This year marks the 10th anniversary of excellence and impact for Ensign Global University, an institution transforming public health and higher education in West Africa. From its founding vision to its present-day global partnerships, Ensign Global has become a driving force for innovation, leadership, and community well-being.

Ensign Global University (formerly Ensign College of Public Health and Ensign Global College) was established through the vision of Lynette and Bob Gay to promote self-sufficiency in West Africa through education. Their belief that a healthy, educated population is key to long-term prosperity continues to shape the university’s mission today. That vision became a reality with the founding of Ensign College of Public Health, now known as Ensign Global University.

Their belief was simple yet powerful, that the long-term growth and well-being of the region depends on strong public health education. By investing in healthier children, families, and communities, a stronger, more resilient society would emerge.

With support from local and international partners—including the University of Utah’s Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity, and Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)—the foundation for a world-class institution was set.

Stephen Alder, President of Ensign Global University, expands on this notable accomplishment, “As we celebrate a decade of transformative impact, we also look to increase our pace by expanding programs, increasing enrollments, and intensifying our role as an academic leader.”

A Decade of Milestones

  • 2011: Groundbreaking of Ensign College of Public Health
  • Sept. 2014: Inaugural class of 24 students welcomed
  • 2015: Official partnership with the University of Utah
  • 2016: First graduating class and key global collaborations established, including with:
    • David Eccles School of Business
    • University of Utah Center for Global Surgery
    • KNUST Medical School Public Health Elective
    • Health2Go / Cast a Pebble
  • 2018: Awarded USAID grant to build the Institute of Community Health and Development (now the Center for Leadership, Innovation, and Prosperity)
  • 2020–2021: Navigated successful MPH program delivery amid pandemic restrictions
  • 2021: Reinstated international programming within CDC and Ghanaian guidelines
  • Nov. 2021: Launched Executive Education and hosted Helping Babies Breathe program; renamed Ensign Global College
  • Sept. 2023: National Health & Safety Conference featuring Dr. David Dyjack from the U.S. based National Environmental Health Association and led by Professor Agyeman Akosa
  • March 2024: First institution on the African continent to be accredited by the Council for Education on Public Health (CEPH)
    August 2024:

    • Co-hosted national human trafficking prevention conference with Engage Now Africa
    • Served as African hub for the MBC Global program in partnership with the University of Utah
  • November 2024:
    • Co-hosted the first Health 2 Go Summit with Ghana’s Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service, formalizing an MOU to expand community-based healthcare access
    • Elder Robert C. Gay, co-founder of Ensign Global University and husband of Board Chair, Lynette Gay, delivered the commencement address
  • December 2024: Granted Presidential Charter and renamed Ensign Global University

“One of the most meaningful parts of my role has been bringing University of Utah students to Ensign Global University and watching them experience the beauty, energy, and purpose of the campus for the first time,” said Stephanie Dutson, Student Experience and Program Manager at the Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity. “Their reactions are a powerful reminder of how special this place is—and how fortunate I am to be part of such a transformative partnership.”

Looking Ahead

Ensign Global University’s success over the past decade reflects the power of cross-sector collaboration, community leadership, and academic innovation. With a growing network of global and local partners, the university is poised to expand its impact across Africa and the world.

Learn more about Ensign Global University at ensign.edu.gh

For more information about global experiences in Ghana, including programs open to University of Utah and non-University of Utah students, contact bhp@utah.edu.