THE Solomon Islands National University (SINU) in its continuous efforts to boost the institution successfully engaged its first senior international academics who will take up posts at SINU starting this year.
The Pro-Chancellor of the University, Sir Nathaniel Waena welcomed the new deans to the University on Monday this week.
The new deans are Dr. Joan Nesbitt who will be the Dean of the School of Education and Humanities and Dr. Dustin Becker, Dean of School of Natural Resources and Applied Sciences.
Dr. Nesbitt is from Canada while Dr Becker hails from United States of America.
They have brought with them to SINU, their many years of academic expertise, skills and experience which the University in a statement said is very grateful for.
The Deans met the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University Council, Sir Nathaniel, the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Glynn Galo and senior members of the University staff during a welcome morning tea held in their honour.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the University Council thanked the new deans for taking up the offers to help the University and the country move forward in achieving its long term goals in human resource development.
Sir Nathaniel said their individual and collective contributions to tertiary education in the Solomon Islands will help greatly in preparing young people in meeting future challenges and a workforce that will contribute to achieving the development goals of the national government and the country.
He asked the deans to render their support for the Vice-Chancellor in moving the University forward in meeting its goals and strategic plans.
Sir Nathaniel Waena also asked the deans to help mentor the national lecturers of the University in developing their individual academic skills, experience, capabilities and capacities.
The deans have each signed a three-year employment contract with the University.
SINU also recruited three senior managers last year.
They are Mr Lucas Dosung , the University Librarian; Mr Kevin Maitava, the ICT Manager and Mr Martin Otto, Manager Distance and Flexible Learning Department.
The statement from SINU said the inclusion of these new Deans will contribute to strengthening the academic leadership capacity of the University to help improve academic services.