Dr Fana Hagos Berhane

Dr. Fana Hagos Berhane has served as the President of Mekelle University since April 2021, distinguishing herself as the first female president in the university history. An accomplished legal scholar and transformative leader, her distinguished career spans prominent roles across both academia and the judiciary. Prior to her current executive appointment, Dr. Fana served as the President of the Supreme Court of the Tigray State Government, following a series of senior leadership positions at Mekelle University that included Dean of the College of Law and Governance, Director of the Institute of Gender Studies, and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Law. She began her career in public service as a public prosecutor for the Bureau of Justice in Tigray, Ethiopia.

Assuming the presidency during a period of profound national  crisis, Dr. Fana remarkably guided Mekelle University from its war-induced closure through a complex post-conflict re-operationalization period. Under her strategic stewardship, the university not only restored its core academic and administrative functions but also advanced to international prominence in research excellence and community engagement. Under her leadership, Mekelle University has consistently secured prestigious global benchmarks, earning recognition as the number one public university in Ethiopia by U.S. News & World Report for consecutive years in 2025 and 2026. Furthermore, she has boldly led the university to rank second in Sub-Saharan Africa for Citation Impact according to the 2026 QS World University Rankings.

Dr. Fana’s scholarly expertise centers on Human Rights Law, with a specialized research focus on Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Law from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom, a Master of Laws from the University of the Free State in South Africa, and a Bachelor of Laws from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. Recognized for her resourceful and adaptive leadership approach, she actively expands the university's international footprint by fostering partnerships within prestigious global networks. This includes her service on the Steering Committee of the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities and her membership on the International Advisory Committee of the China–BRICS New Era Science and Technology Innovation Incubation Park.

Beyond her academic and administrative obligations, Dr. Fana remains deeply committed to driving tangible community impact. Her extensive advocacy work throughout Tigray and the broader Ethiopian landscape focuses on expanding access to justice and enhancing vital social services. Guided by an enduring dedication to equality and social justice, her transformative leadership continues to shape the future of Mekelle University, marking her as a seminal figure in contemporary African higher education.