Professor Tigist Mekonnen Melesse appointed as a member of the University’s Academic Council
US Meta Arees International University is honored to welcome Professor Tigist Mekonnen Melesse to its Board and academic community as a distinguished expert in the College of Business and Economics and as a Visiting Professor. Professor Tigist Mekonnen Melesse brings to the University a rare convergence of global scholarship, policy impact, and evidence-driven leadership. She currently serves as a Post-PhD Visiting Research Fellow at the Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA-EASST), University of California, Berkeley, one of the world’s leading hubs for applied development research and policy innovation. An accomplished development economist, Professor Tigist has contributed to high-level analytical and policy work with the World Bank, shaping research and decision-making in critical areas including poverty reduction, regional integration, international trade, and agriculture-industry linkages. Her work reflects a deep commitment to translating rigorous economic research into scalable, real-world solutions for emerging and transitional economies. Professor Tigist holds a PhD in Economics from Maastricht University (Netherlands), as well as an MSc in Agricultural Economics and a BA in Economics from Haramaya University, Ethiopia. Her academic career includes teaching and mentorship at Maastricht University and Jimma University, where she cultivated interdisciplinary thinking and policy-oriented learning. At US Meta Arees International University, Professor Tigist’s role extends beyond traditional academic contribution. Her appointment reflects the University’s strategic vision to build a globally connected, impact-oriented institution that integrates research excellence, policy relevance, and future-ready education. Through her board participation and visiting professorship, she will play a pivotal role in advancing the University’s mission to shape ethical leaders, innovative economists, and evidence-based decision-makers for a rapidly evolving global economy.









