Current Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council
The University of the South Pacific at its 92nd Council meeting on Friday 12th November, 2021 unanimously appointed the Honourable Dr. Hilda Cathy Heine to the Office of the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council for a three-year term commencing 1st January 2022 until 31st December 2024.
The Hon. Dr. Hilda Heine is a renowned Marshallese educator and is no stranger to the University of the South Pacific having served as its 26th Chancellor from 1 July 2019 to 12 January 2020.
Dr. Heine was the first female President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands serving from 2016 to 2020. She attained an Educational Doctorate from the University of Southern California in 2004 and is the first person from the Marshall Islands to attain a Doctorate degree. Her Master’s degree is from the University of Hawaii and her undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon.
She has had an illustrious career and has a particular passion for Climate Action and Women’s Rights. Dr. Heine is the recipient of an array of Awards, Honorary Achievements and has published widely on Education in the Pacific.
Dr. Heine is currently one of five international members to the East-West Centre in Honolulu representing the Pacific Islands. She serves as an advisor, officer and member of multiple task forces, committees and working groups such as the Club DeMadrid International, 1Million Women and Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) International to name just a few.
The University of the South Pacific is extremely fortunate and honoured that such an eminent educationalist and politician with impeccable credentials will assume the role of Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council as the University embarks into the next phase of its development.
Previous Pro-Chancellors
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)