Board of Trustees

Dr. Horatius Jackie Williams is an internationally respected higher education leader, legal scholar, and visionary architect of global education reform whose career spans more than three decades across academia, international law, public policy, business leadership, and institutional development. As Founder, President, and Chancellor of Cavalla International University, Dr. Williams has established one of the most innovative student-centered educational systems in international higher education, recognized for its commitment to academic accessibility, flexibility, affordability, and global engagement.  Widely regarded as a transformative academic executive and institution builder, Dr. Williams has devoted his professional life to expanding access to quality education through progressive learning models that bridge theory, research, practical application, and international collaboration. Under his leadership, Cavalla International University has evolved from an emerging academic institution into a globally recognized university serving students across multiple continents through online, hybrid, and physical campus systems. 

Thomas Mark Carden is a seasoned international tax expert and financial strategist with over 30 years of experience in the tax and financial services industry. He is the Founder and Director of American International Tax Advisers (AI Tax Advisers), a leading firm specializing in expatriate tax planning and compliance throughout Eastern Asia. As an Enrolled Agent, Mr. Carden is federally authorized to represent clients before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and is widely recognized for his depth of knowledge in international taxation and cross-border financial strategies. Mr. Carden began his professional journey in 1995, working alongside his father in the family CPA firm. He later advanced to become an International Expatriate Tax Specialist with the surviving successor of Arthur Andersen LLP, where he honed his expertise in global tax law. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Global Business Management from the University of Phoenix and earned a Juris Scientiae Master (JSM) degree in International Taxation and Financial Services Law from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to tax education and global financial services, he was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) by Cavalla International University.

Raquel Dela Cruz Williams is an accomplished financial executive and higher education leader, currently serving as the Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) at Cavalla International University (CIU). Appointed to this executive role in 2015 by President and Chancellor Dr. Horatius Jackie Williams, she brings over 15 years of distinguished experience in higher education finance, along with nearly a decade in accounting and auditing within the hospitality industry. Mrs. Williams has held several key leadership roles within CIU prior to her appointment as Vice President, including Senior Director of Human Resources and General Auditor. Her deep institutional knowledge, coupled with her commitment to operational excellence, has made her an invaluable asset to the University’s long-term success. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Tomas Del Rosario University, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Accounting and Doctor of Philosophy in  Business Management and Administration, specializing in Strategic Management, from Cavalla International University.

Dr. Beatrice Bischof is a distinguished Management Consultant, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, Project Manager, Speaker, and Author, known for her strategic contributions at the intersection of international policy, interdisciplinary innovation, and technology-driven transformation. With a professional focus spanning digitalization, sustainability, and global knowledge exchange, Dr. Bischof is actively engaged in elevating businesses, governments, and institutions across Europe and the Middle East. Dr. Bischof earned her doctorate (Dr. rer. pol.) in Political Science from the prestigious Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, where she also studied public law and literature, with an additional specialization in economic and social history. She began her career as a member of the management team of her family’s firm, Schreibmayr Co. Munich, before transitioning to media and communications through training as a television journalist at Kirchmediagroup. She later expanded her expertise in space innovation by completing advanced coursework at MIT Professional Education, with a focus on the New Space Economy.

Dr. Morris T. Koffa is an internationally recognized expert in environmental engineering, disaster and emergency management, and civil and construction engineering, with over two decades of professional experience in the United States and West Africa. He currently serves as an Environmental Engineer with the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) in Washington, DC, and is the Founder and Executive Director of Africa Environmental Watch (AEW), a leading environmental education and advocacy organization based in Liberia and the U.S. Dr. Koffa earned his PhD in Public Policy and Public Administration (specializing in Disaster and Emergency Management) from Walden University. He holds dual master’s degrees in Environmental Management and Public Policy and Disaster and Emergency Management from American Public University, along with advanced certifications in Environmental Law and Policy, Fire Science, Erosion Control, Green Infrastructure, and Floodplain Management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Construction Engineering and an Associate of Science in Civil Technology from the University of the District of Columbia, and foundational technical training from Don Bosco Polytechnic College in Liberia.

Ms. Patricia Bundshuh-Dixon has provided mental health services for over 42 years. She is a Licensed Clinical and Macro Social Worker and holds Accredited Clinical Social Worker certification through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Since 2013, Patricia has served as Associate Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She earned her Master of Social Work and a Doctoral Certificate in Research and Evaluation from Wayne State University, and holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Central Michigan University.  Patricia began her career as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Behwan and Pleebo, Maryland County, Liberia, where she provided health education and worked in local clinics. During her Peace Corps service, she married Roosevelt W. Dixon of Monrovia, Liberia. Together they have a son, Luis Nymeh Dixon, a successful artist.

Dr. Boakai K. Robertson is Professor of Microbiology and Executive Director for the Center of Excellence in Forestry, Biodiversity, and Conservation. He served as Executive Director of Graduate Programs in the biological sciences at Alabama State University (ASU) and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of the Research and Innovation at Cavalla International University (CIU), currently serving on the Board of Directors of CIU. He served as the Chief of Party for HECA (Higher Education for Conservation). He also served as Chair of Institutional Biosafety and Director of EnvironMentors and Marine Biology programs. He is major advisor for several graduate and undergraduate students’ research and thesis. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees fromCornell University in Environmental Microbiology and Toxicology, BS in Chemistry and  few years of Medicine at the A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine, University of Liberia.

Dr. Hammed Massaley is a distinguished academic, environmental advocate, and seasoned educator with over 25 years of professional experience in higher education and public policy. With a multidisciplinary background that bridges education, environmental impact assessment, and public administration, Dr. Massaley brings a unique and holistic perspective to his leadership and teaching roles. He holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration, and Master’s degrees in Environmental Impact Assessment, Special Education, and Mathematics. He also earned dual bachelor’s degrees in science education (Chemistry) and Forestry. His academic credentials reflect a deep commitment to cross-sectoral excellence and sustainable development. Dr. Massaley has served in various academic and administrative capacities, including Acting Vice President for Institutional Advancement & Community Outreach , Professor, Assistant Professor, Adjunct Faculty, and Dissertation Adviser for doctoral candidates. His teaching career spans several institutions, including The George Washington University, University of the Potomac, and Cavalla International University (CIU).

Dr. Clifford John Frank is a leading authority in international and UK taxation, with over 40 years of experience advising businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and multinational corporations across the UK, USA, and Europe. His expertise spans cross-border tax strategy, corporate structuring, and dispute resolution, making him a trusted advisor in the global tax arena. A seasoned tax mediator and international arbitration strategist, Dr. Frank advises clients on the merits of arbitration before ICSID and ICC, helping them navigate complex cross-border tax disputes with precision. His expertise extends to capital raising, pre-IPO investment memoranda, and high-stakes litigation, particularly cases involving the Insolvency Act 1986. Dr. Frank is widely recognized for his work in international royalty planning, NCA investigations, and regulatory compliance. He also provides strategic counsel on IT dispute regulation and contract negotiation, ensuring robust legal frameworks for businesses operating in the digital economy. His deep knowledge of international and UK domestic tax frameworks enables him to advise on corporate structuring, control & management tests, and transfer pricing compliance. 

Sam Okpuno, Esq. is a seasoned attorney with a distinguished legal career spanning multiple jurisdictions. Licensed to practice law in both Nigeria and New York State, he is in good standing and widely respected for his integrity and legal acumen. His areas of practice include Immigration Law, Personal Injury, and Regulatory Compliance, with a strong focus on justice, client advocacy, and ethical practice. Mr. Okpuno holds an impressive academic background, including a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Barrister at Law (B.L.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (M.A.), and a Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.). His scholarly depth complements his practical expertise, allowing him to approach complex legal issues with analytical precision and strategic insight. A Certified Money Laundering and Compliance Expert, Attorney Okpuno advises individuals, corporations, and institutions on regulatory frameworks, risk mitigation, and ethical best practices. He is known for delivering impactful legal solutions with professionalism and empathy.