We are delighted to welcome our first new, independent Board member to Integral. Ruth Uwaifo Oyelere is a professor of Economics and currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Economics and Business Management at Agnes Scott College in the USA.
Tell us about your background
I grew up in Nigeria and spent a significant part of my childhood in Oyo State. My passion for supporting missions and relief efforts began in my teenage years. I was raised in a missionary church where my parents were actively involved in mission work. Their example of service had a profound impact on me and played a key role in shaping my interest in development economics.
I graduated with First Class Honors in Economics from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, in 1999. Motivated by a desire to understand the challenges facing developing countries, particularly in the area of returns to education, I pursued graduate studies. In 2000, I enrolled in the Pre-Doctoral Programme in Economic Development at Yale University. I then went on to complete a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2006.
After earning my doctorate, I began my academic career as an assistant professor of Economics at Georgia Tech. In 2018, I joined the Department of Economics and Business Management at Agnes Scott College, where I currently serve as chair of the department.
What cultural perspective do you bring to Integral?
Being born in a developing country and personally experiencing some of the very challenges that relief and development agencies aim to address gives me a unique and valuable perspective. As a Board member, I bring a cultural lens shaped by spending a significant part of my childhood in a developing country, as well as by my ongoing academic collaborations and research in these contexts.
While cultures vary widely around the world and even within Nigeria, there are many distinct cultural identities. My approach to reflecting on and analysing problems is deeply informed by my lived experiences, the experiences of communities I am closely connected to, and my scholarly work focused on development issues. I strongly believe that incorporating diverse perspectives leads to a richer, more holistic understanding of challenges and helps generate creative, effective, and sustainable solutions.
What made you decide to join the Integral Board?
When I received the email informing me that I had been recommended for the voluntary role of Independent Board Member of Integral Alliance, I took time to reflect and pray. I soon realised that this opportunity was, in many ways, an answer to prayer. For several years I have been seeking a way to serve God in a role that merges two deeply important aspects of my life: my passion for Christian missions and relief work, and my expertise in development economics. I believe serving on Integral’s Board brings these two areas together in a meaningful way.
What do you hope to contribute as Integral’s first Independent Board Member?
I hope to bring a fresh and value-adding perspective to discussions, grounded in development economics. My goal is to use my expertise to suggest practical, evidence-based solutions and to support Integral Member organisations in maximising their impact and stewarding their resources effectively. I aim to be a thoughtful partner, offering insights that align with both faith and data-driven development work.
What do you hope to get from the role?
I view this position first and foremost as a call to serve, so my primary focus is on what I can contribute. That said, I hope to deepen my understanding of how Christian charities operate and how collaborative networks like Integral can enhance their impact. I also welcome more opportunities to serve in ways that reflect both my faith and professional experience.
What inspires you about Integral?
Integral’s vision and mission resonate deeply with me because they align with my passions, academic background and personal faith. I am burdened by the suffering in our world and often reflect on the root causes of the challenges faced by developing nations, and how we can offer hope-filled, effective solutions. I long to see God’s Kingdom more fully demonstrated in our world. Integral, through its mission and collaborative approach, is playing a role in making that vision a reality, and that inspires me.
Tell us one thing about yourself we may not know!
I love to sing and write songs and poetry.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
Yes. I would be remiss not to acknowledge the challenges, transitions and uncertainties many charities—including Members of this Alliance—are currently facing. One of the names of God is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. My prayer is that God will strengthen your faith to trust Him for provision in these times. While we cannot always control external shocks that affect our work and lives, we can always look to the Creator for help and direction.