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UNAIR NEWS – (UNAIR) has officially conferred professorships upon six faculty members from the Faculties of Law (FH), Vocational Studies (FV), and Psychology (FPsi). The ceremony, led by Rector Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih, M.T., Ak., C.A., took place on Wednesday (April 30, 2025) at the Garuda Mukti Hall in the MERR-C Campus Management Office Building.

The newly appointed professors include Prof. Iman Prihandono, S.H., M.H., LL.M., Ph.D.; Prof. Dr. Rr. Herini Siti Aisyah, S.H., M.H.; Prof. Dr. Sri Winarsi, S.H., M.H.; and Prof. Dr. Aktieva Tri Tjitrawati, S.H., M.Hum. from the Faculty of Law; Prof. Dr. Bambang Suharto, S.S.T., M.M.Par. from the Faculty of Vocational Studies; and Prof. Endang Retno Surjaningrum, S.Psi., M.App.Psych., Ph.D., a psychologist from the Faculty of Psychology.

During the inauguration, Rector Prof. Nasih noted that approximately 17 percent of UNAIR’s lecturers—around 300 individuals—now hold the title of professor. He described this as a significant milestone and a strong foundation for the university’s continued growth and societal contributions. “This remarkable achievement energizes us to further our mission of making a positive impact on society,” he said.

Towards global impact

The addition of these new professors strengthens UNAIR’s efforts to deliver meaningful contributions both domestically and internationally, through both theoretical and practical advancements.

“Our goal is to make a global impact. Notably, two of the new professors specialize in international law, which presents an opportunity to contribute to global policy and peacebuilding—since law is a critical instrument for achieving societal well-being,” he added.

Reaching new heights

Prof. Nasih encouraged the UNAIR academic community to treat this milestone as a moment of gratitude and as motivation to push the university forward. He shared an optimistic projection that UNAIR will rise to Top 200s place in the QS World University Rankings by June 2025. “With the support of our 300 professors and the entire academic community, we are well-positioned to break into the world’s top 200 universities,” he stated.

He emphasized that rankings and reputation matter, as they reflect an institution’s academic quality and bolster the confidence of graduates in the global job market. “To achieve this, the contributions of our professors are key. Their research, once published in prominent journals, will be accessible to scholars and professionals around the world,” he explained.

Ambition and optimism

Prof. (H.C. UNAIR) Dr. H. Sunarto, S.H., M.H., Chair of the UNAIR Board of Trustees, echoed this ambition, stating that the appointment of six new professors aligns with his broader vision for the university. “When Prof. Nasih began his term, UNAIR ranked in the 700s. Today we’re at 308. If we stay committed, there’s no reason we can’t reach the top 200—and God willing, even the top 100,” he said.

Reflecting on the inaugural speeches, Prof. Sunarto underscored the importance of applying knowledge beyond disciplinary boundaries and avoiding academic egotism. “As scholars, if we fail to put our knowledge into practice, it becomes meaningless. Likewise, even with applicable knowledge, without the mental readiness to implement it, it still holds no value,” he concluded.

Author: Febriana Putri Nur Aziizah

Editor : Khefti Al Mawalia