Rocheforte Lafayette Weeks

Rocheforte Lafayette Weeks (15 August 1923 – 1986) was a Liberian academic, lawyer, and diplomat who served as president of the University of Liberia from 1959 to 1972 and as Secretary of State under President William R. Tolbert Jr. from 1972 to 1973. Earlier in his career he participated in the Liberian Codification Commission that worked with legal scholars at Cornell University to revise Liberia's national legal code. He was the first Liberian to serve as president of the University of Liberia.

Early life and education Weeks was born on 15 August 1923 in Crozierville, Liberia, the son of a Methodist minister. He received his early education in Crozierville and at White Plains before entering the preparatory department of Liberia College. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Liberia College in 1944.

In 1972 he resigned as president of the University of Liberia to join the cabinet of President William R. Tolbert Jr., replacing Joseph Rudolph Grimes as Secretary of State. During his tenure as Secretary of State, Weeks represented Liberia at the United Nations, including addressing the United Nations Security Council on 15 November 1972 during discussions on Portuguese colonial rule in Africa. He served in that role until July 1973, when he was succeeded by Cecil Dennis.

After leaving government, Weeks served as managing director of the Technico-Auriole Engineering Company from 1973 to 1976. From 1976 to 1982 he served as Liberia's special maritime representative to the United States.