MONROVIA – A Liberian security expert, Dr. Augustine T. Larmin, graduated with a Ph.D. in Security Studies from the School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs at the University of Central Florida (UCF) on 15 December 2023.
By Mae Azango [email protected]
Larmin is the first Liberian to achieve a Doctor of Philosophy in Security Studies, completing a five-year, in-person (face-to-face) program designed for military officers and security personnel from the United States and friendly countries. The program focuses on counterterrorism, intelligence, international, and national security.
During the graduation ceremony, Dr. Larmin expressed gratitude to the people and government of the United States for enabling him to pursue his dream through a fully funded program. The funding, based on an assistantship, required him to teach and mentor students while working on his doctorate. Throughout his studies, he held various roles, including Research Assistant, Adjunct, and Lecturer of Security Studies at the School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs at UCF.
The graduation ceremony was attended by family members, friends, and security officials from Liberia and the United States. Notable attendees included Liberia’s former Defense Minister, Brownie J. Samukai Jr., who traveled from Liberia to witness the celebration.
During the program, Samukai commended the graduate for his achievement and encouraged him to return home to contribute to Liberia’s security sector. He emphasized the significance of being one of the first Liberians to obtain a Doctorate Degree in Security Studies and urged Dr. Larmin to use his expertise to help develop the country’s security institutions.
In response, Dr. Larmin pledged to return home and address Liberia’s emerging security challenges, emphasizing that it had always been his post-graduation plan to contribute to improving Liberia’s security.
After the program, during a photo shoot, Dr. Larmin showed appreciation to his former Minister Samukai by gifting him his graduation gown and cap, symbolizing a moment of shared joy and achievement.
Speaking to FPA via mobile, Dr. Larmin shared that his Ph.D. dissertation focused on civilian deaths during armed conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of the research was to understand the causes of violence in armed conflicts, with the ultimate goal of saving lives, especially those of vulnerable populations such as refugees, internally displaced persons, migrants, and victims of human trafficking.
In addition to his Ph.D. dissertation, Dr. Larmin has undertaken four other research projects, including one that examined female combatants and gender relations in post-conflict Liberia. This particular project was published by the United Nations-WILDER, with funding from the United Nations.
According to the Ministry of National Defense (MoD) website, Dr. Larmin has an extensive background, having joined the MoD in an entry-level position in 2006 and serving in various roles for 18 years. His previous roles include Assistant Defense Minister for Operations, Assistant Defense Minister for Administration, Director for Human Resources, Director for Logistics, Procurement, and Transportation, Director for Administration, and Deputy Director for Plans and Policy. Dr. Larmin is a trained security personnel with training from various military institutions, including the African Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) at the National Defense University in Washington DC, the Naval Post-Graduate College in Monterey, California, the Department of War Studies at Kings College London, and the National Defense University in Beijing, China. He holds a BA in Political Science from AME University (2004), an MA in International Relations from IBB University of Liberia (2011), and an MPA from Cuttington University (2013).
Dr. Larmin is the son of F. Sam Larmin, a veteran Liberian journalist from Kpordu Town, Foya District, Lofa County. His mother, Tuwah Larmin, hails from Lengbamba Town, Foya District, Lofa County, Liberia. He is married to Pam Larmin, and the couple is blessed with three children. Dr. Larmin can be reached at +1-407-907-9353 or via email at [email protected].