Ricks Institute
Not For Self, But For Others
our history
Christian Missionary Heritage And Commitment
The institution is a direct descendant of the Christian missionary spirit and commitment of the Liberian Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention, Inc. Thus, Ricks Institute draws on the traditions of the past, living in the strengths and challenges of the present and preparing for the needs of the future. Ricks Institute is a faith and learning community that is committed to developing students through the integration of spiritual, intellectual, technological, physical, emotional, cultural and social dimensions of learning.
Early Beginnings & Historical Background
Ricks Institute, formerly named as “Zodokai Mission,” began through the generous contribution from Mr. Moses U. Ricks, a Liberian Baptist farmer from Clay Ashland, Liberia. Mr. Ricks donated the highest gift of five hundred (US$500) dollars. Mr. Ricks’ generous contribution was used to purchase some of property where the institution currently stands, about 1000+ acres of land. Ricks Institute’s campus is located in the beautiful and scenic area of Virginia, about sixteen (16) miles east of Monrovia, Liberia’s capital. The Ricks campus has limitless space for expansion.
Co-Educational Residential Campus
Designed as a coeducational residential campus, the school’s boarding facilities have the capacity of hosting approximately 620 students as well as housing for staff and faculties. Ricks academic level runs from kindergarten through Grade twelve. In 1974, the institution expanded to a Business school, and in 1978 began offering an Associate of Arts degree in Business. A few years later, however, the Business school was closed due to financial hardship.The campus facilities were severely looted and vandalized as a result of the brutal Liberian civil war, which started on the eve of Christmas 1989. The campus served as battle ground during the civil war. As a result, significant areas of the campus were destroyed while portions of the campus served as a refugee camp for thousands of internal displaced people from around the country. Ever since this civil war, one of the bloodiest carnages of internal conflict in recent African history, the institution has been setback severely.
Since academic year 2007-2008, Ricks Institute restarted both the boarding school and the day school. The school, in 2010, reopened its elementary boys dormitory. The school attracts students from all over Liberia and beyond.
Ricks Institute is now situated at a critical place in the redevelopment process of the Liberian nation as it purposes to provide valuable educational opportunities for young African students. We also purpose to become a self-sustaining institution in the years to come.
Our Future
We believe that Ricks Institute, although scarred by immense struggles, can again become a beacon of realized hope and possibilities for Liberia through providing holistic educational opportunities for young lives, who in turn will provide future servitude to Liberia and the society beyond. We ask that you kindly join us in making this vision a reality.
First Faculty of Ricks Institute In 1888
Rev. John S. Washington, General Superintendent
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Rev. Washington moved to Liberia as a child with his parents. He as educated in Liberia and was a master of the local languages.
Rev. Robert B. Richardson, Principal
- Rev. Robert B. Richardson was born in Liberia and educated at the Liberian College.
Rev. James O. Hayes, Tutor
- Rev. James O. Hayes was educated at Shaw University, Raleigh NC.
Mr. Dauda Kana, Teacher of Arabic and Native languages
- Mr. Dauda Kana was a Mandingo, born in Montserrado. He was a Muslim who got converted to Christianity.
Rev. John S. Washington, General Superintendent
- Rev. Washington moved to Liberia as a child with his parents. He as educated in Liberia and was a master of the local languages.
Rev. Robert B. Richardson, Principal
- Rev. Robert B. Richardson was born in Liberia and educated at the Liberian College.
Rev. James O. Hayes, Tutor
- Rev. James O. Hayes was educated at Shaw University, Raleigh NC.
Mr. Dauda Kana, Teacher of Arabic and Native languages
- Mr. Dauda Kana was a Mandingo, born in Montserrado. He was a Muslim who got converted to Christianity.