June 27, 2024
Dr. Alana Leilani T. CABRERA-NARCISO
Silliman University, Philippines
“I have always believed that leadership is a calling, and the academe is a ministry. When one begins to think this way, her actions are guided by what is fundamentally good and beneficial for the students, colleagues, and the community the institution serves.”
Alana is Associate Professor at Silliman University and Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Silliman University. She had held several leadership positions— as chair of Silliman’s Department of English and Literature, and coordinator of the Silliman University National Writers Workshop. She has been an Elder of the Silliman Church since 2018. She served as Associate Editor of the Silliman Journal and presently of the Arts and Sciences’ journal Convergence. Her research and areas of interest include literary pedagogy, criticism, and creative nonfiction. She holds a PhD in English in Literary Studies from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and teaches research and literature courses on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. By joining the United Board Fellows Program, she hopes to develop specific skills integral to effective leadership and broaden her perspectives on advancing higher education. At home, she spends time with her three children, reads books, and tends to her very little garden.
Dr. Oscar KARNALIM
Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Indonesia
“To lead is to serve, to trust, and to facilitate”.
Dr. Oscar Karnalim has been the dean of the Faculty of Smart Technology and Engineering at Maranatha Christian University since June 2024. Previously, he was the head of the Master Programme in Computer Science, the CTO of two startups, and a seasoned expert. He completed his PhD from the University of Newcastle, Australia with research interest on Educational Computing and Artificial Intelligence. At the United Board Fellows Program, he is keen to learn from other leaders about how they can provide education for all, regardless of skill, physical, and perhaps mental limitations
Dr. A. Christina NANCY
Women’s Christian College, Chennai, India
"A good leader in higher education, labours with a vision, lives by values, launches innovative initiatives, learns from experience, looks out for opportunities, leans on wise counsel, lauds hard work and leads by example.”
Dr. A. Christina Nancy has been serving in the Department of Physics, Women’s Christian College, Chennai since 2006. She is passionate about making Physics interesting to her students and insists on acquiring holistic education through innovative teaching-learning strategies. She has displayed her leadership skills in administrative roles such as the Dean of Residents and the Co-ordinator for Extension Activities. She is currently heading the Department of Physics from June 2022. Her interests include bird watching, embroidery, photography and community service. Through this fellowship program, she hopes to widen her horizon as a leader with improved leadership skills and establish long-term collaborations with prospective higher educational institutes.
Dr. Christine Hsiu-Chin CHOU
Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiwan
“Good leadership in higher education is committed to practicing the work ethics grounded on the Christian values of Faith, Hope, and Love, as exemplified by the Good Shepherd in the Gospels, so as to fulfill the goal of holistic development of (new) talents and leaders for the contemporary world and also the planet, our common home."
Dr. Christine H. Chou is associate professor and director at the Graduate Institute of Cross-Cultural Studies, Fu Jen Catholic University. She previously served as the deputy dean of the College of Foreign Languages and Literatures and before joining Fu Jen in 2012, chaired the English Department at Wenzao Ursuline College of Languages, in southern Taiwan. She obtained her PhD in Literature and Theology in University of Glasgow, U.K., in 2008. As a university teacher, researcher, and administrator, Dr. Chou shares the vision and value of holistic development of leadership in higher education to confront the contemporary contexts that prioritize self-interested success over altruistic responsibility, or material prosperity over psychological and spiritual well-being. In this Fellows Program, she expects to exchange ideas and know-hows with other fellows from varied cultures and disciplines with regard to integrating holistic education into leadership development—of a person, a community member, and a global citizen.
Dr. Christine Joy A. BALLAD
De La Salle University, Philippines
“Good leadership in higher education is about accompanying students, faculty, and staff in their personal and professional growth to help develop their sense of agency and accountability.”
Dr. Christine Joy A. Ballada is the Dean of Student Affairs at De La Salle University (DLSU). She is an associate professor at the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology of the Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education. She received her MS in Educational Measurement and Evaluation and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from DLSU. As Dean of Student Affairs, she supervises units that deliver programs and services for student mental health and well-being, career development, leadership formation, discipline formation, culture and arts development, sports development, and community service. By participating in the United Board Fellows Program, Christine hopes to enrich her knowledge of whole-person education and apply this to her leadership role in student affairs and to her teaching and mentoring of students.
Dr. Eng. Petrus SUTYASADI
Sanata Dharma University, Indonesia
“Good higher education leadership is leadership that is able to move people in higher education institutions to achieve their common goals through good communication and collaboration, especially in helping the community or students to discover their potential in fulfilling themselves as whole humans.”
Dr. Eng. Petrus Sutyasadi is an assistant professor in Mechatronics Department. He obtained his master and doctoral degree in Mechatronics from Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. His main research is on robotic systems. He has another research roadmap regarding the application of mechatronics in assistive device for disabled people and in the field of art. He is currently the vice dean for academic affairs at the Vocational Faculty of Sanata Dharma University, Indonesia. Previously he had responsibility as Head of the Centre of Innovation and Collaboration at the same faculty. Before joining Sanata Dharma University, he was Head of Research and Community Service at Mechatronic Polytechnic of Sanata Dharma. He wants to participate in the United Board Fellows Program to develop his leadership competencies and skills so that he can contribute more to strengthen his institutions. He enjoys singing in a choir, and playing guitar in his spare time.
Dr. Gerardus Majella ADHYANGGONO
Soegijapranata Catholic University (SCU), Indonesia
“Good leadership in higher education requires humility, trust, and joy at the same time, and be always ready for the unexpected as keeping faith with the process and progress.”
Dr. Gerardus Majella Adhyanggono is an associate professor of Film and Literature in the English Department at Soegijapranata Catholic University (SCU), Indonesia. Currently, he is the dean of the Faculty of Language and Arts (FLA) of the same institution. He has served his institution for almost 25 years and had a range of experience in academic and student affairs. He earned his MA in English Literature at the University of Leiden, the Netherlands, and PhD in Film Studies at the University of Lancaster, United Kingdom. He has been a member of the Indonesian Film Scholars (KAFEIN), a professional association of researchers and academics who are focused on film and cinema issues since 2019. Through the Fellows Program, he would like to enhance his skills in leadership, team building, and networking globally for mutual cooperations. Heritage-site photography and writing short stories are his hobbies.
Dr. Hang Thi-Thu TRUONG
University of Social Sciences and Humanities,
Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
"A good leadership in higher education may see standby potentials in every member of her faculty and have them released for the best performance of the whole."
Dr. Hang Thi-Thu Truong achieved her doctoral degree in anthropology in 2011 from the University of Washington, Seattle, USA. Currently, she is the Dean of the Faculty of Anthropology. She has been conducting her research in the Mekong Delta and the Central Highlands of Vietnam and Japan on the local communities' responses to issues posed by Climate Change, globalization, and national integration process. She hopes the program provides her with knowledge and capacity enhancement in leadership administration as well as collaborative networks with other fellows for a better performance in higher education management.
Prof. Kathleen B. AVISO
De La Salle University, Philippines
“Good leadership in higher education is providing an environment that inspires everyone – among administrators, faculty, students, staff, and other stakeholders – to aspire to be the best version of themselves.”
Kathleen B. Aviso is a University Fellow and a Professor of the Department of Chemical Engineering at De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines. She is also the current Dean of the Gokongwei College of Engineering (GCOE) of the university. Before becoming dean, she served as the Assistant Dean for Research and Advanced Studies of GCOE for 7 years. She earned her Ph.D. degree in Industrial Engineering from De La Salle University and is an executive editor for the Journal of Cleaner Production (by Elsevier). Her research is on applying process systems engineering for sustainability.
The expectations from higher education institutions have changed because of globalization and digitalization. By participating in the United Board Fellows Program, she expects to gain additional leadership and management skills to navigate through today’s challenges in higher education so that she can inspire, guide, and mentor her colleagues to find meaning and fulfilment in their careers.
Professor Mon-Juan LEE
Chang Jung Christian University, Taiwan
“Good leadership in higher education is characterized by clear direction and prudent judgment that prioritize the university’s interests to explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing contemporary universities.”
Mon-Juan Lee received her MS degree in chemical engineering in 2000 and PhD degree in life science in 2006 from National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan. She became a faculty member of Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, Taiwan in 2008 and is currently the Secretary-General and professor of the Department of Medical Science Industries. Before being appointed Secretary-General in 2022, Mon-Juan served as the chair of the Department of Medical Science Industries from 2018 to 2022. Through the United Board Fellows Program, Mon-Juan is looking forward to developing constructive communication and networking skills as well as leadership strategies that identify the best talents to motivate productive teamwork. She expects to undertake an active role as an initiator to engage more faculties and staff in creative missions and assignments to build up the university's reputation domestically and internationally. Mon-Juan is passionate about traveling and owns a pet rabbit.
Dr. Ngoc NGUYEN THI NHU
University of Social Sciences and Humanities,
Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
“Good leadership in higher education involves visionary thinking, constructive communication, inclusivity, and inspiration for academic and administrative excellence to achieve the institution’s goals.”
Dr. Ngoc Nguyen currently serves as the Vice-dean cum Chair of the Department of Translation and Interpreting at the Faculty of English Linguistics and Literature, USSH- VNUHCM. She has been an English teacher and part-time translator since 1997. Her primary research interests include English Teaching, Translation Studies, Comparative Linguistics, and Intercultural Communication. With over a quarter century of experience at the university, she has demonstrated leadership qualities and the potential to take on more prominent roles. Her expertise in student affairs and English teaching has been crucial in creating a collaborative environment and helped her maintain positive relationships with colleagues and students. She looks forward to the Fellows Program as an opportunity to enhance her leadership skills and make a greater contribution to the institution and the nation. She loves talking to people from other countries. Her hobbies are listening to audiobooks about life management, and running at night.
Dr. Patchara BOONTEERARAK
Payap University, Thailand
“The influence of high technology on teaching and learning and the industrial sector’s demand for non-traditional credentials among graduates call for a disruptive educational change in higher education. Therefore, I believe that we must prioritize not only students' academic achievements but also their character development. Educational institutions should revisit their policies to ensure a balance between enhancing academic achievement and fostering students' character, enabling students to become valuable contributors to society.”
Dr. Patchara Boonteerarak specializes in curriculum and instruction. She is a member of the administrative team for the Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Currently, she serves as the Dean of the International College. Dr. Boonteerarak earned her bachelor's and master’s degrees from Chiang Mai University in Thailand before receiving a scholarship from Payap University to pursue her doctoral degree at Northern Illinois University in the USA. Her research focuses on developing English training curricula to benefit the community. Some of her previous projects include creating English training programs for local tour guides and counter clerks in convenience stores. These projects successfully integrate teaching, learning, and community service, an important educational philosophy in Thailand. Dr. Boonteerarak looks forward to learning from other United Board Fellows Program participants to enhance student education and create a positive work environment for instructors and staff.
Dr. Ran LU
Soochow University, China
“Keep updating knowledge from academia and society, while providing the management work with empathy and passion. “
Dr. Ran Lu is associate professor and department director in school of law, Soochow University and holding a Ph.D in Law degree from University of Manchester. His major research interest lies in the field of understanding the legal changes in modern period via comparative and historical approach. Currently, Ran’s admin tasks include to oversee teaching quality and improve curriculum for undergraduates in law school, and engage with the international office of university to promote the internationalisation in law sector. Prior to join the higher education industry, Ran served as lawyer and interpreter in China and United Kingdom. In the meanwhile, Ran was a regular contributor for Initium Media in Hong Kong. From Ran’s perception, the in-depth multicultural and transnational understanding from leadership program is essentially important for the higher education, which will also inspire the research horizon and admin skills of himself.
Dr. Ranita CHAKRABORTTY
Salesian College (Autonomous), India
“In higher education, good leadership requires an inclusive and visionary approach that not only enhances academic performance, but also encourages ethical conduct, effective communication, and collaborative engagement among the stakeholders by committing to the holistic growth of students, faculty, and the institution.”
Dr. Ranita Chakrabortty has been a faculty in the Department of Education, Salesian College since 2019. She was the Head of this department during the period 2021-2023. Presently, she serves as the Dean of Social Sciences and is involved with the college's Internal Quality Assurance Cell. She obtained her M.Ed. degree from Sikkim University and her doctoral degree in educational psychology from Diamond Harbour Women’s University. During her tenure at the institution, Ranita has been actively engaged in research, community-based educational activities, and has also been part of faculty training programs on Outcome-based Teaching and Learning. As a United Board Fellow, she hopes to gain knowledge of the diverse approaches to leadership from different cultural viewpoints and apply them within her institution. Furthermore, she desires to learn the strategies for effectively integrating Artificial Intelligence in whole person education and implement them across the various departments in her institution.
Dr. Rebecca DEVAPRASAD
Stella Maris College, India
“Effective leadership in higher education entails inspiring vision, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity, empowering faculty and students, and facilitating collaboration to advance learning, research, and societal impact.”
Dr Rebecca Devaprasad is an assistant professor in the Department of Economics and currently holds the position of the Coordinator of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell. She spearheaded several quality initiatives, including bringing in greater industry-academia collaboration to enhance curricular outcomes. Prior to her current tenure she contributed in establishing the Department of Business Economics at Ethiraj College which she headed for 5 years. She introduced the course on Behavioural Economics at Stella Maris College and is currently engaged in research that leverages insights from this field. She was a founding member and Faculty Coordinator of the Stella Maris Sustainable Development Student Hub and has co-authored books on Microeconomics for the University of Madras. She serves as an Elder in her church and is involved in community development programs. Through the Fellows program, Rebecca hopes to be exposed to different leadership approaches and to build partnerships for future exchange programs.
Dr. Robby Yussac TALLAR
Maranatha Christian University, Indonesia
“Leaders must lead by example, work alongside and motivate the team members.”
Robby Yussac Tallar, Ph.D is an associate professor of Civil Engineering Department, Maranatha Christian University, Indonesia. He has been a lecturer for almost 20 years. He finished his undergraduate program at Maranatha Christian University and his master program at University of Indonesia. He earned his Ph.D from National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) Taiwan R.O.C in 2015. He has been Vice Dean of Engineering Faculty at Maranatha Christian University (2016-2018) and Vice Rector III for research, innovations and partnerships (2018-2020). Currently, he is general secretary of Maranatha Christian University. By joining the Fellows Program, he expects to reach strategic and visionary mindset in order to anticipate future challenges by developing strategic plans and setting measurable goals for university education.
Dr. Rudolf M. MANIH
Union Christian College, Shillong, India
“A good leadership in higher education is one that is expected not only to acquire, communicate and advance knowledge, but also to have a high standard of moral integrity that develops the whole person. It is rather a kind of calling to which a person devotes one`s whole life to go and bear fruits -fruits that will last”.
Rudolf serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Union Christian College, Meghalaya India- a residential college affiliated to the North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, India. His area of research is on organic synthesis. He has worked for almost 25 years as a teacher and takes active participation in academics, in extracurricular activities and in organizing a college choir. Currently, he takes the administrative role as a Principal of the College and engage as a chairman of the IQAC. He got the opportunity to interact with various Christian Institutions in India under the aegis of the All India Association of Christian Higher Education (AIACHE) as an executive board member for two consecutive terms. He served as an Elder of the Church under the North East India Christian Council (NEICC), which offers a scope for unity of various ecumenical churches and associations in the multi-ethnic part of North East India. Through the UB Fellows programme, he`ll try to understand and explore the world of academics through interaction, experiential learning, and for enhancing managerial skills for his institution. His vision is for collaborative networking with other institutions and in promoting value-based education to our younger generations which is paramount for a healthy society.
Dr. Sienny THIO
Petra Christian University, Indonesia
"Good leadership in higher education is being a role model in inspiring, empowering, and transforming the academic community to unlock their potential to collectively achieve the institution's goals.”
Dr. Sienny Thio is an assistant professor in the Management Department and has been serving Petra Christian University as the Head of Management Department since 2021. She was the head of Hotel Management Program in the same university for 7 years. She is currently an assessor of an independent Accreditation Institute for Economics, Management, Business, and Accounting Program, which has a role to conduct the accreditation process for EMBA (Economics, Management, Business, and Accounting) Program in Indonesia. She obtained her master’s degree in hospitality management from Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia and doctorate degree in Hotel and Tourism Management from Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Through the United Board Fellows Program, she hopes to develop her qualities and capabilities to be a better leader who navigates challenges and drives positive changes to contribute optimally to the development of the academic community.
Dr. Seunghun LEE
International Christian University, Japan
“An ideal leader in higher education is a good listener to the voices of the university members, and who brings the stakeholders together while pursuing goals for the present and future issues facing the university.”
Dr. Seunghun Lee is a Senior Associate Professor of Linguistics and is currently the Head of the Department of Psychology and Linguistics at International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo, Japan. He previously served as director of the Institute for Educational Research and Service at ICU. After receiving his Ph.D. from Rutgers University in 2009, he worked in the TESOL program at Central Connecticut State University before coming to Tokyo in 2015. His research interests combine the documentation of lesser-studied languages in Africa and Asia with linguistic theory. He looks forward to gaining experience as a United Board Fellow and sharing approaches to leadership, whole-person education, and research initiatives. He regularly participates in orchestral performances as a violist.
Dr. Rupali AHLUWALIA
St. Aloysius College (Autonomous), Jabalpur M.P. India
“Exemplary leadership in higher education entails nurturing an environment where knowledge transcends mere accumulation, empowering individuals for both intellectual exploration and profound inner transformation, thereby fostering a conscious, interconnected global community where each individual can fully realize their potential.”
Dr. Rupali Ahluwalia has completed a post-doctoral fellowship in International Trade from ICSSR (2015) and a Ph.D. in Applied Economics from Rani Durgawati University (2012). She has also obtained certification from the Harvard Derek Bok Centre for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and specializes in Management, Entrepreneurship, and Applied Economics. Currently serving as the Head of the Department of Commerce at St. Aloysius College (Autonomous) she oversees a department with over 2500 students. Additionally, she is the Chairman of the Board of Studies for Commerce and plays a vital role in the institutional IQAC. She spearheads the introduction of diverse, skill-based value-added courses, exemplifying her commitment to holistic education. She is excited to participate in the fellowship program to advance her leadership journey in education, aiming to enhance communication, collaboration, and conflict-resolution skills. Beyond academia, she enjoys culinary exploration and watching videos on inner transformation, finding inspiration and insights.
Dr. Sunmee CHOI
Yonsei University, South Korea
“Good leadership in higher education is creating and continuously advancing an educational ecosystem in which all stakeholders are challenged and supported to develop their full potential and take their full responsibility to contribute directly and indirectly to creating a better future of humankind.”
Dr. Sunmee Choi is a full professor Service Operations Management at School of Business at Yonsei University. She earned M.S. and Ph.D. from Cornell University and B.A from Yonsei University. She served as the Founding Dean of College of Business and Management at VinUniversity in Hanoi, Vietnam, as Associate Vice President of Office of International Affairs at Yonsei University, and as Vice Dean of School of Business at Yonsei University. She is passionate about developing future talents and leaders who can serve the world as a global citizen and therefore is very interested in creating collaborative ecosystem among higher education institutions around the world, particularly for universities in Asia. Furthermore, she advocates the value of close collaboration between academic and non-academic organizations for advancing the human societies in the desirable directions. Most of all, she believes in people and the power of creative collaboration among people.
Dr. Vienti HADSARI
Atma Jaya Yogyakarta University, Indonesia
“Good leadership in higher education involves ability to nurture the intellectual, emotional, social and ethical development of its community.”
Dr. Vienti Hadsari is currently serving as the Head of the Soil Mechanics Laboratory at Atma Jaya Yogyakarta University Indonesia, where she previously held the position of Head of the Undergraduate Civil Engineering Study Program. She earned her PhD in Civil Engineering, specializing in Geotechnical Engineering, from the University of New South Wales, Australia. Through the United Board Fellows Program, Dr. Vienti aims to enhance her decision-making strategies and broaden her understanding of transactional leadership, diversity, and inclusion, all of which will be beneficial for her leadership journey.
Dr. Wilma TEJERO-LIBARIOS
Silliman University, Philippines
"Good leadership in higher education fosters the development of learners in their competence, character, and faith while enabling educators to be proactive and truly nurturing.”
Dr. Wilma Tejero-Libarios is currently the dean of the College of Business Administration of Silliman University, Philippines. She obtained her master’s degree in economics from Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines and PhD degree from Hannam University, South Korea. She served as the Secretary General of the Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA) from 2020 to 2021. Her research interest includes environmental economics, resource valuation, macroeconomics, and health. By taking part in the UB Fellows Program, she hopes to get insights on how various leadership philosophies adapt to shifting circumstances and to changing educational landscape. She also hopes to gain knowledge regarding strategies for promoting whole person education as well as ethical governance, including how to resolve moral crises and support those going through them.
Dr. Xingbo YIN
Nanjing University, China
“Good leadership in higher education recognizes that ‘everyone has their own aspirations and should strive to use their talents to the fullest (人各有志，人尽其才in Chinese)’. As a leader in an educational institution, it is essential to embrace the belief that each individual possesses unique dreams and talents. A good leader not only acknowledges these personal aspirations but also actively facilitates opportunities for individuals to discover and maximize their potential. This approach helps each person evolve into a unique and improved version of themselves, thereby enriching the entire educational community through diversity and personal achievement.”
Dr. Xingbo YIN currently serves as the Head of the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at Nanjing University, where he has also held various administrative positions in the past, such as Director of Student Affairs, Deputy Director of the University Office, and Vice Minister of the Senior HR Department. His academic journey, encompassing a diverse range of disciplines from literature to history and human geography, was entirely completed at Nanjing University, spanning from undergraduate to doctoral studies. He has enriched his academic portfolio through visiting scholar positions at Grinnell College in 2012 and Nanyang Technological University in 2018. Dr. YIN is committed to continuously exploring new ideas, theories, and knowledge, which enhance his resilience and adaptability in response to the dynamic demands of society, professional responsibilities, and overall life quality.
Dr. Toni-An LACHICA
University of St. La Salle, Philippines
“Good leadership in higher education nurtures a climate that encourages and supports holistic development by fusing academic excellence, personal and professional growth, and moral responsibility.”
Toni is a professional nurse and a passionate young leader. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing and graduated with the highest honors. She has been serving as the Dean of the College of Nursing since 2021 and previously worked as an academic coordinator at both undergraduate and graduate levels, focusing on enhancing curriculum implementation in alignment with established policies, standards, and guidelines. Currently, she is the elected President of the Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing, Region VI. Her dedication to incorporating technology and innovative strategies into teaching methods led to the establishment of a state-of-the-art simulation laboratory with three high-fidelity simulators, a dream project for the university. Known for her servant leadership, Toni consistently earns the trust and support of her colleagues by leading through example.
Her acceptance as a UB Fellow has been an unexpected blessing, and she eagerly anticipates learning about leading in an era characterized by fast decision-making, visionary thinking, and the adoption of transformational leadership practices in the diverse realm of education.