zambia Social Science Journal.
- Journal for the Study of Religion
- African Theological Journal for Church and Society
STUDENT SUPERVISION AND ADVISING
Copperstone University
- Enock Chulu, Development Studies (2015 to 2017), PhD Thesis
Center for Christian Mission University
- Josephat Hamonga, Mission Studies (2020 to2023), PhD Thesis
United Church of Zambia University
- Masuzyo Ngambi, Pastoral Care and Counseling (2020-2023), MTh Dissertation
- Luckson Kayula, Theology and Development (2020-2023), MTh Dissertation
- Chileshe Chepela, Theology and Development (2020-2023), MTh Dissertation
- Florence M’hango, Biblical Studies (2023 - 2025), MTh Dissertation
- George Kachiza, Pastoral Care and Counseling (2023 - 2025), MTh Dissertation
- Webster Milanzi (co-supervising), Education Management (2024 to date), MEd Dissertation.
- Gift Kyembe (co-supervising), Education Management (2024 to date), MEd Dissertation.
- Gladys M’kokweza, Theology and Development (2024-date), MTh Dissertation.
- Erastus Mwango, Biblical Studies (2024-date), MTh dissertation.
- Blessings Kalunga, Biblical Studies (2024-date), MTh Dissertation.
- Daniel Kabolwe, Theology and Development (2024-date) MTh Dissertation.
- Handy Mulenga, Biblical Studies (2024 to date), MTh Dissertation.
- Esnart Mwenya, Theology and Development (2025 - ), MTh Dissertation
- Ezekiel Siwale, Pastoral Care and Counseling (2025- ), MTh Dissertation.
North West University
- Hopkins Changwe (Co-supervising), Systematic Theology (2017 to 2018), B.Th. Honours Project.
- Christopher Njovu (Co-supervising), Systematic Theology (2017 to 2018), B.Th. Honours project.
- Wiggan Mwape (Co-supervising), Pastoral Care (2017 to 2018), B.Th. honours project.
University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Lilly Phiri (co-supervising and teaching relief for Dr Sarojini Nadar) (2012), B.Th. honours project.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
United Church of Zambia University
- Associate Professor in Theology, Religion and Culture, November 2022 to date
- Senior lecturer, January 2017 to November 2022
- Lecturer, January 2013 to December, 2016
Modules taught:
- ETH 411: Gender and Development
- ETH 311: Theology and Development
- DT 122: Theological Perspective on Social Justice
- TST 326: Theological Reflection on Christian Mission
- ETH 421: Research Methods
- TST 314: Pastoral Care and Counseling
- TST 111: The World of the Old Testament
- ETH 111: Introduction to Christian Theology
- ETH 321: African Christian Theologies
- TST 224: Old Testament Theologies
- TST222: Biblical Hermeneutics: Various Approaches
- ETH 222: African Church History
- DT122: African Traditional Religions
- 777 ED14: Measurement and Evaluation
- DT 221: Introduction to Project Planning and Management
Calvin University, USA
- Nagel Institute Visiting Fellow, 1st January to 30th April, 2024
Yale Divinity School, USA
- Visiting Fellow, 19th to 23rd February, 2024
North West University (Kitwe, Zambia Satellite)
- Coordinator of the Satellite, 2017 to 2019
- TNAV671: Research Methodology
- ETIE 672: Human rights: The ethics of human dignity
Westminster College, University of Cambridge, UK
- Visiting Scholar, 1st September to 30th December, 2018(Michaelmas term).
Talks, lecrures and conference papers
- “The union of four missionary societies on 16 January 1965: a historical-theological reflection”, 16th January 2025. UCZ Diamond jubilee, Kitwe, Zambia.
- “The red blouse women: Origins and development of the Women Christian Fellowship in the United Church of Zambia”, 30 October, 2024. UCZ University.
- “Water from below: Reading Genesis 2 in the context of Climate Change in Zambia”, 16 June, 2022. UCZ University.
- “Prayer, politics and power in Zambian democracy: An anthropological-theological perspective”, 2 August 2018. Conference for the African Association for the Study of Religions, Lusaka, Zambia.
- “The role of theological education in mission and evangelism in Zambia”, 22-24 July 2016. World Council of Churches theological consultation. Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
- “Paul Mushindo and David Julizya Kaunda in a history of the United Church of Zambia: Reflections on a journey and vision for the paradigm shift”, 14th January, 2015. UCZ Golden Jubilee Symposium, Lusaka, Zambia.
- “Education in Zambia: Challenges and Opportunities”, 20 October 2014. Herriot Watt University, Scotland.
- “Mission, Disability and Theological Education”, 8-14 November 2014. Council for World Mission joint theological consultation, Westminster College, Cambridge, UK.
- “The Role of Faith Based Organisations in HIV prevention in Africa”, 14th March, 2013. Queen Margaret University, Scotland.
Community Service
- Council for World Mission (CWM), Coordinator, Kitwe, Zambia, 2020, 2021, Coordinator - Covid-19 Mission Initiative. A project funded by the Council for World Mission (CWM) to give support to underprivileged communities in the time of Covid-19 pandemic in Kitwe, Zambia.
- Caregiver and Counselor to African Immigrants - Waverley Care and CrossReach in Scotland. Faith Based Organisations providing care to the needy in community, February to March, 2013.
- Chaplain to the Major - Chinsali Municipal Council in Zambia, January to December, 2012.
- Coordinator of Matumbo Home Based Care Project – A project funded by the USA President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to offer support to Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) and People Living with HIV and AIDS(PLHA) in Chinsali, 2011-2012.
- Trainer of Trainer and Care giver - Africare HIV, Gender and Capacity Building projects, Mpika, 2006 to 2008.
- Trainer for Youth Livelihood Trainings - Africare Youth empowerment and Capacity Building project HIV, Mpika, 2006 to 2008.
- Coordinator – HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management Project. A project funded by the Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ), Mpika, 2005 to 2006.
Awards
- Copperbelt University Project Management Scholarship, 2021.
- Grants from the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge (SSPCK), Scotland, 2022, 2024.
- ANHERTHA award for outstanding research in the field of HIV and AIDS, 2011
- World Mission Council Scholarship, 2011
- School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics Scholarship, 2010
PUBLICATIONS
Peer reviewed Journal articles
· Kangwa, J. 2025. Laments as sign posts of faith, resistance and resilience: A decolonial reading of Psalm 44. Feminist Theology (forth coming).
· Kangwa, J. 2022. Ecojustice and eco-existence at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Expository Times 133(5):223-224.
· Kangwa, J. 2022. Election promises and democratic virtues in a Christian Nation. The Expository Times 133(9): 406-407.
· Kangwa, J. 2021. Moratorium and reconciliation in post-missionary era: Retrieving the legacy of Colin Morris. International Review of Mission 110(1):72-82.
· Kangwa, J. 2021. Reading the bible with African lenses: Exodus 20:1-17 as interpreted by Simon Kapwepwe. The Expository Times 132(11):465-476.
· Kangwa, J. 2021. “Don’t let God step in human waste”: Interpretation of Deuteronomy 23:14-15 in the context of cholera in Zambian. The Expository Times, 1-12. DOI: 10.1177/00145246211019869.
· Kangwa, J. 2020. The legacy of Peggy Hiscock: European women’s contribution to the growth of Christianity in Zambia. Feminist Theology 28(3):316-333.
· Kangwa, J. 2020. Women and nature in the book of Job: An African ecofeminist reading. Feminist Theology 29(1) 75-90.
· Kangwa, J. 2020. Resilience and equality in the household of God: Peggy Mulambya Kabonde’s search for justice. The Expository Times 131(8): 339-347.
· Kangwa, J. 2020. Mindolo Mission of the London Missionary Society: Origins, development, and initiatives for ecumenism. The Expository Times 131(10): 423-435.
· Kangwa, J. 2018. Prophecy, Divination and Gender justice in the Lumpa Church in Zambia: An African perspective. Feminist Theology27(1): 75-92
· Kangwa, J. 2018. And Finally: Mission and Theological Education from the margins. The Expository Times 129(11):546.
· Kangwa, J. 2017. The Legacy of David Livingstone: A contribution to Sustainable Tourism. The Expository Times 128(5): 209-221.
· Kangwa, J. 2017. Abortion and Christian moral decisions: An African Ecofeminist Perspective. The Expository Times129(2):62-75.
· Kangwa, J. 2017. The Goodhall-Nielsen report and the formation of the United Church of Zambia Theological College. Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae 43(1):66-89.
· Kangwa, J. 2017. The Contribution of Indigenous African women to the growth of Christianity in North Eastern Zambia: The case of Helen Nyirenda Kaunda. Feminist Theology 26(1):34-46.
· Kangwa, J. 2017. Lex orandi, Lex credendi: Eco-Theological perspectives on Christian Worship in Africa. The Expository Times 128(10):479-490.
· Kangwa, J. 2017. Christian Mission, Politics, and Socio-economic development: The contribution of Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation. International Review of Mission 106(1):167-187.
· Kangwa, J. 2016. African Democracy and Political Exploitation: An appraisal of Xenophobia and the Removal of the Rhodes Statue in South Africa. The Expository Times 127(11): 534-545.
· Kangwa, J. 2016. Paul Mushindo and David Julizya Kaunda in a history of the United Church of Zambia: Reflections on a Journey and Vision for the Paradigm Shift. The Expository Times 127 (4): 166-180.
· Kangwa, J. 2016. Pentecostalisation of Mainline Churches in Africa: The case of The United Church of Zambia. The Expository Times 127(12): 573-584.
· Kangwa, J. 2016. The role of the Theology of Retribution in the growth of Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches in Africa. Verbum et Ecclesia 37(1), a1542. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ve.v37i1.1542.
· Kangwa, J. 2016. The impact of Globalization on Church Mission in Zambia: Some African Perspectives. International Review of Mission 105(1): 131-146.
Books and Book Chapters
· Kangwa, J. 2025.The Astonishing Faith and Politics of Micheal Chilufya Sata. Ndola: Mission Press(Forth coming).
· Kangwa, J. 2024. Parrhesia. In Furey Constance et al. (editors). Encyclopaedia of the Bible and Its Reception. Berlin: De Gruyter.
· Kangwa, J. 2021. Christianisation of female initiation rites by the London Mission Society: The case of Northern Rhodesia, 1883-1920. In Janet Wotton(ed.). A Cultural history of Women in Christianity. London: Routledge.
· Kangwa, J. 2020. Prayer, politics and power. In Chammah J Kaunda and Marja Hinfelaar (eds). Competing for Caesar: Religion and politics in postcolonial Zambia. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 57-74.
· Kangwa, J. 2020. Milk and Honey/Land of. In Furey Constance et al. (editors). Encyclopaedia of the Bible and Its Reception. Berlin: De Gruyter.
· Simukonda J.D and Kangwa, J. 2020. Political engagement, identity and the United Church of Zambia. In Chammah J Kaunda and Marja Hinfelaar (eds). Competing for Caesar: Religion and politics in postcolonial Zambia. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 229-245.
· Kangwa, J. 2017. Gender, Christianity and African Culture: Reclaiming the values of indigenous marriage and female initiation rites. Dallas: St. Paul Press.
· Kangwa, J. 2017. Pentecostalism, Mainline Churches, and theological education in Africa: The case of the United Church of Zambia. Dallas: St. Paul Press.
REFERENCES
- Prof. Damaris Seleina Parsitau, PhD.
Director of the Nagel Institute for the Study of World Christianity,
Calvin University
3201 Burton St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
USA
Email: dparsitau@yahoo.com
- Dr. Peggy Kabonde, PhD
Former General Secretary, UCZ Synod
Steeple Ashton Methodist Churches, UK
Tel: +44 01225707740
Whatsapp: +44 7596 827992
Email: mulambyakabonde@yahoo.co.uk
- Prof. Musonda Bwalya, PhD
Chair: Academic Engagement and Partnership
United Church of Zambia University
Po Box 20429
Kitwe
Zambia
Email: m_bwalya@yahoo.com
- Prof. Laishi Bwalya, PhD
Director of Programs
Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation
P.O.Box 21493
Kitwe
Zambia
Email: lbwalya@mail.com
- Dr Charles Lungu, PhD
Bishop, Copperbelt Presbytery
United Church of Zambia
Po Box 20765
Kitwe
Zambia
Email: lumact@gmail.com
Similar Profiles
Cindy SipulaCindy Sipula
Communications and Public Relations Officer at The United Church of ZambiaCommunications and Public Relations Officer at The United Church of Zambia
PATRICIA CHIKWEMBAPATRICIA CHIKWEMBA
Administrative Assistant at The United Church of Zambia SynodAdministrative Assistant at The United Church of Zambia Synod
Caleb EstevesCaleb Esteves
Volunteer at University Carillon United Methodist ChurchVolunteer at University Carillon United Methodist Church
Matswau SimozuMatswau Simozu
Nurse Educator at Nkana College of NursingNurse Educator at Nkana College of Nursing
Alfred MpembamotoAlfred Mpembamoto
Expert Technical Advisor – Heavy Equipment repair at Societe Des Service et Logistique (SSL Sarl) - HITACHI Dr CongoExpert Technical Advisor – Heavy Equipment repair at Societe Des Service et Logistique (SSL Sarl) - HITACHI Dr Congo