Current Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council
The University of the South Pacific at its 98th Council meeting on Monday 25 November 2024 in Rarotonga, Cook Islands appointed Mr Siosiua Tuitalukua Tupou Utoikamanu to the Office of the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council for a three-year term commencing 27 November 2024 until 26 November 2027.
Mr Siosiua Tuitalukua Tupou Utoikamanu is an accomplished international development professional with over forty (40) years of experience in the areas of public financial management, public administration reform, good governance, project management and independent consultancy. He has worked in the Kingdom of Tonga, Republic of Fiji, Tuvalu, Niue, Samoa, Republic of Nauru, Cook Islands, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. He is no stranger to The University of the South Pacific, having served as Director, Pacific Islands Centre for Public Administration (PICPA) between 2012 and 2015.
Mr Utoikamanu is an alumnus of The University of the South Pacific having enrolled in the Preliminary Programme in 1974. His qualifications include Masters of Social Science (Development Finance) (MSocSc), Birmingham University (1983), UK; Masters of Commerce & Administration (MCA) (1982), Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand; Bachelor of Commerce & Administration, (BCA(Hons)) (1979), Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand and Bachelor of Commerce & Administration (BCA) (1978), Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
His professional memberships and appointments include Member of the American Economic Association; Member of Asia and the Pacific Policy Society, Australian National University; Member of Legal and Technical Commission, International Seabed Authority; Director, Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company and Member, Kingdom of Tonga Privy Council
Mr Utoikamanu has published in the areas of fiscal governance, public sector management and economics.
The Acting Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Emeritus Professor Pat Walsh said the University of the South Pacific is extremely fortunate and honoured that such a renowned international development professional with impeccable credentials is assuming the role of Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council as the University embarks into the next phase of its development.
Previous Pro-Chancellors
Hon. Dr. Hilda Heine (1st January 2022 – October 2023)
Professor Pat Walsh, (October 2023 – 27 November 2024), Acting
Mr Winston Thompson (1 January 2016 – 31 December 2021)
Mrs Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu (13 April 2015 – 31 December 2015), Acting
Mr Ikbal Jannif (1 July 2012-12 April 2015)
Hon Fiame Naomi Mata’afa of Samoa (2006-30 June 2012)
Hon Dr Senipisi Langi Kavaliku of Tonga (2000–2006)
Mr Savenaca Siwatibau of Fiji (1997–1999)
Mr Ieremia Tabai of Kiribati (1991–1997)
Mr Henry Naisali of Tuvalu(1985–1990)
Hon Mosese Qionibaravi of Fiji (1981–1985)
Hon Dr Senipisi Langi Kavaliku of Tonga (1976–1981)
Masiofo Fetauimalemau Mata’afa of Samoa (1971–1976)