News

On April 8, Dr. Jekuk Chang, President of DSU, was inaugurated as chairperson of the Korean Association of Private University Presidents (KPU). The 22nd person to hold the position, the term of office shall be two years, lasting until April 7, 2022.

With members drawn from 153 four-year universities nationwide, the KPU was established with the aim of promoting the sound and balanced development of private university education through mutual cooperation between private universities.

In consideration of social distancing measures required in light of the recent Covid-19 Virus, the inauguration ceremony was replaced with a video service.

While serving as Chairperson, Dr. Chang intends to take the lead in facilitating communication between member universities, as well as between member universities and various government authorities. He also plans to take the initiative in pursuing the policy proposals necessary to solve the difficulties faced by private universities. He also emphasized that he would continue to strive to ensure the autonomy of private universities and create a legal environment to underpin member institutions’ shift to future-orientated universities.

Elected into his new role in a special general meeting held at the K-Hotel in Seocho-gu, Seoul on January 22, Chairperson Chang said, “While I am busy in my role as President of DSU, and so take upon the additional role as Chairperson of the KPU with some trepidation, I nonetheless very much look forward to fulfilling my new responsibilities to the best of my ability.”

Chairperson Chang is a graduate of George Washington University in the United States. He holds a JD in Law from Syracuse University, also in the United States, as well as a Ph.D. in Political Science from Keio University in Japan. Since 2011, he has served as President of DSU in Busan, and has also served as a policy advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as Chairperson of the Presidents’ Regional Council of Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam, and Jeju Universities. In addition, his current roles include membership in the Higher Education Korea-China-Japan Exchange Expert Committee of the Ministry of Education; Director of the 21st Century Political Society; and membership in the steering committee of the Korea-Japan Forum.