Current Chancellor
The Chancellor is the titular head of the University. 
The current Chancellor is the Governor General of the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Sir David Okete Vuvuiri Vunagi, GCMG.
The Governor General will serve as the 30th Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific for a one (1) year term from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024. The Chancellor plays an integral role in promoting the university to the broader community and act as an ambassador for the University in the Region and internationally.
H.E. Vunagi was born in Samasodu, on Santa Isabel Island (Isabel Province). He studied at KGVI Secondary School, from 1968 to 1973. He achieved a Diploma of Education in Science at the University in 1976, earned a Bachelor of Theology at St John’s College, Auckland and Master of Theology at the Vancouver School of Theology.
H.E. Vunagi was elected the 5th Archbishop and Primate of the Church of the Province of Melanesia on 4 March 2009 and retired in September 2015. H.E. Vunagi officially took office of Governor-General of Solomon Islands as the vice-regal representative of the Solomon Islands’ monarch in Solomon Islands on 7 July 2019. H.E. Vunagi is married to First Lady Mary Vunagi and has three children.
The Governor General said it was an honour to be appointed Chancellor and looks forward to visiting USP’s regional campuses as Chancellor and stated “I pledge to continue upholding and maintaining the integrity of the role as was done by the previous 29 Chancellors before me. I pledge to give my support and do whatever I can to help with the university’s operations,”.
The Chancellor also recalled fond memories of his time at USP as a student. He said, “As a proud Alumni, I feel very humbled to be installed as the 30th Chancellor of this university. It is very special for me, as I remember being a student here at USP in the good old days almost 50 years ago. A lot has changed since then, but it is good to be back and part of this year’s graduation.”
Previous Chancellors
His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa (1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023)
Hon. Dalton Emani Makamau Tagelagi, Premier of Niue (July 2021 – June 2022)
His Excellency Lionel Rouwen Aingimea, President of the Republic of Nauru (July 2020 – June 2021)
His Excellency David Kabua, President of the Republic of Marshall Islands (13 January 2020 – 30 June 2020)
Her Excellency Dr Hilda C. Heine, President of the Republic of Marshall Islands (July 2019 – 12 January 2020)
President of the Republic of Kiribati (July 2018 – June 2019)
President of Fiji (July 2017 – June 2018)
Prime Minister of Cook Islands (July 2016 – June 2017)
President of Vanuatu (July 2015 – June 2016)
Governor General of Tuvalu (July 2014 – June 2015)
His Majesty, The King of Tonga (July 2013-June 2014)
Ulu o Tokelau (July 2012-June 2013)
Governor-General of the Solomon Islands (2011-June 2012)
Head of State of Samoa (2010-April 2011)
President of the Republic of Nauru (2009-2010)
President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (2008-2009)
President of Kiribati (2007–2008)
Head of State (Queen’s Representative), Cook Islands (2006-2007)
Ulu o Tokelau (2003-2006)
Head of Government, Premier of Niue (2000–2003)
His Excellency Sir Tulaga Manuella, Governor–General of Tuvalu (1997-2000)
His Excellency President Amata Kabua, Republic of Marshall Islands (1995-1996)
Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Henry, Prime Minister of Cook Islands (1992-1995)
His Excellency President Frederick Karlomuana Timakata of Vanuatu (1989-1992)
His Highness Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II of Samoa (1986-1989)
Rt Hon Ieremia Tabai, President of Kiribati (1983-1986)
Rt Hon Sir Baddeley Devesi, Governor–General of Solomon Islands (1980-1983)
Rt Hon Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Prime Minister of Fiji (1977-1979)
His Excellency President Hammer DeRoburt of Nauru (1974-1976)
His Majesty King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV of Tonga (1971-1973)